קַשָּׁת

a bowman

Definition

קַשָּׁת refers specifically to a bowman or archer, a military specialist skilled in using the bow (קֶשֶׁת). While the basic noun 'bow' (H7198) is common, this intensive form denotes the person who wields the weapon professionally. The term emphasizes the skill and role of the warrior, not merely the possession of the tool. It appears in contexts describing military forces, such as the archers who wounded King Saul (1 Samuel 31:3) and the skilled bowmen among the tribe of Benjamin (1 Chronicles 8:40, 12:2).

Biblical Usage

This noun is used exclusively in military contexts to describe skilled warriors within an army. It appears in historical books like 1 Samuel, 1 & 2 Chronicles, and 2 Kings, often listing archers as a key component of fighting forces. For example, 2 Kings 13:15 refers to 'the bow of Israel' in a prophetic object lesson involving King Jehoash. The usage consistently portrays the קַשָּׁת as a trained combatant, distinct from a general soldier.

Etymology

Derived from the root קֶשֶׁת (qesheth, H7198), meaning 'bow'. The form קַשָּׁת is an intensive or denominative noun, meaning it is formed from the name of the object to indicate a person characterized by that object—in this case, 'one of the bow' or 'bow-man'. This pattern is similar to how 'swordsman' is derived from 'sword' in English.

Semantic Range

While a military term, the archer can symbolize divine judgment or human hostility. The wounding of Saul by Philistine archers (1 Chronicles 10:3) is seen as part of God's judgment for his disobedience. In prophetic imagery, God Himself is sometimes portrayed as a divine archer (e.g., Lamentations 2:4, 3:12 using the root קֶשֶׁת), linking human warfare to concepts of divine sovereignty and justice. Understanding this term enriches readings of battles and judgments in the historical books.

In the ancient Near East, the archer was a crucial and respected military specialist. Unlike modern ranged combat, archery required extensive training, strength to draw powerful composite bows, and skill to be effective in battle. Archers could attack from a distance, changing battlefield dynamics. Their presence in an army indicated a degree of military sophistication and resource allocation, as bows and arrows required specialized craftsmanship.

גִּבּוֹר (gibbôr, H1368) — a broader term for 'mighty man' or warrior, which could include but is not specific to archers. חַיִל (chayil, H2428) — often refers to an army, host, or capability, describing military force in general rather than a specific type of soldier.

Word Details