סֹחֵרָה (so.che.rah)
so.che.rah
buckler
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun socherah refers specifically to a buckler or small shield. Unlike larger defensive barriers designed for formation fighting, this type of shield was portable and agile, likely held in one hand to allow the warrior to wield a weapon with the other. Its primary function was personal protection in close combat.
This word appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in Psalm 91:4. The verse uses it metaphorically to describe God’s protective presence, stating that His faithfulness serves as a shield and buckler for the believer. This single occurrence highlights the intimate, immediate nature of divine defense, suggesting a readiness to protect against sudden threats rather than just sustained siege.
Translators typically render socherah as "shield" or "buckler," capturing the idea of a reliable, personal safeguard. The imagery emphasizes that God’s faithfulness is not an abstract concept but a tangible barrier against danger, offering security to those who trust in Him.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word socherah describes a small, handheld shield used in ancient warfare. Unlike large wall shields that protected groups, this buckler was agile and personal. It allowed a soldier to defend himself while keeping his other hand free for action. This imagery appears in Psalm 91:4, where God’s faithfulness is compared to such a shield.
For your daily life, this means protection is close and immediate. You do not need to wait for help from a distance. When sudden fears arise, you can trust that God’s care is right there with you. It is a tangible barrier against anxiety, offering security in moments of uncertainty. His presence is as real and reliable as armor in battle.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ a wall1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וְֽ/סֹחֵרָ֣ה1×
Key Verses
-
Psalms 91:4
He will cover you with his feathers. Under his wings you will take refuge. His faithfulness is your shield and rampart.
This verse uniquely applies the term to God's faithfulness, emphasizing immediate personal protection rather than general safety.