Bible Dictionary
Sword
The sword was a common weapon worn at the belt and carried in a sheath. Scripture also uses it as a symbol of judgment, violence, hostile speech, and the penetrating word of God.
Definition
The sword was a pointed, sometimes double-edged weapon carried in a sheath and suspended from the girdle. It was a standard weapon of warfare and personal combat.
Biblical Usage
The sword symbolizes divine chastisement and judgment, a slanderous tongue, and the word of God. “The sword of the Lord” was also Gideon’s watchword.
Historical Background
Biblical descriptions show the sword worn at the belt and drawn from its sheath.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Of the Hebrew was pointed, sometimes two-edged, was worn in a sheath, and suspended from the girdle (Ex. 32:27; 1 Sam. 31:4; 1 Chr. 21:27; Ps. 149:6: Prov. 5:4; Ezek. 16:40; 21:3-5). It is a symbol of divine chastisement (Deut. 32:25; Ps. 7:12; 78:62), and of a slanderous tongue (Ps. 57:4; 64:3; Prov. 12:18). The word of God is likened also to a sword (Heb. 4:12; Eph. 6:17; Rev. 1:16). Gideon’s watchword was, “The sword of the Lord” (Judg. 7:20).
Smith's Bible Dictionary
[Arms, Armor]
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>sord.</p><p>See ARMOR, III, 5.</p>