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βέλος

bélos

G956 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

A missile or projectile, typically something cast or thrown such as an arrow, dart, spear, or any object intended to cause harm by being hurled or shot. The word can refer to any kind of weapon used at a distance, and by extension in metaphorical contexts may denote something that wounds or harms in a non-literal sense (e.g., words or evil influences).

Semantic Range

missile, projectile, arrow, dart, spear, thrown weapon, metaphorical harm, figurative arrow or dart

Root / Etymology

From the root βαλ- (from βάλλω), meaning 'to throw, to cast'. The noun βέλος designates that which is thrown.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, βέλος refers to any missile (projectile weapon), including arrows, spears, javelins, and even stones hurled by a sling. Its usage is common in epic and military literature (Homer, Herodotus). In Hellenistic Greek and the Septuagint, it remains a general term for projectile weapons, often used for arrows, but can also signify other thrown/lethal objects. In the New Testament (e.g. Ephesians 6:16), βέλος appears in a metaphorical sense, referring to 'fiery darts' or projectiles as an illustration for harmful attacks (literal and figurative). Most English translations render βέλος as 'dart' or 'arrow,' but this does not always capture the broader range including any missile weapon. Its meaning contrasts with ῥομφαία (sword) and μάχαιρα (dagger), which refer to bladed weapons for close combat. In the Septuagint, βέλος regularly translates Hebrew חֵץ (ḥēṣ, arrow), but is not restricted to it. The term did not develop significant new shades of meaning post-biblically; rather, its metaphorical usage expanded.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from βάλλω; a missile, i.e. spear or arrow:--dart.

Root Family

βέλος (belos) — missile, projectile, that which is thrown

Root βαλ- to throw, to cast

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G956-01 βέλη bele N ACC N PL darts/arrows thrown projectiles thrown projectiles 1

Occurrences in Scripture

1 occurrence

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G956-01 Ephesians 6:16 βέλη bele N ACC N PL darts/arrows thrown projectiles thrown projectiles
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