Artillery
A Word That Changed Meaning
When the King James Version was translated in 1611, the English word "artillery" had a much broader meaning than it carries today. In early modern English, artillery simply referred to weapons or instruments of war in general, including bows, arrows, slings, and other projectile weapons. It did not yet carry the specific meaning of large-caliber guns or cannons that it holds in modern usage. Understanding this shift in language is essential for correctly interpreting the biblical passages where the word appears.
Jonathan's Bow and Arrows
The primary biblical passage using "artillery" is 1 Samuel 20:40, where Jonathan gives his weapons to a young servant after completing his secret signal to David. The KJV reads: "Jonathan gave his artillery unto his lad, and said unto him, Go, carry them to the city." Modern translations render this as "weapons" (ESV, NIV) or "equipment," accurately conveying the Hebrew word keli, which simply means instruments, vessels, or implements.
The scene is one of the most emotionally charged in the Old Testament. Jonathan had devised a plan with David to determine whether King Saul intended to kill David (1 Samuel 20:18-23). By shooting arrows and giving specific instructions to his servant, Jonathan communicated to the hidden David that his life was indeed in danger. After sending the boy away with his bow and arrows, Jonathan and David shared a tearful farewell (1 Samuel 20:41-42).
Weapons in Ancient Israel
The weapons Jonathan carried were typical of an Israelite warrior of the period. The bow was a primary military weapon, used both in hunting and warfare. Arrows were tipped with bronze or iron heads, and skilled archers were highly valued in ancient armies. The tribe of Benjamin, to which Saul and Jonathan belonged, was particularly known for its skilled warriors, including left-handed slingers and archers (Judges 20:16; 1 Chronicles 12:2).
Warfare in Biblical Perspective
While weapons and warfare feature prominently throughout the Old Testament, Scripture consistently teaches that military victory ultimately comes from the Lord rather than from superior armaments. David himself expressed this principle when facing Goliath: "The LORD does not save by sword and spear; for the battle belongs to the LORD" (1 Samuel 17:47). This theology of warfare runs throughout the biblical narrative, from the exodus deliverance to the fall of Jericho to the victories of the judges.
Translation Lessons
The word "artillery" in the KJV serves as a helpful reminder that Bible translation is an ongoing process. As languages evolve, words shift in meaning, and translations must be updated to ensure clarity for contemporary readers. The Revised Version and subsequent modern translations replaced "artillery" with "weapons" to avoid the misleading association with heavy modern armaments. This kind of revision honors the original text by ensuring readers understand what was actually meant.
Biblical Context
The word 'artillery' appears in the KJV of 1 Samuel 20:40, referring to Jonathan's bow and arrows during his farewell to David. The Hebrew word keli (meaning implements or weapons) is used broadly throughout Scripture for various kinds of equipment, both military and domestic. Modern translations consistently render it as 'weapons' in this passage.
Theological Significance
The passage where 'artillery' appears highlights the profound friendship and covenant loyalty between Jonathan and David. Jonathan risked his own position as crown prince to protect David, demonstrating that faithfulness to God's purposes sometimes requires sacrificing personal advantage. The weapons in this scene are tools of communication rather than destruction, used to save a life rather than take one.
Historical Background
Ancient Israelite warfare relied primarily on bows, slings, spears, and swords. The bow was especially important for both hunting and combat, with composite bows becoming more common during the monarchy period. Archaeological finds from Iron Age Israel include bronze and iron arrowheads, sling stones, and spear points. The Benjaminites were renowned for their ambidextrous warriors who could shoot arrows and sling stones with either hand (1 Chronicles 12:2).