Jump to: ISBE • Easton's • Webster's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Greek • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, the term "dart" is often used to describe a small, pointed weapon, similar to a spear or arrow, that could be thrown by hand. The dart is mentioned in several passages of the Bible, symbolizing both physical and spiritual threats.Old Testament References In the Old Testament, darts are typically associated with warfare and the armaments of ancient soldiers. For example, in 2 Samuel 18:14, Joab uses three darts to kill Absalom: "Joab said, 'I will not wait like this for you.' So he took three darts in his hand and thrust them into Absalom’s heart while he was still alive in the oak tree." Here, the dart is a literal weapon used in battle, demonstrating its role in the military tactics of the time. New Testament Symbolism In the New Testament, the concept of a dart takes on a more symbolic meaning, particularly in the context of spiritual warfare. Ephesians 6:16 speaks of the "fiery darts of the evil one": "In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the fiery darts of the evil one." In this passage, the Apostle Paul uses the imagery of a dart to describe the spiritual attacks and temptations that believers may face from Satan. The "fiery darts" represent the various forms of spiritual assault, such as doubt, fear, and temptation, that can threaten a Christian's faith. Spiritual Warfare and Protection The Bible emphasizes the importance of spiritual preparedness and protection against these metaphorical darts. The "shield of faith" mentioned in Ephesians 6:16 is part of the "armor of God," a set of spiritual tools that believers are encouraged to "put on" to stand firm against evil. This imagery underscores the necessity of faith as a defense mechanism, capable of extinguishing the harmful effects of these spiritual attacks. Cultural and Historical Context In the ancient Near East, darts were a common part of a soldier's arsenal, often used in conjunction with other weapons like swords and shields. They were typically made of wood with a pointed metal or stone tip. The use of darts in warfare required skill and precision, as they were effective at short to medium range. This historical context enriches the metaphorical use of darts in the New Testament, as it draws on the familiar imagery of battle to convey spiritual truths. Conclusion While the literal use of darts in the Bible is limited to a few specific instances, their symbolic representation in the New Testament provides a powerful illustration of the spiritual challenges faced by believers. The imagery of fiery darts serves as a reminder of the ongoing spiritual battle and the need for faith and divine protection. Easton's Bible Dictionary An instrument of war; a light spear. "Fiery darts" (Ephesians 6:16) are so called in allusion to the habit of discharging darts from the bow while they are on fire or armed with some combustible material. Arrows are compared to lightning (Deuteronomy 32:23, 42; Psalm 7:13; 120:4). Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) A pointed missile weapon, intended to be thrown by the hand; a short lance; a javelin; hence, any sharp-pointed missile weapon, as an arrow.2. (n.) Anything resembling a dart; anything that pierces or wounds like a dart. 3. (n.) A spear set as a prize in running. 4. (n.) A fish; the dace. See Dace. 5. (v. t.) To throw with a sudden effort or thrust, as a dart or other missile weapon; to hurl or launch. 6. (v. t.) To throw suddenly or rapidly; to send forth; to emit; to shoot; as, the sun darts forth his beams. 7. (v. i.) To fly or pass swiftly, as a dart. 8. (v. i.) To start and run with velocity; to shoot rapidly along; as, the deer darted from the thicket. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia DARTdart (chets; belos): A pointed missile weapon, as an arrow or light spear (2 Samuel 18:14 Job 41:26). See ARMOR; ARMS, III, 4; ARROW. Figurative: Greek 1002. bolis -- a dart, javelin. ... a dart, javelin. Transliteration: bolis Phonetic Spelling: (bol-ece') Short Definition: dart. Word Origin from ballo Definition a dart, javelin. dart. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1002.htm - 5k 956. belos -- a needle 4517. rhonnumi -- to strengthen, be strong Strong's Hebrew 4551b. massa -- a missile, dart... a missile, dart. Transliteration: massa Short Definition: dart. Word Origin from an unused word Definition a missile, dart NASB Word Usage dart (1). ... /hebrew/4551b.htm - 5k 3591. kidon -- a dart, javelin 4968. Methushelach -- perhaps "man of the dart," a descendant of ... 1675. daah -- to fly swiftly, dart through the air 5860b. it -- to dart greedily 2907. tus -- to rush, dart 7973. shelach -- a missile, weapon, sprout 7626. shebet -- rod, staff, club, scepter, tribe 4551. macca' -- a quarry or quarrying 2671. chets -- arrow Library Creatures that are Able to Dart their Thoughts into all Spaces Can ... An Instance Showing How King Hezekiah was Overthrown by the Dart ... Concerning the Tyrants Simon and John. How Also as Titus was Going ... Treats of How God Inspires the Soul with Such Vehement and ... But, if it Does not Weary You, Let the Point Out as Briefly as ... How one of the Towers Erected by the Romans Fell Down of Its Own ... Dilemma and Deliverance The Shield of Faith On the Saying of the Saviour, "All that came Before Me were ... Of Faith. Thesaurus Dart (9 Occurrences)... arrow. 2. (n.) Anything resembling a dart; anything that pierces or wounds like a dart. 3 ... beams. 7. (vi) To fly or pass swiftly, as a dart. 8 ... /d/dart.htm - 10k Dart-snake (1 Occurrence) Dartsnake Serpent (40 Occurrences) Glance (5 Occurrences) Bolt (5 Occurrences) Darnel (9 Occurrences) Darting (4 Occurrences) Dash (30 Occurrences) Resources What was the leviathan? | GotQuestions.orgDart: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Dart (9 Occurrences)Hebrews 12:20 2 Chronicles 23:10 Job 33:18 Job 36:12 Job 41:19 Job 41:21 Job 41:26 Proverbs 7:23 Nahum 2:4 Subtopics Related Terms |
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