קַלָּע
𐤒𐤋𐤏
qallâʻ
H7051 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A person who operates a sling or hurls stones, typically as a combatant or in hunting. Used to designate a specific role or skill involving the use of a sling to propel stones or projectiles. In military contexts, depicts a specialized class of lightly armed warriors or scouts whose expertise lies in stone-throwing with a sling.
Semantic Range
slinger, stone-thrower, one who uses a sling in battle, skilled user of a sling in combat or hunting
Root / Etymology
From the root קלע (to sling, hurl, shoot, or cast, especially with a sling). The noun קַלָּע arises via an intensive formation (pattern קַטָּל) signifying a person marked by the activity of slinging — i.e., a slinger. The root suggests the general idea of flinging or projecting.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In biblical texts, קַלָּע appears as a designation for a role in the military ranks of Israelite and neighboring armies, notably among those assigned the task of using slings (e.g., 2 Kings 3:25; 1 Chronicles 12:2). Unlike archers or spearmen, slingers were valued for their maneuverability and range with stones, sometimes playing a key role in skirmishes or sieges. The word never refers to a mechanical device or a siege engine, but always to an individual practicing this skill. Usage is limited and primarily in late monarchic or post-monarchic contexts, aligning with increased militarization and the need for specialized troops. There is distinction from related terms like קָשָׁת (archer), which refers specifically to bowmen rather than slingers. Standard English translations often render קַלָּע as 'slinger,' which generally captures the basic sense, though nuances about skill, training, and military organization can be overlooked. In later periods, references to slingers may acquire more specialized or idiomatic meanings as military practices evolve.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
intensive from קָלַע; a slinger; slinger.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
קלע (q-l-ʿ) — to sling, hurl, shoot, cast
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H4734 | מִקְלַעַת | carved relief |
| H7049 | קָלַע | he slung |
| H7050 | קֶלַע | in the sling |
| H7084 | קְעִילָה | in Keilah |
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H7051-01 |
הַ/קַּלָּעִ֖ים | haqalaim | HTd/Ncmpa |
the-slingers | the slingers | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H7051-01 |
2 Kings 3:25 | הַ/קַּלָּעִ֖ים | haqalaim | HTd/Ncmpa |
the-slingers | the slingers |