A dagger is a short, pointed weapon with a sharp edge, used primarily for stabbing. In biblical times, daggers were common weapons and tools, often carried for personal protection or used in warfare. The Bible references daggers in several contexts, highlighting their role in both historical events and symbolic narratives.

Biblical References:

1. Ehud and Eglon (Judges 3:12-30): One of the most notable mentions of a dagger in the Bible is the account of Ehud, a judge of Israel. Ehud crafted a double-edged dagger about a cubit in length and concealed it under his clothing on his right thigh. He used this dagger to deliver Israel from Moabite oppression by assassinating King Eglon of Moab. The account in Judges 3:21-22 states, "And Ehud reached with his left hand, took the dagger from his right thigh, and plunged it into Eglon’s belly. Even the handle sank in after the blade, and Eglon’s fat closed over it, so that Ehud did not withdraw the dagger."

2. Symbol of Betrayal and Violence: While not always explicitly mentioned, the dagger can symbolize betrayal and violence in biblical literature. The act of stabbing with a dagger is often associated with treachery, as seen in the broader biblical narrative where violence and deceit are condemned.

3. David and Saul (1 Samuel 24:4-5): Although not a dagger, the narrative of David sparing King Saul’s life in the cave of En Gedi involves a similar weapon—a sword or knife. David secretly cut off a corner of Saul’s robe, demonstrating his ability to harm Saul but choosing not to. This act of restraint is significant in understanding the moral and ethical teachings regarding the use of weapons.

4. Metaphorical Use: In some instances, the concept of a dagger or sword is used metaphorically to describe the power of words or divine judgment. Hebrews 4:12 states, "For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any double-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and spirit, of joints and marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart." This metaphorical use underscores the penetrating and discerning power of God's word.

Cultural and Historical Context:

In ancient Near Eastern cultures, daggers were not only weapons but also symbols of authority and power. They were often ornately decorated and could signify a person's status or role within society. The craftsmanship of a dagger, including its material and design, could indicate the wealth and influence of its owner.

Moral and Ethical Implications:

The biblical narratives involving daggers often carry moral and ethical lessons. The account of Ehud, for example, illustrates themes of deliverance and divine intervention, while also raising questions about the use of violence for achieving justice. The restraint shown by David in sparing Saul’s life highlights the biblical principle of mercy and the importance of leaving vengeance to God.

In summary, the dagger in biblical texts serves as a multifaceted symbol, representing both physical violence and deeper spiritual truths. Its presence in the Scriptures invites reflection on the nature of power, justice, and the human condition.1. (n.) A short weapon used for stabbing. This is the general term: cf. Poniard, Stiletto, Bowie knife, Dirk, Misericorde, Anlace.

2. (n.) A mark of reference in the form of a dagger [/]. It is the second in order when more than one reference occurs on a page; -- called also obelisk.

3. (v. t.) To pierce with a dagger; to stab.

4. (n.) A timber placed diagonally in a ship's frame.

DAGGER

dag'-er.

See ARMOR, ARMS.

3162. machaira -- a short sword or dagger
... a short sword or dagger. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: machaira
Phonetic Spelling: (makh'-ahee-rah) Short Definition: a sword Definition: a ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3162.htm - 7k

4607. sikarios -- an assassin
... Word Origin of Latin origin, sica (a dagger) Definition an assassin NASB
Word Usage Assassins (1). murderer. Of Latin origin; a ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4607.htm - 6k

5344. Phelix -- "fortunate," Felix, a governor of Judea
... seditious" (Ac 21:38). [One group, called the Assassins (literally "dagger
men"), were true to their nam!]. Word Origin of Latin ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5344.htm - 7k

2719. chereb -- a sword
... tool (1). axe, dagger, knife, mattock, sword, tool. From charab; drought;
also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as ...
/hebrew/2719.htm - 6k

Polycarp is Pierced by a Dagger.
... Chapter XVI."Polycarp is pierced by a dagger. At length, when those wicked
men perceived that his body could not be consumed by ...
/.../the martyrdom of the holy polycarp/chapter xvi polycarp is pierced by.htm

At this Time the Nation of the Northumbrians, that Is...
... He had a two-edged dagger, dipped in poison, to the end that, if the wound inflicted
by the weapon did not avail to kill the king, it might be aided by the ...
/.../bede/bedes ecclesiastical history of england/chap ix at this time.htm

Prolonged Agony
... A man who pretended to be a maniac had made his way to the porch, and was brandishing
a huge dagger, and swearing that he would murder Chrysostom. ...
/.../chapter l prolonged agony.htm

"We Will Never Surrender. "
... The young man called up one of his soldiers and said: "Take this dagger and drive
it to your heart;" and the soldier took the dagger and drove it to his heart. ...
/.../moody/moodys anecdotes and illustrations/we will never surrender.htm

How Our People Served the Moabites Eighteen Years, and were Then ...
... Now, when on a time he was bringing presents to the king, and had two servants with
him, he put a dagger on his right thigh secretly, and went in to him: it ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 4 how our people.htm

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 the sheath of his dagger. A cold ...
/.../corelli/the master-christian/xxxi meanwhile florian varillo had.htm

On the Road
... became a noble of the time, and in apparel of unusual splendor and costliness; plumed
bonnet, slashed velvet doublet, tight silken hose, jeweled dagger at his ...
/.../greater things the story of saint stanislaus kostka /chapter i on the road.htm

Again the Council of the Covenant was in Session. ...
... Tracing it stealthily, to make sure of its owner, he drew his dagger and
cut the girdle in twain, hiding an end of it in his bosom. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bacheller/vergilius/chapter 20 again the council.htm

Sixth Commandment
... walk about these two countries unhung." "What do you mean?" "I will tell you what
I mean," I said; "the man that comes into my house and runs a dagger into my ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/weighed and wanting/sixth commandment.htm

Arria and Her Brother were Far from the Shores of Hellas and Near ...
... He went to where Appius lay and bent over him. The pilot drew his dagger; the youth
rolled drowsily and his hands were now upon the feet of Tepas. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bacheller/vergilius/chapter 21 arria and her.htm

Dagger (6 Occurrences)
... Poniard, Stiletto, Bowie knife, Dirk, Misericorde, Anlace. 2. (n.) A mark of reference
in the form of a dagger [/]. ... 3. (vt) To pierce with a dagger; to stab. ...
/d/dagger.htm - 8k

Haft (1 Occurrence)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary A handle as of a dagger (Judges 3:22). ... 2. (n.) A dwelling.
3. (vt) To set in, or furnish with, a haft; as, to haft a dagger. ...
/h/haft.htm - 7k

Stab (1 Occurrence)
... 1. (vt) To pierce with a pointed weapon; to wound or kill by the thrust of a pointed
instrument; as, to stab a man with a dagger; also, to thrust; as, to stab ...
/s/stab.htm - 7k

Belly (62 Occurrences)
... Judges 3:21 And Ehud put forth his left hand, and took the dagger from his right
thigh, and thrust it into his belly: (KJV JPS DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/b/belly.htm - 28k

Obelisk
... Egyptian obelisks are commonly covered with hieroglyphic writing from top to bottom.
2. (n.) A mark of reference; -- called also dagger [/]. See Dagger. ...
/o/obelisk.htm - 7k

Dagon (9 Occurrences)

/d/dagon.htm - 12k

Zealots
... They were afterwards called Sicarii, from their use of the sica, ie, the Roman
dagger. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. ZEALOT; ZEALOTS. ...
/z/zealots.htm - 8k

Knife (10 Occurrences)
... 2. (n.) A sword or dagger. 3. (vt) To prune with the knife. 4. (vt) To cut or
stab with a knife. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. KNIFE. ...
/k/knife.htm - 13k

Inflict (25 Occurrences)
... striking; to apply forcibly; to lay or impose; to send; to cause to bear, feel,
or suffer; as, to inflict blows; to inflict a wound with a dagger; to inflict ...
/i/inflict.htm - 14k

Ehud (12 Occurrences)
... At length Ehud, by a stratagem, put Eglon to death with a two-edged dagger a cubit
long, and routed the Moabites at the fords of the Jordan, putting 10,000 of ...
/e/ehud.htm - 11k

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