Topical Encyclopedia
In the biblical context, the term "warrior" often refers to individuals who are skilled in combat and are engaged in battles, either physical or spiritual. Warriors in the Bible are depicted as both human and divine, serving as instruments of God's will and protection for His people.
Old Testament WarriorsThe Old Testament is replete with accounts of warriors who played significant roles in the history of Israel. One of the most notable warriors is David, who is introduced as a young shepherd boy defeating the Philistine giant Goliath with a sling and a stone (
1 Samuel 17:50). David's prowess in battle and his reliance on God earned him a reputation as a mighty warrior and eventually led to his kingship over Israel.
Another prominent warrior is Joshua, who succeeded Moses and led the Israelites into the Promised Land. Joshua is described as a valiant leader who, under God's command, conquered numerous Canaanite cities (
Joshua 11:23). His military campaigns were marked by obedience to God's instructions, demonstrating that victory comes from the Lord.
Gideon is another example of a warrior raised by God to deliver Israel from oppression. Despite his initial hesitance, Gideon led a small army of 300 men to defeat the Midianites, showcasing God's power in using the weak to overcome the strong (
Judges 7:7).
Divine WarriorsThe concept of God as a warrior is a recurring theme in the Bible. The Lord is often depicted as fighting on behalf of His people, ensuring their victory over enemies. In
Exodus 15:3, God is described as "The LORD is a warrior; the LORD is His name" . This portrayal emphasizes God's sovereignty and His role as the ultimate protector and deliverer of Israel.
The angelic hosts are also depicted as warriors in the service of God. In
2 Kings 6:17, Elisha's servant is shown a vision of the hills filled with horses and chariots of fire, symbolizing the heavenly army ready to defend God's prophet .
Spiritual WarriorsThe New Testament shifts the focus from physical battles to spiritual warfare. Believers are called to be spiritual warriors, equipped with the armor of God to stand against the schemes of the devil (
Ephesians 6:11). The Apostle Paul exhorts Christians to "fight the good fight of faith" (
1 Timothy 6:12), emphasizing perseverance and reliance on God's strength in the spiritual realm.
Jesus Christ is portrayed as the ultimate warrior who triumphs over sin and death. In
Revelation 19:11-16, He is depicted as a rider on a white horse, leading the armies of heaven to victory over evil . This imagery underscores Christ's role as the conquering King who will establish His eternal kingdom.
Characteristics of Biblical WarriorsBiblical warriors are characterized by their faith, courage, and obedience to God. They often face overwhelming odds but trust in God's power and guidance for victory. Their accounts serve as reminders of the importance of relying on God in times of conflict, whether physical or spiritual.
The Bible presents warriors as instruments of God's justice and deliverance, highlighting the divine partnership between God and His chosen leaders. Through their examples, believers are encouraged to engage in spiritual battles with the assurance that God is their ultimate warrior and defender.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
n.) A man engaged or experienced in war, or in the military life; a soldier; a champion.
Greek
4758. stratologeo -- to enlist soldiers... From a compound of the base of stratia and lego (in its original sense); to gather
(or select) as a
warrior, ie Enlist in the army -- choose to be a soldier.
...4757. stratiotes -- a soldier
... soldier. From a presumed derivative of the same as stratia; a camper-out, ie A
(common)warrior (literally or figuratively) -- soldier. see GREEK stratia....
Strong's Hebrew
1368. gibbor -- strong, mighty... men of outstanding (1), Mighty (1), mighty (27), mighty man (15), mighty men (57),
Mighty One (1), mighty one (2), mighty ones (3), mighty
warrior (1), mighty
...5431. saan -- to tread, tramp
... 5430, 5431. saan. 5432 . to tread, tramp. Transliteration: saan Phonetic
Spelling: (saw-an') Short Definition:warrior....warrior....
1397. geber -- man
... Word Origin from gabar Definition man NASB Word Usage boy (1), everyone (1), man
(54), man's (3), men (8),warrior (1). every one, man, mighty....
4421. milchamah -- a battle, war
... battle* (1), battles (6), fight (2), military (1), onslaught (1), soldiers* (3),
time of war (1), wage war (1), war (136), warfare (1),warrior (4), warriors (4...
7989. shallit -- having mastery, domineering
... governor, mighty, that hath power, ruler. From shalat; potent; concretely, a prince
orwarrior -- governor, mighty, that hath power, ruler. see HEBREW shalat....
1401. gibbar -- mighty one
... mighty. (Aramaic) intensive of gbar; valiant, orwarrior -- mighty. see HEBREW
gbar. 1400, 1401. gibbar. 1402 . Strong's Numbers.
1575. Gammadim -- "men of valor," defenders of Tyre
... Gammadims. From the same as gomed; awarrior (as grasping weapons) -- Gammadims.
see HEBREW gomed. 1574, 1575. Gammadim. 1576 . Strong's Numbers.
1439. Gidon -- a judge of Isr.
... NASB Word Usage Gideon (38). Gideon. From gada'; feller (ieWarrior); Gidon, an
Israelite -- Gideon. see HEBREW gada'. 1438, 1439. Gidon. 1440 ....
Library
The FaintingWarrior
... The FaintingWarrior. A Sermon (No.235). Delivered... am! who shall deliver me from
the body of this death?" It is the cry of a pantingwarrior....
The ChristianWarrior.
... CHRISTIAN CHARACTER AND LIFE. 362. " The ChristianWarrior. 362. LM
Montgomery. The ChristianWarrior. 1 The Christianwarrior...
May the Second the HappyWarrior
... May The Second THE HAPPYWARRIOR. EPHESIANS vi.10-18. Here is a portrait
of the happywarrior! Let me first look at thewarrior...
Marching Orders
... note briefly its various features. I. First, then, we have it set forth
as a march ofwarrior priests. Note that phrase"'Ye that...
Figurative Style of Certain Messianic Prophecies in the Psalms...
... This interpretation of ours will derive confirmation, when, on your supposing that
Christ is in any passage called awarrior, from the mention of certain arms...
Prayer and vigilance
... From the hour in which he first draws sword, to that in which he doffs his harness,
the Christianwarrior is compelled to "endure hardness like a good soldier...
The Encamping Angel
... It was He who stood before thewarrior leader of Israel, sword in hand, and proclaimed
Himself to be the Captain of the Lord's host, the Leader of the armies...
Of the Prophecies of the Birth and Achievements of Christ.
... so understand "the power of Damascus," and "the spoils of Samaria," and "the kingdom
of the Assyrians," as if they portended Christ as awarrior; not observing...
Joseph Attacked by the Archers
... First of all, the cruel attack""the archers have sorely grieved him, and shot at
him, and hated him;" secondly, the shieldedwarrior""but his bow abode in...
At the Well
... at the stela. Thewarrior read the command and the unlettered men fell
on their knees, each to a different god. The Egyptian was...
Thesaurus
Warrior (36 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Warrior (36 Occurrences).
... Judges 11:1 Now Jephthah the
Gileadite was a mighty
warrior, but he was the son of a harlot.
...Warrior's (3 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version ConcordanceWarrior's (3 Occurrences). 2 Samuel 18:11 Joab
said to the man who told him, "Behold, you saw it, and why...
Elhanan (4 Occurrences)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary Whom God has graciously bestowed. (1.) Awarrior of
the time of David famed for his exploits. In the Authorized...
Warriors (75 Occurrences)
Warring (13 Occurrences)
Noise (126 Occurrences)
... for "noise" (Jeremiah 10:22), "voice"; for "a noise" (1 Chronicles 15:28), "sounding
aloud," "voice" (Ezekiel 43:2); for "every battle of thewarrior is with...
Wars (24 Occurrences)
Joshua (211 Occurrences)
... provide for their fulfillment. It is evident also that at this period Joshua
was no young and untriedwarrior. Although no indication...
Quiver (9 Occurrences)
... kwiv'-er (ashpah, teli; pharetra (Sirach 26:12)): A case or sheath for carrying
arrows, a part of the ordinary equipment of thewarrior, both foot-soldier and...
Resources
Who was Benaiah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWho was David in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is a Bible concordance, and how do I use it? | GotQuestions.orgWarrior: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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