In biblical times, a quiver was an essential piece of equipment for an archer, used to hold arrows. The quiver is mentioned in various contexts throughout the Bible, symbolizing readiness for battle, the strength of warriors, and the blessings of children.

Old Testament References

The quiver is first mentioned in Genesis 27:3, where Isaac instructs Esau, "Now then, take your weapons—your quiver and bow—and go out into the field to hunt some game for me." Here, the quiver is part of the tools of a hunter, emphasizing its practical use in daily life.

In the context of warfare, the quiver is often associated with strength and preparedness. Isaiah 22:6 states, "Elam takes up the quiver, with chariots and horsemen, and Kir uncovers the shield." This passage highlights the quiver as a symbol of military might and readiness for battle.

The imagery of a quiver is also used metaphorically in the Psalms. Psalm 127:4-5 compares children to arrows in the hands of a warrior: "Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are children born in one’s youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them." Here, the quiver represents the blessings and strength that come from having many children, portraying them as a source of protection and legacy.

Prophetic and Poetic Imagery

The prophets often used the imagery of a quiver to convey messages of judgment and divine action. In Jeremiah 5:16, the Babylonians are described as having a quiver that is "like an open grave; they are all mighty men." This vivid imagery underscores the threat and destruction posed by the Babylonian army.

Similarly, in Lamentations 3:13, the quiver is used to express personal suffering: "He pierced my heart with arrows from His quiver." This metaphor illustrates the deep emotional and spiritual anguish experienced by the speaker, attributed to divine discipline.

Symbolism and Interpretation

In biblical symbolism, the quiver often represents preparedness, strength, and the potential for action. It is a container of arrows, which are tools of both sustenance and warfare. The quiver's capacity to hold multiple arrows can also symbolize abundance and blessing, as seen in the context of family and children.

The quiver's role in biblical narratives and poetry reflects the broader themes of reliance on God for protection and provision. It serves as a reminder of the importance of being equipped and ready, whether for physical battles or spiritual challenges.

Cultural and Historical Context

In ancient Near Eastern cultures, the quiver was typically made from leather or wood and was carried on the back or the hip. Its design allowed for quick access to arrows, which was crucial in both hunting and combat situations. The quiver's presence in biblical texts reflects its significance in the daily life and military practices of the time.

Overall, the quiver in the Bible is a multifaceted symbol, representing not only the practical aspects of life in ancient times but also deeper spiritual truths about readiness, strength, and the blessings of God.7982. shelet -- perhaps shield
... shields. Word Origin from an unused word Definition perhaps shield NASB Word
Usage quivers (1), shields (5), small shields (1). shield. ...
/hebrew/7982.htm - 6k

Thoughts on the Last Battle
... tyrant. He shuts his eyes, but he feels the cold and bony hand upon his forehead;
he quivers, for the siting of death is in his heart. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/thoughts on the last battle.htm

The Christian view of Sorrow
... The stoic is as far from its ideal of virtue as the epicurean. The heart of the
true saint quivers at pain, and his eyes are filled with tears. ...
/.../chapin/the crown of thorns/the christian view of sorrow.htm

Saint George Kills the Enchanter Osmond.
... stood her maiden attendants in comely attire, with silver coronets on their heads,
and silver bows in their hands, while at their backs hung quivers full of ...
/.../the seven champions of christendom/chapter thirteen saint george kills.htm

The Two Guards, Praying and Watching
... their purpose. No arrows will be left in the quivers of hell while there
are godly men and women at whom they can be aimed. Satan ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 38 1892/the two guards praying and.htm

The Hearing Ear and the Seeing Eye
... The tiny drum of the ear, which quivers with every sound which strikes it, puts
to shame with its divine workmanship all the clumsy workmanship of man. ...
/.../kingsley/town and country sermons/sermon vi the hearing ear.htm

Egg-Shell Christians
... Self-love begets vanity; it quivers in keenest anguish at a sneer or a
scornful smile; it is distressed by even a fancied slight. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/naylor/heart talks/talk seven egg-shell christians.htm

Goths at Antioch
... the Minister in the splendour of their armour"their necks encircled with collars
of gold, the tawny wolfskins belted over their breasts, the quivers on their ...
/.../chapter xi goths at antioch.htm

Preface. Reason for a New Work
... Moreover, when they gratify secret lust, they hang up their quivers on their
car-yokes, [2329] to warn off the curious and rash observer. ...
/.../tertullian/the five books against marcion/chapter i preface reason for a.htm

The vision of God.
... Dwells in the Man Jesus Christ! Scarce ringeth the Cherubims' harp here, it quivers,.
Scarce sound on their voices, they tremble, they tremble! Hosanna! ...
/.../winkworth/christian singers of germany/the vision of god.htm

How Athaliah Reigned Over Jerusalem for Five [Six] Years when ...
... which David had made in the temple, and distributed to the captains of hundreds,
as also to the priests and Levites, all the spears and quivers, and what kind ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 7 how athaliah reigned.htm

Quivers (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Quivers (1 Occurrence). Jeremiah 51:11 Make sharp
the arrows; hold firm the shields: Jehovah hath stirred ...
/q/quivers.htm - 6k

Quota (5 Occurrences)

/q/quota.htm - 8k

Quivering (2 Occurrences)

/q/quivering.htm - 7k

Ulai (2 Occurrences)
... campaign against Te-umman. Its rapid stream bears away the bodies of men and
horses, with chariots, bows and quivers. The bodies which ...
/u/ulai.htm - 9k

Mouse (2 Occurrences)
... the army of Sennacherib (2 Kings 19:35) by saying that in the night thousands of
mice invaded the camp and gnawed through the bow-strings, quivers, and shields ...
/m/mouse.htm - 10k

Hellenism
... customs differed widely in various lands; indeed, it is altogether likely that the
collection of strange and shocking customs which filled the quivers of the ...
/h/hellenism.htm - 26k

Hellenist
... customs differed widely in various lands; indeed, it is altogether likely that the
collection of strange and shocking customs which filled the quivers of the ...
/h/hellenist.htm - 26k

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