קָלַע
to sling; also to carve (as if a circular motion, or into light forms)
Definition
The Hebrew verb קָלַע (qâlaʻ) primarily means 'to sling' or 'to hurl,' as seen in the action of a slinger launching a stone (Judges 20:16, 1 Samuel 17:49). In a distinct but related sense, it means 'to carve' or 'to engrave,' specifically describing the intricate, circular, or curved carving of wood, as in the decorative work on the temple walls (1 Kings 6:29, 32, 35). The connection between these meanings likely lies in the idea of a swift, skilled, or arcing motion—whether propelling a projectile or wielding a carving tool. In a metaphorical use, it describes God 'slinging out' or hurling away the life of an enemy (1 Samuel 25:29, Jeremiah 10:18).
Biblical Usage
This verb is used in two main contexts across several books. Its literal 'slinging' sense appears in narratives of warfare (Judges 20:16, 1 Samuel 17:49) and in a metaphorical divine judgment (1 Samuel 25:29, Jeremiah 10:18). Its 'carving' sense is concentrated in the technical descriptions of Solomon's Temple decorations in 1 Kings 6 (verses 29, 32, 35), detailing the skilled artistry on the walls, doors, and cherubim.
Etymology
As a primitive root, קָלַע is not derived from another Hebrew verb. Its core meaning relates to a swift or skilled motion. Cognates in other Semitic languages, like Arabic and Aramaic, support meanings of 'throwing' or 'hurling.' The development to include 'carving' likely arose from the similar arcing or circular motion of the artisan's tool, extending the root's semantic range to skilled handiwork.
Semantic Range
This word connects the physical skill of warfare and artistry with the sovereign action of God. In its metaphorical uses (1 Samuel 25:29, Jeremiah 10:18), it vividly portrays God's decisive power to judge and remove the wicked, using the imagery of a slinger for dramatic effect. Understanding this Hebrew term enriches reading by linking human craftsmanship in God's temple (1 Kings 6) with the precision and force of divine justice, highlighting both God's appreciation for beauty and His ultimate authority.
In ancient Israel, the sling was a common and effective weapon for shepherds and soldiers, requiring great skill to use accurately, as demonstrated by David against Goliath. The 'carving' described was a high form of artistic craftsmanship, essential for creating the sacred and ornate decorations of the temple. The dual meaning reflects a culture that valued both martial skill for survival and artistic skill for worship.
יָרָה (yârâ, H3384) — to throw, shoot (arrows); more general for projecting. פָּסַל (pâsal, H6458) — to carve, hew; often for cutting stone, less specific to curved motion. זָרַק (zâraq, H2236) — to scatter, sprinkle, throw; often for liquids or dust in rituals.
Word Details
How this works
Hebrew definitions are from Brown-Driver-Briggs (1906) and Strong's Exhaustive Concordance (1890), both public domain. BDB was groundbreaking for its era but reflects 19th-century assumptions about Semitic etymology. Modern scholarship (HALOT, DCH) has revised many entries. Use these definitions as a starting point for exploration, not as the final word on a term's meaning in context.
Full methodology & sources →