קוֹבַע
qo.va
helmet
Lexicon Entry
Lexicon data from STEPBible TIPNR, Tyndale House, Cambridge. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
What Original Readers Understood
Supported# Qobah (Helmet): A Rare Military Term in Hebrew Scripture The Hebrew word *qobah* appears only twice in the biblical text, designating a helmet—a piece of protective headgear worn in warfare. This rarity suggests it was either a specialized military item or a term that the biblical authors used sparingly when referring to such equipment. The word's limited attestation makes it difficult to trace its full semantic range or development within Hebrew usage. Because *qobah* occurs so infrequently in the biblical corpus, its significance lies more in historical context than in theological development or varied application. Its presence in the text documents that ancient Hebrew-speaking communities were familiar with helmets as standard military equipment, confirming what archaeological and historical records show about ancient Near Eastern warfare. However, the scarcity of occurrences means the word likely had a straightforward, technical meaning rather than metaphorical or figurative uses in Scripture.
Source data & methodology
Occurrences in Scripture
2 total occurrences across the text
They will come against you with weapons, chariots, and wagons, and with a company of peoples. They will set themselves against you with buckler, shield, and helmet all around. I will commit the judgment to them, and they will judge you according to their judgments.
1 Samuel 17:38Saul dressed David with his clothing. He put a helmet of bronze on his head, and he clad him with a coat of mail.