קֶ֫לַע (qe.la)

qe.la

sling; curtain

H7050 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 21 verses

H:N-M

Language: Biblical Hebrew
Testament: Old Testament
Occurrences: 21 verses
Root: —
Part of speech: H:N-M

Word Overview

The Hebrew noun qela has two distinct meanings that appear in different contexts within the Old Testament. In military and narrative passages, it refers to a sling used for throwing stones, such as the weapon David chose to face Goliath in 1 Samuel 17:49. This usage highlights the word’s connection to warfare and hunting, where the sling was a common tool for shepherds and soldiers alike.

In contrast, Priestly texts use qela to describe curtains or hangings, particularly those forming part of the tabernacle structure in Exodus 26:1 and 36:8. Here, the word denotes fabric barriers that separated holy spaces, emphasizing its role in creating boundaries within worship settings. The dual sense reflects how ancient Hebrew vocabulary often extended from concrete objects to their functional or structural applications.

Translators typically render qela as "sling" when discussing combat scenes and as "curtain" or "hanging" in temple descriptions. This distinction helps readers grasp the word’s versatility without confusion, as context always clarifies which meaning is intended. The term’s range underscores how language adapts to describe both everyday tools and sacred architecture.

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

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The word qela reminds us that God often uses simple, everyday tools to accomplish profound purposes. In the story of David and Goliath, a shepherd’s sling became the instrument of victory against a giant. This shows that your current circumstances or limited resources do not define your potential. What matters is the hand that guides the stone and the faith that trusts in divine protection.

At the same time, this word describes the curtains of the tabernacle, creating boundaries between holy and common spaces. These hangings provided structure and separation, reminding Israel where they could approach God. In your own life, you are part of a community set apart for purpose. The boundaries you respect and the relationships you nurture help create a space where peace and reverence can grow.

Whether viewed as a weapon of defense or a curtain of worship, qela points to order and intentionality. You do not need grand displays to be effective in your faith. Small acts of courage and quiet devotion carry significant weight. Trust that God sees your efforts and uses them for good.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 21 verses where it appears, by frequency.

curtains9×
[the] curtains of6×
with the/ sling1×
slings1×
and/ sling/ his1×
and/ [the] curtains of1×
a sling1×
<the>/ sling1×

Forms in the text

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

קְלָעִ֖ים3×
קַלְעֵ֨י2×
קְלָעִ֛ים2×
קַלְעֵ֧י1×
קַלְעֵ֥י1×
קַלְעֵ֤י1×
קַלְעֵ֣י1×
קֶ֔לַע1×
קְלָעִים֙1×
קְלָעִֽים\׃1×
קְלָעִ֨ים1×
קְלָעִ֕ים1×

Key Verses

I Samuel 25:29
Though men may rise up to pursue you and to seek your soul, yet the soul of my lord will be bound in the bundle of life with Yahweh your God. He will sling out the souls of your enemies as from a sling’s pocket.

David uses the image of a sling’s pocket to describe how God protects his enemies while keeping his own soul secure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does qela mean in the Bible?

Qela has two distinct meanings depending on the context. In narrative passages like Samuel, it refers to a sling used for throwing stones. In Priestly texts like Exodus, it describes the curtains or hangings that made up the tabernacle structure.

Why does the same word mean both a weapon and a curtain?

Ancient Hebrew vocabulary often extended from concrete objects to their functional applications. A sling is a tool for protection, while curtains create protective boundaries. Both uses reflect the idea of separation and defense.

Where does qela appear most frequently?

It appears most often in Exodus and Numbers, where it describes the tabernacle’s hangings. It also appears in Samuel and Kings when discussing military equipment or historical events involving slings.

Every Occurrence (21 verses across 6 books)

Exodus 13 verses

Exodus 27:9

“You shall make the court of the tabernacle: for the south side southward there shall be hangings for the court of fine…

Exodus 27:11

Likewise for the length of the north side, there shall be hangings one hundred cubits long, and its pillars twenty, and…

Exodus 27:12

For the width of the court on the west side shall be hangings of fifty cubits; their pillars ten, and their sockets ten.

Exodus 27:14

The hangings for the one side of the gate shall be fifteen cubits; their pillars three, and their sockets three.

Exodus 27:15

For the other side shall be hangings of fifteen cubits; their pillars three, and their sockets three.

Exodus 35:17

the hangings of the court, its pillars, their sockets, and the screen for the gate of the court;

Exodus 38:9

He made the court: for the south side southward the hangings of the court were of fine twined linen, one hundred cubits;

Exodus 38:12

For the west side were hangings of fifty cubits, their pillars ten, and their sockets ten; the hooks of the pillars,…

Exodus 38:14

the hangings for the one side were fifteen cubits; their pillars three, and their sockets three;

Exodus 38:15

and so for the other side: on this hand and that hand by the gate of the court were hangings of fifteen cubits; their…

Exodus 38:16

All the hangings around the court were of fine twined linen.

Exodus 38:18

The screen for the gate of the court was the work of the embroiderer, of blue, purple, scarlet, and fine twined linen.…

Exodus 39:40

the hangings of the court, its pillars, its sockets, the screen for the gate of the court, its cords, its pins, and all…

Numbers 2 verses

I Samuel 3 verses

I Kings 1 verse

II Chronicles 1 verse

Zechariah 1 verse