Lexical Summary qoba: Helmet Original Word: קוֹבַע Strong's Exhaustive Concordance helmet A form collateral to kowba'; a helmet -- helmet. see HEBREW kowba' NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof uncertain derivation Definition a helmet NASB Translation helmet (2). Brown-Driver-Briggs קוֺבַע noun [masculine] helmet (word of peculiar form, and dubious √; probably foreign word; compare Ethiopic  turban, tiara, cowl, so Syriac  ; ᵑ7 קוֺבְעָא turban); — absolute ׳ק Ezekiel 23:24; construct ק֫וֺבַע נְחשֶׁת 1 Samuel 17:38. — compare also כּוֺבַע. Topical Lexicon Definition and Scope of the Term The word קוֹבַע designates the military helmet, an essential element of ancient Near-Eastern armor designed to safeguard the head—the seat of thought, decision, and identity. In Scripture it appears only twice, yet its placement in pivotal contexts allows the term to convey richly layered historical and theological meaning. Biblical Occurrences “Then Saul clothed David in his own tunic, put a bronze helmet on his head, and dressed him in armor.” “They will come against you with weapons, chariots, and wagons, and with a company of peoples; they will set themselves against you on every side with buckler and shield and helmet.” Historical and Archaeological Background Bronze and iron helmets appear in Egyptian reliefs, Assyrian wall carvings, and excavations at locations such as Megiddo and Lachish. Typical construction involved a single cast or multiple plates riveted together, often lined with leather for comfort. Helmets signaled status; kings and elite warriors bore the cost of metal headgear, while common soldiers relied on leather or nothing at all. In Israel, widespread use grew during the monarchy as metallurgical skills advanced and trade with Phoenicia and the Aramean states increased. Theological and Symbolic Significance 1. Reliance on God versus Human Armament David’s brief acceptance—and immediate rejection—of Saul’s helmet in 1 Samuel 17 dramatizes the contrast between human protection and divine deliverance. The shepherd-king refuses a king’s armor so that “all this assembly will know that it is not by sword or by spear that the LORD saves” (1 Samuel 17:47). The episode foreshadows the messianic principle that victory flows from faith, not armament. 2. Instruments of Judgment In Ezekiel 23:24 helmets signify invading imperial power appointed by God as the rod of discipline against covenant infidelity. The prophetic picture underscores that military strength—represented by conspicuous gear such as helmets—serves the Lord’s sovereign purposes, whether for deliverance or chastisement. 3. Anticipation of Spiritual Armor The helmet motif blossoms in later revelation: “He put on righteousness like a breastplate, and a helmet of salvation on His head” (Isaiah 59:17), fulfilled ultimately in Christ and applied to believers: “Take the helmet of salvation” (Ephesians 6:17) and “Put on the hope of salvation as a helmet” (1 Thessalonians 5:8). The physical קוֹבַע therefore prefigures the gracious, non-material protection God grants through the gospel. Practical Ministry Applications • Faith over Form. David’s refusal to trust the helmet encourages believers to weigh whether their confidence rests on visible resources or on the Lord Himself. Related Biblical Passages for Further Study Isaiah 59:17; Ephesians 6:10-18; 1 Thessalonians 5:8-9; Psalm 140:7; 2 Chronicles 26:14. Forms and Transliterations וְקוֹבַ֔ע וקובע ק֥וֹבַע קובע Koa qō·w·ḇa‘ qōwḇa‘ vekoVa wə·qō·w·ḇa‘ wəqōwḇa‘Links Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Samuel 17:38 HEB: מַדָּ֔יו וְנָתַ֛ן ק֥וֹבַע נְחֹ֖שֶׁת עַל־ NAS: a bronze helmet on his head, KJV: and he put an helmet of brass INT: his garments and put helmet A bronze on Ezekiel 23:24 2 Occurrences |
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