מָגֵן (ma.gen)
ma.gen
shield
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 40 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun magen refers to a shield, specifically a smaller buckler used for close combat rather than a large wall-like defense. Its root verb means to protect or cover, which explains why the word naturally extends beyond military gear to describe divine protection. In Scripture, God is frequently called a shield, as seen in Genesis 15:1 where He promises Abram, "I am your shield," and throughout the Psalms, such as Psalm 3:3 and Psalm 28:7, where the psalmist declares God as their defender.
This metaphor carries significant weight because a buckler was essential for personal survival in battle. The imagery appears in historical accounts of royal arsenals, like the gold shields made by King Rehoboam (1 Kings 10:17), and in poetic descriptions of national leaders as "shields of the land" (Psalm 47:9). Even Job uses the term to describe the armored scales of a crocodile (Job 41:15), showing its association with impenetrable strength. The word consistently points to safety, covering, and reliable defense against immediate danger.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word magen describes a small, handheld buckler used for close combat. It was not a large wall of defense but a personal piece of armor essential for survival in battle. This imagery helps us understand how God protects individuals in their most immediate and vulnerable moments. When Scripture calls God a shield, it points to His active, personal care rather than a distant or abstract presence.
In the Psalms, this word appears frequently as the psalmist expresses trust during times of fear. For example, Psalm 28:7 declares, "Yahweh is my strength and my shield." This connection between strength and protection reminds us that God provides both the power to endure and the safety from harm. You can find comfort in knowing that this same protective care is available to you today.
Even when physical shields are lost or broken, as seen with Saul’s armor, the promise of divine protection remains constant. The biblical authors used this concrete image to teach that God covers those who seek Him. This metaphor invites us to rest in His reliability, knowing that He stands between us and danger.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 40 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- a shield6×
- shield4×
- [the] shield of4×
- shields3×
- and/ shield/ their3×
- the/ shield2×
- shields of2×
- shield/ my2×
- and/ shield/ my2×
- [the] shields of2×
- [is] a shield2×
- the/ shields1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מָגֵ֣ן7×
- מָגֵֽן\׃\ \פ3×
- מָגֵ֔ן3×
- וּ/מָגִנָּ֣/ם3×
- מָגֵ֤ן2×
- מָגִנֵּ֣י2×
- מָגִנֵּ֖י2×
- מָֽגִנִּים֙2×
- הַ/מָּגֵ֣ן2×
- מָגֵן֙1×
- מָגֵֽן\׃1×
- מָגֵ֥ן1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 15:1
After these things Yahweh’s word came to Abram in a vision, saying, “Don’t be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your exceedingly great reward.”
God introduces Himself as Abram's shield immediately after telling him not to be afraid, linking divine protection directly to the removal of fear.
-
Psalms 28:7
Yahweh is my strength and my shield. My heart has trusted in him, and I am helped. Therefore my heart greatly rejoices. With my song I will thank him.
The psalmist connects trusting in God as a shield with personal strength and rejoicing, showing how protection leads to inner joy.
-
II Samuel 22:31
As for God, his way is perfect. Yahweh’s word is tested. He is a shield to all those who take refuge in him.
This verse describes God as a shield specifically for those who take refuge in Him, highlighting the condition of seeking safety in His presence.
-
Psalms 115:9
Israel, trust in Yahweh! He is their help and their shield.
The call to trust Yahweh is grounded in His role as both help and shield, offering a dual assurance of assistance and defense for Israel.