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חֲנִית (cha.nit)

cha.nit

spear

H2595 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 34 verses

H:N-F

Quick Reference

Language
Biblical Hebrew
Testament
Old Testament
Occurrences
34 verses
Root
—
Part of speech
H:N-F

Word Overview

The Hebrew noun chanit refers to a spear, a primary weapon for thrusting in ancient warfare. It appears thirty-four times in the Old Testament, with significant presence in the Samuel narratives and Chronicles. The lexicons distinguish between the shaft of the spear and its head, noting that the plural form can specifically denote spearheads while the standard plural refers to the weapons themselves.

Etymologically, the word is linked to a root meaning to pitch or set up a tent, suggesting the spear’s flexibility or its use as a stake. This imagery connects military might with everyday survival tools. In Scripture, the chanit often symbolizes lethal power, most notably when Saul attempts to pin David to the wall (1 Samuel 18:11) or when Abishai strikes down three hundred men with one (2 Samuel 23:18).

Translators render this word as "spear," "javelin," or occasionally "lance." Its frequent appearance in battle accounts underscores the reality of physical conflict in Israel’s history. The weapon serves as a concrete marker of danger and authority, reflecting both the violence of the era and the tangible nature of divine judgment described in these texts.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The word chanit simply means a spear, a primary weapon for thrusting in ancient warfare. It appears thirty-four times in the Old Testament, often marking moments of intense danger or divine intervention. In the life of David, this weapon becomes a symbol of both lethal threat and God’s protection. When Saul threw his spear to pin David to the wall, it was an act of jealousy and fear. Yet David survived, not by his own strength, but because God preserved him.

These stories remind us that we face our own forms of hostility. Sometimes the threats come from those close to us, like Saul’s anger toward David. Other times, they seem overwhelming, like Goliath’s massive spear. The Bible shows us that human weapons are limited. As David declared before facing Goliath, God does not save with sword and spear. The battle belongs to the Lord.

Even in our hardest seasons, we can trust that God sees the threats against us. He protects those who remain faithful, just as He protected David. You do not need to fight every battle alone. God’s care is real and present, even when danger feels close.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 34 verses where it appears, by frequency.

  • the/ spear10×
  • spear/ his8×
  • a spear6×
  • and/ spear/ his3×
  • with/ own spear/ his2×
  • with the/ spear2×
  • and/ spears/ their2×
  • the/ spears1×
  • spear/ your1×
  • and/ with/ spear1×
  • and/ the/ spear1×
  • and/ by/ spear1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

  • חֲנִית֔/וֹ5×
  • חֲנִ֣ית3×
  • הַ/חֲנִית֙3×
  • הַ/חֲנִ֜ית3×
  • בַּ/חֲנִיתֽ/וֹ\׃2×
  • חֲנִיתֶֽ/ךָ\׃1×
  • חֲנִית֛/וֹ1×
  • חֲנִית֙1×
  • חֲנִית֗/וֹ1×
  • חֲנִית֑/וֹ1×
  • חֲנִֽית\׃1×
  • חֲנִ֥ית1×

Key Verses

  • I Samuel 17:47
    and that all this assembly may know that Yahweh doesn’t save with sword and spear; for the battle is Yahweh’s, and he will give you into our hand.”

    David declares that the outcome of battle belongs to Yahweh, not to human weapons like the spear.

  • I Samuel 18:11
    and Saul threw the spear, for he said, “I will pin David to the wall!” David escaped from his presence twice.

    Saul throws the spear to pin David to the wall, showing how jealousy can turn a weapon into an instrument of murder.

  • I Samuel 26:8
    Then Abishai said to David, “God has delivered up your enemy into your hand today. Now therefore please let me strike him with the spear to the earth at one stroke, and I will not strike him the second time.”

    Abishai offers to strike Saul with the spear, but David refuses to harm Yahweh’s anointed, respecting God’s authority over kings.

  • II Samuel 23:18
    Abishai, the brother of Joab, the son of Zeruiah, was chief of the three. He lifted up his spear against three hundred and killed them, and had a name among the three.

    Abishai kills three hundred men with one spear, highlighting the lethal power of this weapon in battle accounts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Hebrew word chanit mean?

Chanit refers to a spear, a long weapon used for thrusting in ancient warfare. It appears thirty-four times in the Old Testament and is often associated with battle accounts and royal authority.

How is chanit different from other weapons mentioned in the Bible?

While swords (chereb) were used for cutting, spears were designed for thrusting. The Bible often mentions them together to cover all types of combat. Chanit specifically emphasizes the reach and power of a warrior on foot or horseback.

Why is the spear significant in the story of David?

The spear appears frequently in David’s life, first as a threat from King Saul who tried to kill him. Later, David refuses to harm Saul even when he has the chance, showing his respect for God’s chosen king. The weapon highlights both danger and divine protection.

Every Occurrence (34 verses across 10 books)

I Samuel 17 verses
I Samuel 13:19

Now there was no blacksmith found throughout all the land of Israel, for the Philistines said, “Lest the Hebrews make…

I Samuel 13:22

So it came to pass in the day of battle that neither sword nor spear was found in the hand of any of the people who…

I Samuel 17:7

The staff of his spear was like a weaver’s beam; and his spear’s head weighed six hundred shekels of iron. His shield…

I Samuel 17:45

Then David said to the Philistine, “You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin; but I come to you in…

I Samuel 17:47

and that all this assembly may know that Yahweh doesn’t save with sword and spear; for the battle is Yahweh’s, and he…

I Samuel 18:10

On the next day, an evil spirit from God came mightily on Saul, and he prophesied in the middle of the house. David…

I Samuel 18:11

and Saul threw the spear, for he said, “I will pin David to the wall!” David escaped from his presence twice.

I Samuel 19:9

An evil spirit from Yahweh was on Saul as he sat in his house with his spear in his hand; and David was playing music…

I Samuel 19:10

Saul sought to pin David to the wall with the spear, but he slipped away out of Saul’s presence; and he stuck the spear…

I Samuel 20:33

Saul cast his spear at him to strike him. By this Jonathan knew that his father was determined to put David to death.

I Samuel 22:6

Saul heard that David was discovered, with the men who were with him. Now Saul was sitting in Gibeah, under the…

I Samuel 26:7

So David and Abishai came to the people by night; and, behold, Saul lay sleeping within the place of the wagons, with…

I Samuel 26:8

Then Abishai said to David, “God has delivered up your enemy into your hand today. Now therefore please let me strike…

I Samuel 26:11

Yahweh forbid that I should stretch out my hand against Yahweh’s anointed; but now please take the spear that is at his…

I Samuel 26:12

So David took the spear and the jar of water from Saul’s head, and they went away. No man saw it, or knew it, nor did…

I Samuel 26:16

This thing isn’t good that you have done. As Yahweh lives, you are worthy to die, because you have not kept watch over…

I Samuel 26:22

David answered, “Behold the spear, O king! Let one of the young men come over and get it.

II Samuel 6 verses
II Kings 1 verse
I Chronicles 4 verses
II Chronicles 1 verse
Job 1 verse
Psalms 1 verse
Isaiah 1 verse
Micah 1 verse
Habakkuk 1 verse