Topical Encyclopedia
In biblical times, a sheath was a protective covering or case, typically for a sword or dagger. The concept of a sheath is mentioned in various contexts throughout the Bible, symbolizing protection, readiness, and sometimes restraint.
Biblical References:1.
1 Samuel 17:51 · In the account of David and Goliath, after David defeats the giant, he uses Goliath's own sword to behead him. The text implies the presence of a sheath, as swords were typically carried in such coverings. This act signifies the ultimate victory of God's chosen servant over the enemies of Israel.
2.
1 Chronicles 21:27 · "Then the LORD spoke to the angel, and he put his sword back into its sheath." This verse occurs in the context of David's census and the subsequent plague. The sheathing of the sword by the angel signifies the cessation of divine judgment and the restoration of peace, highlighting God's mercy and the power of intercession.
3.
Ezekiel 21:3-5 · The prophet Ezekiel speaks of a sword drawn from its sheath as a metaphor for impending judgment. "And say to the land of Israel, ‘This is what the LORD says: Behold, I am against you, and I will draw My sword from its sheath and cut off from you both the righteous and the wicked.’" Here, the unsheathing of the sword represents the certainty and imminence of God's judgment upon the nation.
Symbolism and Themes:·
Protection and Readiness: The sheath serves as a protective covering for the sword, ensuring it is ready for use when needed. This can be seen as a metaphor for spiritual readiness and the preparedness of God's people to engage in spiritual warfare.
·
Restraint and Judgment: The act of sheathing or unsheathing a sword often symbolizes restraint or the execution of judgment. In biblical narratives, the sheathing of a sword can indicate the end of conflict or divine intervention to halt destruction, as seen in
1 Chronicles 21:27.
·
Divine Authority: The imagery of a sword and its sheath often underscores the authority and power of God. When God commands the sword to be sheathed or unsheathed, it reflects His sovereign control over life, death, and the affairs of nations.
Cultural Context:In ancient Near Eastern cultures, the sword was a common weapon, and its sheath was an essential accessory for warriors. The presence of a sheath allowed for the safe carrying of the sword and quick access in times of battle. This practical aspect of ancient warfare is reflected in the biblical text, where the sword and sheath are used as powerful symbols of divine action and human responsibility.
Theological Implications:The concept of the sheath in the Bible invites reflection on themes of divine justice, mercy, and the readiness of believers to act according to God's will. It serves as a reminder of the balance between God's righteous judgment and His compassionate restraint, as well as the call for believers to be prepared for spiritual engagement in their daily lives.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
n.) A case for the reception of a sword, hunting knife, or other long and slender instrument; a scabbard.
2. (n.) Any sheathlike covering, organ, or part.
3. (n.) The base of a leaf when sheathing or investing a stem or branch, as in grasses.
4. (n.) One of the elytra of an insect.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
SCABBARD, SHEATHskab'-ard, sheth.
SeeARMOR, III, 5;WAR, 9.
SHEATH
sheth.
SeeSWORD.
Greek
2336. theke -- a receptacle... a receptacle. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: theke Phonetic Spelling:
(thay'-kay) Short Definition: a scabbard,
sheath, receptacle Definition
...Strong's Hebrew
5084. nadan -- asheath... 5083, 5084. nadan. 5085 . a
sheath. Transliteration: nadan Phonetic
Spelling: (naw-dawn') Short Definition:
sheath. Word Origin
...8593. taar -- a razor,sheath
... 8592, 8593. taar. 8594 . a razor,sheath. Transliteration: taar Phonetic
Spelling: (tah'-ar) Short Definition:sheath. Word Origin...
5085. nidneh -- asheath.
... 5084, 5085. nidneh. 5086 . asheath. Transliteration... body. Word Origin
(Aramaic) corresponding to nadan Definition asheath. body...
Library
Ezekiel's Discourse
... the land of Israel; and say to the land of Israel, Thus saith the LORD: Behold,
I am against thee, and will draw forth my SWORD out of itssheath, and will cut...
Meanwhile Florian Varillo had not Gone to Naples. ...
... conscience"coward fear. He was on his way to the station when he suddenly
discovered that he had lost thesheath of his dagger. A cold...
The Same Night which Saw the Red Glare of the Burning Monastery...
... "And the owner of thissheath"thesheath of the dagger... "You will permit me to look
at this dagger-sheath"this proof on which you place so much reliance?"....
Letter Xciii. (AD 408. )
... gentleness of love was to be not only kept in the heart, but also manifested openly:
in these the sword of Peter is called back into itssheath by Christ, and...
Betrayed by a Kiss.
... Peter and Philip asked Jesus, saying, "Lord, shall we smite with the sword?" Before
Jesus replied, Peter's sword flashed from itssheath and descended on the...
Meanwhile Cardinal Bonpre had once More Reached his Own Apartments...
... Stooping to examine it, he saw it was the empty leathernsheath of a dagger....
Prince Pietro held up the dagger-sheath he had just found....
And Now we Can Turn at Last to See in Our Picture...
... Everything that is brilliant and beautiful is withdrawn and shrouded in the "bare
grain" when we strip off thesheath and hold it in our hand: everything has...
There is a Definite Moment at which the Seed is Ripe...
... Even its centre of gravity is so adjusted that, in falling from thesheath,
the germ is in the very best position for its future growth....
Of Elaborate Dressing of the Hair in Other Ways, and Its Bearing...
... which, you affix I know not what enormities of subtle and textile perukes; now,
after the manner of a helmet of undressed hide, as it were asheath for the...
Divine Strictures on Various Heretics Descried in Various Passages...
... either to exist or to be seen; so that they must blush with shame who affirm that
His flesh sits in heaven void of sensation, like asheath only, Christ being...
Thesaurus
Sheath (11 Occurrences)... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. SCABBARD,
SHEATH. skab'-ard, sheth. See ARMOR,
III, 5; WAR, 9.
SHEATH. sheth. See SWORD. Multi-Version Concordance
...Sheathed (2 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (imp. & pp) of Sheathe. 2. (a.) Provided with,
or enclosed in,sheath. 3. (a.) Invested by asheath...
Quiver (9 Occurrences)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary Thesheath for arrows.... 4. (n.) A case orsheath for arrows
to be carried on the person. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. QUIVER....
Scabbard (6 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) Thesheath for the blade of a sword or dagger.
2. (vt) To put in a scabbard. Int.... SCABBARD,SHEATH. skab'-ard, sheth....
Unsheathe (4 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (vt) To deprive of asheath; to draw from thesheath or
scabbard, as a sword. Multi-Version Concordance Unsheathe (4 Occurrences)....
Sword (427 Occurrences)
... Of the Hebrew was pointed, sometimes two-edged, was worn in asheath, and suspended
from the girdle (Exodus 32:27; 1 Samuel 31:4; 1 Chronicles 21:27; Psalm 149...
She-asses (7 Occurrences)
She-asses. She-ass, She-asses.Sheath . Multi-Version Concordance She-asses
(7 Occurrences).... (YLT). She-ass, She-asses.Sheath . Reference Bible.
Warfare (18 Occurrences)
... In the Prophets, we find the commencement of war described as the drawing of the
sword from itssheath (Ezekiel 21:3), and the uncovering of the shield (Isaiah...
War (529 Occurrences)
... In the Prophets, we find the commencement of war described as the drawing of the
sword from itssheath (Ezekiel 21:3), and the uncovering of the shield (Isaiah...
Nativity (9 Occurrences)
... all, nor swaddled at all. (KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT). Ezekiel 21:30 Shall
I cause it to return into hissheath? I will judge thee in...
Resources
Is it important to know Greek and Hebrew when studying the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Peter in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgSheath: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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Bible Encyclopedia •
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