τόξον
tóxon
G5115 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A bow — a weapon for shooting arrows, consisting typically of a curved piece of wood whose ends are joined by a taut string. In extended or metaphorical contexts, may refer to the instrument itself, to archery in general, or symbolically to warfare and power. The primary meaning concerns the physical weapon for projecting arrows; in figurative contexts, may suggest conflict, strength, or judgment.
Semantic Range
bow (weapon for shooting arrows), archery, symbol of power/conflict/war (figurative or metaphorical use)
Root / Etymology
From the root τόξ-, of uncertain further origin; possibly related to τίκτω ('to bring forth, produce') suggesting 'something that is put forth' (this relationship is speculative and not securely attested; the semantic connection is not clear). Cognate with Latin 'arcus' (bow) only by function, not etymology. The word is attested from Homeric Greek onward.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In Classical and Hellenistic Greek, τόξον refers consistently to the projectile weapon (the bow). In the Septuagint, it regularly translates Hebrew קֶשֶׁת (qeshet), capturing both literal (military weapon) and occasional metaphorical uses (e.g., symbolizing war, divine judgment, or martial prowess). In the New Testament (e.g., Rev 6:2), τόξον likewise denotes the bow as a weapon, with possible figurative applications shaped by its military connotations. Unlike some words for arms/weaponry, τόξον never denotes a musical instrument (as 'bow' can in English). Although English translations render τόξον as 'bow,' in ancient contexts this term always connotes weaponry and is not ambiguous. The Greek plural, τόξα, can denote a set of bows or, metonymically, archery. Usage in Greek literature extends from epic poetry through Roman Imperial times without significant semantic shift.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from the base of τίκτω; a bow (apparently as the simplest fabric):--bow.
Root Family
τόξον (toxon) — bow (weapon), archery
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G5115-01 |
τόξον | toxon | N ACC N SG |
a bow | a bow | a bow | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G5115-01 |
Revelation 6:2 | τόξον | toxon | N ACC N SG |
a bow | a bow | a bow |