קֹ֫שֶׁט (qo.shet)
qo.shet
bow; truth
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun qošet carries a dual meaning that bridges physical objects and abstract concepts: it denotes both a bow used for shooting arrows and truth understood as balanced verity. This connection suggests an ancient conceptual link between the precision required to aim a weapon and the accuracy demanded by honesty. In Proverbs 22:21, the word appears in a context where teaching is likened to providing reliable guidance, implying that truth serves as a steady aim for the mind.
While its primary association in biblical literature leans toward the concept of integrity or factual correctness, the lexical data notes a rare usage where it refers to the physical bow itself, as seen in Psalm 60:6. The Aramaic cognate qe.shot reinforces this semantic range, covering both the instrument of war and the standard of truth. This duality highlights how ancient Hebrew thought often intertwined martial precision with moral reliability, viewing truth not merely as a statement but as a calibrated standard.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word qošet connects two very different images: a warrior’s bow and the steady aim of truth. In ancient thought, hitting a target required precision, focus, and a clear line of sight. This same clarity applies to honesty in our daily lives. Truth is not just a vague idea; it is a reliable guide that helps us navigate complex situations with integrity.
When Proverbs 22:21 speaks of teaching truth through reliable words, it invites us to see honesty as a practical tool. Just as an archer adjusts their stance to hit the mark, we can adjust our speech and actions to align with what is right. This alignment brings stability to our relationships and peace to our conscience.
Living in this kind of truth means striving for accuracy in how we treat others and how we understand ourselves. It is a call to be consistent, so that our inner values match our outer words. This consistency builds trust and reflects the character of God, who is always faithful to His promises.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- [the] truth of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- קֹ֭שְׁטְ1×
Key Verses
-
Proverbs 22:21
To teach you truth, reliable words, to give sound answers to the ones who sent you?
This verse uses qošet to describe reliable words that provide sound answers, framing truth as practical guidance for life.