קַלָּע (qal.la)
qal.la
slinger
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The noun qallā refers specifically to a slinger, one who uses a weapon to hurl stones with great force. This role is distinct from that of an archer or spearman, relying on speed and momentum rather than drawn tension or thrust. The term appears in the Hebrew Bible to describe specialized military personnel capable of delivering precise, high-impact projectiles in battle.
Its sole recorded occurrence is in 2 Kings 3:25, where it describes the men who besieged the city of Kir-hareseth. Here, the slinger represents a specific tactical element of ancient warfare, highlighting the diverse weaponry employed by armies of the period. The brevity of its usage underscores how this particular combatant was a recognized and necessary part of the military structure.
Etymologically, the word is linked to the root meaning "to throw" or "cast," emphasizing the action itself rather than the person’s identity. Translators consistently render it as "slinger" to preserve the distinction from other ranged weapons. This lexical precision helps readers visualize the specific mechanics of ancient combat, where such specialists played a crucial role in breaching fortifications and disrupting enemy formations.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word qallā describes a specialized warrior who used a sling to hurl stones with precision and force. In ancient battles, these soldiers were not merely foot soldiers but skilled specialists whose weapons could strike from a distance. This specific term highlights the variety of tactics used in warfare, where different tools served distinct purposes on the battlefield.
When we read about such details in Scripture, we see that God’s Word engages with real human history and the concrete realities of life. It does not shy away from describing the tools of conflict, reminding us that faithfulness often plays out within complex historical situations. The mention of a slinger in 2 Kings 3:25 grounds the narrative in the tangible world of ancient Israel.
For your daily walk, this word invites you to appreciate the richness of biblical language. Each term carries weight and specificity, helping us understand the context of God’s interactions with His people. Whether reading about peace or conflict, we can trust that Scripture provides clear, meaningful insights into the human experience under God’s sovereignty.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- the/ slingers1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- הַ/קַּלָּעִ֖ים1×
Key Verses
-
II Kings 3:25
They beat down the cities; and on every good piece of land each man cast his stone, and filled it. They also stopped all the springs of water and cut down all the good trees, until in Kir Hareseth all they left was its stones; however the men armed with slings went around it and attacked it.
This verse uniquely identifies the qallā as a distinct military role surrounding Kir-hareseth, emphasizing their tactical presence in the siege narrative.