אַשְׁפָּה (ash.pah)
ash.pah
quiver
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 6 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The noun ashpah refers simply to a container for holding arrows, known in English as a quiver. It appears six times in the Hebrew Bible, primarily within the prophetic books of Isaiah and Lamentations, as well as in the Psalms. The word denotes the physical vessel used by archers to keep their weapons ready.
While its literal sense is straightforward, the term carries significant metaphorical weight. In Isaiah 54:17, it describes the enemy’s failed attempts against God’s people, implying that their "arrows" will not hit their mark. Conversely, Psalm 127:4 uses the image of a quiver full of arrows to represent children in a family, suggesting strength and provision. The sources also note a figurative application where the quiver represents God’s instruments or agents, highlighting how divine power is stored and deployed.
This imagery relies on the ancient context of warfare and daily life, where a full quiver meant readiness for battle or hunting. By using ashpah, the biblical authors connect physical preparedness with spiritual realities, whether depicting protection for Zion or the blessing of offspring. The word anchors abstract theological concepts in tangible, everyday objects.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word ashpah simply means a quiver, the container an archer uses to hold arrows. In the ancient world, this was not just a piece of equipment but a symbol of readiness and strength. A full quiver meant a warrior was prepared for battle, while an empty one suggested vulnerability or defeat.
In Scripture, this everyday object carries deep spiritual meaning. Psalm 127:5 uses the image of a 'full quiver' to describe children as a blessing and source of honor. Conversely, Lamentations 3:13 speaks of God’s arrows filling the quiver in times of sorrow, reminding us that even in pain, we are held within His purpose. The word connects physical preparedness with divine care.
When you encounter this imagery, remember that your life is never without meaning or direction. Whether you feel strong like a warrior with a full quiver or vulnerable like one facing trials, God’s plans for you are intentional. He holds your story in His hands, using every circumstance to shape your faith and hope.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 6 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- quiver/ his2×
- a quiver2×
- quiver/ its1×
- in/ quiver/ his1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- בְּ/אַשְׁפָּת֖/וֹ1×
- אַשְׁפָּתֽ/וֹ\׃1×
- אַשְׁפָּת֗/וֹ1×
- אַשְׁפָּת֖/וֹ1×
- אַשְׁפָּ֔ה1×
- אַשְׁפָּ֑ה1×
Key Verses
-
Psalms 127:5
Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them. They won’t be disappointed when they speak with their enemies in the gate.
This verse uniquely uses the quiver as a metaphor for children, portraying them as a source of strength and honor in the community.
-
Lamentations 3:13
He has caused the shafts of his quiver to enter into my kidneys.
Here the imagery shifts to sorrow, describing God’s arrows filling the quiver to express deep personal grief and divine discipline.
-
Isaiah 49:2
He has made my mouth like a sharp sword. He has hidden me in the shadow of his hand. He has made me a polished shaft. He has kept me close in his quiver.
The prophet describes being hidden in God’s hand within a quiver, illustrating how God prepares His servants for their specific mission before they act.