Man Of War
ArtifactsWhat is the meaning of Man Of War in the Bible?
In a biblical context, the term 'man of war' refers to a formidable warrior or a divine being of judgment (e.g., the 'man of war' in Exodus 15:3), rather than a naval vessel.
SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing that 'man-of-war' is a modern maritime term rather than a biblical one prevents anachronistic interpretations of ancient naval references, such as those involving Solomon's fleet, and clarifies the distinction between ancient seafaring capabilities and later naval warfare concepts.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Physical & Symbolic Reality: Physical objects and natural elements like Man Of War were everyday realities for biblical writers, frequently used as living metaphors for spiritual truths.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Man Of War in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Man Of War clarify?
Scripture Passages Mentioned:
Exodus 15:3
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
"Man Of War." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/man-of-war/