Jump to: Smith's • ISBE • Webster's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Greek • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia The spear is a prominent weapon mentioned throughout the Bible, serving as a symbol of warfare, authority, and divine intervention. It is a long, pointed weapon used for thrusting or throwing, often associated with soldiers and warriors in biblical narratives.Old Testament References In the Old Testament, the spear is frequently mentioned in the context of battle and military equipment. One of the earliest references is found in the account of Joshua, where the spear is used as a signal for attack. Joshua 8:18 states, "Then the LORD said to Joshua, 'Hold out your spear toward Ai, for I will deliver the city into your hand.' So Joshua held out his spear toward Ai." The spear is also associated with notable figures such as King Saul and his son Jonathan. Saul's spear is a recurring element in the narrative of his pursuit of David. In 1 Samuel 18:10-11, it is recorded, "The next day a spirit of distress sent from God came upon Saul, and he prophesied inside the house while David was playing the harp as usual. Saul held a spear in his hand, and he hurled it, thinking, 'I will pin David to the wall.' But David eluded him twice." Jonathan, Saul's son, is depicted as a valiant warrior who also wielded a spear. In 1 Samuel 13:22, it is noted, "So on the day of battle, not a sword or spear was found in the hands of the troops with Saul and Jonathan; only Saul and his son Jonathan had weapons." The spear is further highlighted in the account of Goliath, the Philistine giant, who challenged the Israelites. Goliath's spear is described in 1 Samuel 17:7: "The shaft of his spear was like a weaver’s rod, and its iron point weighed six hundred shekels. In addition, his shield bearer went before him." New Testament References In the New Testament, the spear is notably mentioned in the context of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. John 19:34 records, "Instead, one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and immediately blood and water flowed out." This act fulfilled the prophecy that not one of His bones would be broken and is significant in Christian theology as a testament to Jesus' sacrificial death. Symbolism and Significance The spear, as a weapon of war, often symbolizes power and authority. It is used by leaders and warriors to demonstrate strength and command. In biblical narratives, the spear can also represent divine intervention, as seen in the account of Joshua, where God uses the spear as a tool to deliver victory to the Israelites. In a broader spiritual context, the spear can be seen as a metaphor for the piercing of sin and the ultimate victory of good over evil. The spear that pierced Jesus' side is a poignant reminder of His suffering and the fulfillment of His mission to bring salvation to humanity. Throughout the Bible, the spear serves as a powerful symbol of both human conflict and divine purpose, illustrating the complex interplay between earthly struggles and heavenly plans. Smith's Bible Dictionary SpearWebster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) A long, pointed weapon, used in war and hunting, by thrusting or throwing; a weapon with a long shaft and a sharp head or blade; a lance.2. (n.) Fig.: A spearman. 3. (n.) A sharp-pointed instrument with barbs, used for stabbing fish and other animals. 4. (n.) A shoot, as of grass; a spire. 5. (n.) The feather of a horse. See Feather, n., 4. 6. (n.) The rod to which the bucket, or plunger, of a pump is attached; a pump rod. 7. (v. t.) To pierce with a spear; to kill with a spear; as, to spear a fish. 8. (v. i.) To shoot into a long stem, as some plants. See Spire. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia SPEAR; SPEARMENsper, sper'-men. Greek 3057. logche -- a lance or spear ... a lance or spear. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: logche Phonetic Spelling: (long'-khay) Short Definition: a lance, spear Definition: a lance ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3057.htm - 6k 1187. dexiolabos -- probably a spearman or slinger 164. aichmalotos -- captive 956. belos -- a needle Strong's Hebrew 2595. chanith -- a spear... 2594, 2595. chanith. 2596 . a spear. Transliteration: chanith Phonetic Spelling: (khan-eeth') Short Definition: spear. Word Origin ... /hebrew/2595.htm - 6k 7013. qayin -- a spear 7420. romach -- a spear, lance 7905. sukkah -- a barb, spear 6767b. tsiltsal -- a spear 3591. kidon -- a dart, javelin 3852. lehabah -- flame, blade 5722. Adino -- "voluptuous," one of David's heroes 6767. tslatsal -- whirring, buzzing 7973. shelach -- a missile, weapon, sprout Library Faithful unto Death. The Adventures of Saint David of Wales. A Soldier who Spared his Enemy Love and Remorse David the Outcast. The Power of a Pebble. Saul's Mean Jealousy The Adventures of Saint James of Spain. The Further Adventures of Saint George. David's victory Over the Giant Thesaurus Spear (55 Occurrences)... 7. (vt) To pierce with a spear; to kill with a spear; as, to spear a fish. 8. (vi) To shoot into a long stem, as some plants. ...SPEAR; SPEARMEN. sper, sper'-men. ... /s/spear.htm - 26k Spear's (1 Occurrence) Weaver's (5 Occurrences) Shaft (13 Occurrences) Javelin (16 Occurrences) Weavers (4 Occurrences) Tall (41 Occurrences) Egyptian's (3 Occurrences) Club (7 Occurrences) Snatched (15 Occurrences) Resources What is the Spear of Destiny? | GotQuestions.orgWas Longinus the name of the Roman soldier who pierced Jesus with the spear? | GotQuestions.org Was Goliath one of the Nephilim? | GotQuestions.org Spear: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Spear (55 Occurrences)John 19:34 Numbers 25:7 Numbers 25:8 Numbers 35:20 Joshua 8:18 Joshua 8:26 Judges 5:8 1 Samuel 13:19 1 Samuel 13:22 1 Samuel 17:7 1 Samuel 17:45 1 Samuel 17:47 1 Samuel 18:10 1 Samuel 18:11 1 Samuel 19:9 1 Samuel 19:10 1 Samuel 20:33 1 Samuel 21:8 1 Samuel 22:6 1 Samuel 26:7 1 Samuel 26:8 1 Samuel 26:11 1 Samuel 26:12 1 Samuel 26:16 1 Samuel 26:22 2 Samuel 1:6 2 Samuel 2:23 2 Samuel 21:16 2 Samuel 21:19 2 Samuel 23:7 2 Samuel 23:8 2 Samuel 23:18 2 Samuel 23:21 2 Kings 11:10 1 Chronicles 11:11 1 Chronicles 11:20 1 Chronicles 11:23 1 Chronicles 12:8 1 Chronicles 12:24 1 Chronicles 12:34 1 Chronicles 20:5 2 Chronicles 14:8 Nehemiah 4:17 Job 20:24 Job 39:23 Job 41:26 Job 41:29 Psalms 35:3 Psalms 46:9 Psalms 57:4 Isaiah 13:15 Jeremiah 6:23 Jeremiah 50:42 Nahum 3:3 Habakkuk 3:11 Subtopics Spear: Called the Glittering Spear Spear: Changed Into Pruning-Hooks Spear: Different Kinds of Darts Spear: Different Kinds of Javelins Spear: Different Kinds of Lances Spear: First Mention of, in Scripture Spear: Frequently Thrown from the Hand Spear: Frequently Used by Horse Soldiers Spear: Illustrative of the Bitterness of the Wicked Spear: Made Into Pruning-Hooks in Peace Spear: Often Retained in the Hand of the Person Using Spear: Parts of Mentioned: The Head of Iron or Brass Spear: Parts of Mentioned: The Staff of Wood Spear: Plunged Into Jesus' Side Spear: Probably Pointed at Both Ends Spear: Provided by the Kings of Israel in Great Abundance Spear: Pruning-Hooks Beat Into Spear: Pruning-Hooks Made Into, Before War Spear: Stored in the Tabernacle Spear: Stuck in the Ground Beside the Bolster During Sleep Spear: The Israelites: Acquainted With the Making of Spear: The Israelites: Frequently Used Spear: The Israelites: Ill Provided With, in the Times of Deborah and Saul Spear: Those Who Used, Called Spearmen Related Terms |