קַיִן
𐤒𐤉𐤍
qayin
H7013 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A metal spearhead or lance, primarily used as a weapon in combat, typically of iron or bronze. The term emphasizes the functional aspect of a stabbing or thrusting implement rather than a simple staff or rod. While most occurrences denote a weapon, in some later Hebrew literature, it can refer broadly to a javelin or pointed blade.
Semantic Range
spear, lance, javelin; metal spearhead; pointed weapon
Root / Etymology
From the root קון (kun), meaning 'to be fixed, to stand firm, to set up.' The noun appears to develop from the idea of a fixed or rigid object, hence 'spear' as a weapon that strikes and holds fast when thrust. The connection with 'fixity' pertains more to the function (a weapon that is thrust/stuck) than to material or manufacture. This is distinct from the personal name קַיִן ('Qayin,' Cain), though they are spelled identically.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In the Hebrew Bible, קַיִן as a common noun is rare, most frequently appearing in poetry or later Hebrew, such as Psalm 35:3 ("draw out the spear"). It refers specifically to a military implement, contrasted with other general terms for weapons like חֶרֶב (ḥerev, 'sword') or קֶשֶׁת (qeshet, 'bow'). The base root meaning, 'set up' or 'fix,' aligns with the action of a spear (to plant, to thrust so as to remain fixed), rather than a more generic term for weaponry. In genealogical contexts, קַיִן serves as a personal name (see Genesis 4), unrelated in sense to the implement; English translations sometimes conflate the personal name and weapon through spelling alone. Later translation traditions (English 'Cain') preserve the Hebrew form for the personal name, but translate the object as 'spear' or 'lance.' There is no evidence in the biblical text that the weapon 'qayin' had exclusive ritual or symbolic connotation beyond its military use.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from קוּן in the original sense of fixity; a lance (as striking fast); spear.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
קון (q-w-n) — to be fixed, to stand firm, to set up
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H6969 | קוּן | lament-chanting women |
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H7013-01 |
קֵינ/וֹ֙ | qeyno | HNcmsc/Sp3ms |
his spear | his spear | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H7013-01 |
2 Samuel 21:16 | קֵינ/וֹ֙ | qeyno | HNcmsc/Sp3ms |
his spear | his spear |