קִישׁוֹן (qi.shon)
qi.shon
Kishon
N:N--LQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--L
Word Overview
The proper noun qishshon refers to a specific waterway in central Palestine, often translated as "the Kishon." Its name carries the sense of winding or twisting, which aptly describes the wadi that flows northwest through the plain of Megiddo, also known as the Jezreel Valley. This geographical feature is not merely a backdrop but a central character in two pivotal Old Testament narratives.
First, it serves as the site where Deborah and Barak defeat the Canaanite general Sisera, with the biblical text noting that the river swept away their chariots (Judges 5:21). Centuries later, Elijah stands on its banks to execute the prophets of Baal, casting them into the stream after God answers his prayer with fire (1 Kings 18:40). In both instances, the water acts as an instrument of divine judgment and deliverance.
Though it appears in only four verses, its theological weight is significant. The Kishon represents a place where human military might fails and God intervenes directly. Translators consistently render it as a proper name rather than a common noun, preserving its identity as the specific location of these historical miracles.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Kishon means winding or twisting, describing a river that cuts through the Jezreel Valley in central Palestine. While it is just one geographical feature on a map, Scripture uses it to mark moments where human strength fails and God steps in. In Judges, the waters of Kishon swept away the iron chariots of Sisera’s army, showing that no amount of military power can stand against divine intervention.
Centuries later, Elijah stood by this same brook after fire fell from heaven to consume his offering. The location became a place of decisive judgment and deliverance. For believers today, Kishon serves as a reminder that God is active in the specific places of our lives. When obstacles seem as immovable as iron chariots, He remains able to clear the path.
This word invites us to trust in His timing rather than our own resources. It encourages faith that God can turn difficult circumstances into victories. We can find comfort knowing that He has walked these paths before and will guide us through ours with the same power.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Kishon5×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- קִישׁוֹן֙1×
- קִישֽׁוֹן\׃1×
- קִישׁ֗וֹן1×
- קִישׁ֔וֹן1×
- קִישׁ֑וֹן1×
Key Verses
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Judges 5:21
The river Kishon swept them away, that ancient river, the river Kishon. My soul, march on with strength.
This verse highlights the river as an active agent of God's judgment, sweeping away the enemy's forces and emphasizing that victory comes from divine action rather than human strength.
-
I Kings 18:40
Elijah said to them, “Seize the prophets of Baal! Don’t let one of them escape!” They seized them; and Elijah brought them down to the brook Kishon, and killed them there.
Here the brook serves as the site where Elijah executes the prophets of Baal, marking a definitive end to idolatry and confirming God's supremacy after His fire answers his prayer.
-
Judges 4:7
I will draw to you, to the river Kishon, Sisera, the captain of Jabin’s army, with his chariots and his multitude; and I will deliver him into your hand.’”
God explicitly names Kishon as the location for Sisera’s defeat, establishing it as a predetermined place of deliverance before the battle even begins.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Kishon mean?
Where does the river Kishon appear in the Bible?
Why is Kishon significant in biblical narratives?
Every Occurrence (4 verses across 2 books)
Judges 3 verses
I will draw to you, to the river Kishon, Sisera, the captain of Jabin’s army, with his chariots and his multitude; and…
Judges 4:13Sisera gathered together all his chariots, even nine hundred chariots of iron, and all the people who were with him,…
Judges 5:21The river Kishon swept them away, that ancient river, the river Kishon. My soul, march on with strength.