Gorget
ArtifactsWhat is the meaning of Gorget in the Bible?
The Hebrew word 'gorget' (often translated as 'javelin' or 'dart' in older texts like the King James Version regarding Goliath) refers to a neck guard or collar. Modern scholarship and translations recognize it as a piece of armor, reflecting the material culture of ancient Near Eastern warfare rather than a throwing weapon.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding 'gorget' as armor clarifies the physical description of biblical warriors, providing insight into the protective gear and military technology of the ancient Near East.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Physical & Symbolic Reality: Physical objects and natural elements like Gorget were everyday realities for biblical writers, frequently used as living metaphors for spiritual truths.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Gorget in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Gorget clarify?
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Gorget." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/gorget/