Scimitar
ArtifactsWhat is the meaning of Scimitar in the Bible?
The scimitar is a curved sword referenced in the deuterocanonical Book of Judith, where Judith uses it to decapitate the Assyrian general Holofernes; the King James Version translates the Hebrew term as 'fauchion' or 'sword'.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding the scimitar as a curved blade clarifies the physical mechanics of Judith's act of violence, emphasizing the precision and force required to sever the head of a heavily armored general, thereby highlighting the narrative's focus on divine intervention through unconventional means.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Physical & Symbolic Reality: Physical objects and natural elements like Scimitar were everyday realities for biblical writers, frequently used as living metaphors for spiritual truths.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Scimitar in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Scimitar 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
"Scimitar." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/scimitar/