קֶ֫שֶׁת (qe.shet)
qe.shet
bow
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 60 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The Hebrew word qesheth denotes a bow, specifically the curved weapon used for hunting and warfare. Its etymology traces back to roots meaning "to bend," reflecting the physical shape of the instrument itself. In the Old Testament, it appears frequently in historical narratives and prophetic literature, often serving as a metonym for archers or the military power they represent.
Beyond its literal sense, qesheth carries significant metaphorical weight. It symbolizes strength and might, which is why prophets speak of God breaking or bending the bow to signify the defeat of an enemy’s power (Jeremiah 50:45). Conversely, a strengthened bow indicates resilience and capability (Job 29:20). This duality allows the term to function as a powerful image for both human martial prowess and divine judgment.
The most enduring image associated with qesheth is the rainbow. In Genesis 9:13, God sets His bow in the clouds as a covenant sign, linking the weapon of war to a promise of peace. This usage transforms the object from a tool of destruction into a reminder of mercy, establishing a unique theological connection between conflict and divine faithfulness.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word qesheth primarily denotes a bow, the curved weapon essential for hunting and warfare in ancient times. Its root meaning relates to bending, describing both the physical shape of the instrument and the tension required to use it. In Scripture, this object often stands as a symbol of military strength or human capability. When prophets speak of God breaking the bow, they are describing the removal of earthly power and reliance on force.
A profound shift occurs in Genesis 9, where God places His bow in the clouds. Here, the instrument of war becomes a sign of peace and covenant faithfulness. This image reminds us that divine mercy supersedes human conflict. The rainbow serves as a lasting reminder that God’s promises remain steady even when circumstances feel uncertain or dangerous.
For your daily life, this word invites trust in God’s protection rather than reliance on your own strength. It encourages you to see beyond immediate threats to the broader promise of faithfulness. Whether facing personal struggles or global uncertainties, the image of the bow in the clouds points toward a hope that endures.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 60 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- a bow9×
- bow/ his6×
- <of> a bow5×
- the/ bow4×
- bow4×
- [the] bow of4×
- with the/ bow3×
- a bow of3×
- on the/ bow2×
- like/ a bow of2×
- and/ bows2×
- with <the>/ bow1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- קֶ֣שֶׁת9×
- קֶ֗שֶׁת4×
- קֶ֥שֶׁת3×
- קֶ֔שֶׁת3×
- בַּ/קָּ֑שֶׁת3×
- קָ֑שֶׁת2×
- קַשְׁתּ֔/וֹ2×
- קֶ֚שֶׁת2×
- כְּ/קֶ֣שֶׁת2×
- הַ/קֶּ֖שֶׁת2×
- בַּ/קֶּ֙שֶׁת֙2×
- קָֽשֶׁת\׃1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 9:13
I set my rainbow in the cloud, and it will be a sign of a covenant between me and the earth.
This verse establishes the most enduring metaphorical use, transforming a weapon of war into a divine sign of covenant mercy.
-
I Samuel 2:4
“The bows of the mighty men are broken. Those who stumbled are armed with strength.
The breaking of the bows here signifies God’s reversal of human strength, empowering those who previously seemed weak.
-
Genesis 49:24
But his bow remained strong. The arms of his hands were made strong, by the hands of the Mighty One of Jacob, (from there is the shepherd, the stone of Israel),
Joseph’s bow remaining strong illustrates that resilience comes from the Mighty One of Jacob rather than personal effort.
-
II Kings 13:16
He said to the king of Israel, “Put your hand on the bow;” and he put his hand on it. Elisha laid his hands on the king’s hands.
Elisha’s instruction to touch the bow demonstrates how God uses ordinary objects to convey prophetic power and hope.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does qesheth mean in the Bible?
Why is the bow associated with the rainbow?
How is qesheth different from other words for weapon?
Every Occurrence (60 verses across 17 books)
Genesis 7 verses
I set my rainbow in the cloud, and it will be a sign of a covenant between me and the earth.
Genesis 9:14When I bring a cloud over the earth, that the rainbow will be seen in the cloud,
Genesis 9:16The rainbow will be in the cloud. I will look at it, that I may remember the everlasting covenant between God and every…
Genesis 21:16She went and sat down opposite him, a good way off, about a bow shot away. For she said, “Don’t let me see the death of…
Genesis 27:3Now therefore, please take your weapons, your quiver and your bow, and go out to the field, and get me venison.
Genesis 48:22Moreover I have given to you one portion above your brothers, which I took out of the hand of the Amorite with my sword…
Genesis 49:24But his bow remained strong. The arms of his hands were made strong, by the hands of the Mighty One of Jacob, (from…