The term "hilt" refers to the handle of a sword or dagger, an essential component that provides the wielder with a firm grip and control over the weapon. In biblical times, swords were common instruments of warfare and personal defense, and the hilt was a critical part of their design. The Bible, while not extensively detailing the construction of swords, does provide some references that imply the presence and significance of the hilt.

One of the most notable mentions of a sword in the Bible is found in the account of Ehud, a judge of Israel, who crafted a double-edged sword to deliver Israel from Moabite oppression. Judges 3:16 states, "Now Ehud had made for himself a double-edged sword a cubit long, which he strapped to his right thigh under his cloak." Although the verse does not explicitly mention the hilt, the description of the sword implies its presence as part of the weapon's construction.

The hilt serves not only as a practical component but also as a symbol of authority and power. In biblical narratives, swords often represent divine judgment or deliverance. For instance, in the New Testament, the sword is metaphorically associated with the Word of God. Hebrews 4:12 declares, "For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any double-edged sword, piercing even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart." Here, the imagery of a sword underscores the penetrating and discerning power of God's Word.

In the context of spiritual warfare, the Apostle Paul instructs believers to take up the "sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God" (Ephesians 6:17). The hilt, though not mentioned, is implied as part of the complete armor of God, enabling the believer to wield the Word effectively in the battle against spiritual forces.

The hilt, therefore, while a seemingly minor detail, plays a crucial role in the function and symbolism of the sword throughout biblical literature. It represents the readiness and capability to engage in both physical and spiritual battles, underscoring the importance of being equipped with the right tools and the Word of God.(n.) A handle; especially, the handle of a sword, dagger, or the like.5325. nitstsab -- haft, hilt (of a sword)
... 5324, 5325. nitstsab. 5326 . haft, hilt (of a sword). Transliteration: nitstsab
Phonetic Spelling: (nits-twawb') Short Definition: handle. ...
/hebrew/5325.htm - 6k

The Adventures of Saint David of Wales.
... the castle-walls. In this rock, by magic art, was enclosed a sword, the
hilt being the only part which could be seen. It was of ...
/.../kingston/the seven champions of christendom/chapter ten the adventures of.htm

But Seeing that Paradise is the Home of Living Spirits...
... The hilt of a sword is smooth and handy, and polished and glittering outside; it
seems to grow to the outline of the hand [1435] ; but the other part is steel ...
/.../gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/chapter xiii but seeing that.htm

Ephesians iv. 25-27
... There bury the sword up to the hilt; yea, if thou wilt, hilt and all, and
never draw it out again, but add yet another and another. ...
/.../homily xiv ephesians iv 25-27.htm

There is a Definite Moment at which the Seed is Ripe...
... and such is their strange power of penetration, as they are driven in, spite of
all their weakness, that they bury themselves up to the very hilt, leaving only ...
/.../trotter/parables of the christ-life/section 6 there is a.htm

Rarity the Only Cause which Makes Such Things Valuable.
... Emeralds [121] lurk in their belts; and the sword (that hangs) below their bosom
alone is witness to the cylindrical stones that decorate its hilt; and the ...
/.../tertullian/on the apparel of women/chapter vii rarity the only cause.htm

Irresistible Logic.
... of the enemy, up and down, parry and thrust, and just about holding his own, when
suddenly, without a moment's warning, the blade snaps close up to the hilt. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gordon/quiet talks on service/irresistible logic.htm

Letter xiv. To Heliodorus, Monk.
... Nay, a body used to a tunic cannot endure a buckler; a head that has worn a cap
refuses a helmet; a hand made tender by disuse is galled by a sword-hilt. ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter xiv to heliodorus monk.htm

The Release of Saint George.
... till they reached the Magician's castle. There, in the rock, they beheld
the hilt of the magic sword. De Fistycuff was about to ...
/.../kingston/the seven champions of christendom/chapter eleven the release of.htm

Footnotes
... They could not prove, of course, up to the hilt, that the Waldensian succession
was unbroken; but, as far as they understood such questions, they believed the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/hutton/history of the moravian church/footnotes.htm

Apostolic Exhortation
... having first told his hearers of Christ, of his life and death and resurrection,
he then proceeds to plunge the sword, as it were, up to the very hilt in their ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 14 1868/apostolic exhortation.htm

Hilt (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) A handle; especially, the handle of a sword, dagger,
or the like. Multi-Version Concordance Hilt (1 Occurrence). ...
/h/hilt.htm - 6k

Jewel (12 Occurrences)
... 5. (vt) To dress, adorn, deck, or supply with jewels, as a dress, a sword hilt,
or a watch; to bespangle, as with jewels. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. ...
/j/jewel.htm - 12k

Guard (185 Occurrences)
... 10. (vt) That part of a sword hilt which protects the hand. 11. (vt)
Ornamental lace or hem protecting the edge of a garment. 12. ...
/g/guard.htm - 55k

Mount (311 Occurrences)
... a map or picture on cloth or paper; to prepare for being worn or otherwise used,
as a diamond by setting, or a sword blade by adding the hilt, scabbard, etc. ...
/m/mount.htm - 68k

Pommel (1 Occurrence)
... 1. (v.) To pummel; or (n.) a knob or ball; as on a pommel horse. 2. (n.) The knob
on the hilt of a sword. 3. (n.) The knob or protuberant part of a saddlebow. ...
/p/pommel.htm - 7k

Haft (1 Occurrence)
... n.) A handle; that part of an instrument or vessel taken into the hand, and by which
it is held and used; -- said chiefly of a knife, sword, or dagger; the hilt...
/h/haft.htm - 7k

Heel (8 Occurrences)
... 10. (n.) The uppermost part of the blade of a sword, next to the hilt. 11. (n.)
The part of any tool next the tang or handle; as, the heel of a scythe. 12. ...
/h/heel.htm - 12k

Him (69025 Occurrences)

/h/him.htm - 6k

Hilly (1 Occurrence)

/h/hilly.htm - 7k

Did Jesus have a tattoo (Revelation 19:16)? | GotQuestions.org

Hilt: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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