Apocalyptic Power: τόξον (Strong’s G5115: toxon) Reveals Divine Conquest

Strong’s G5115: A noun referring to a bow used as a weapon. In biblical context, particularly in Revelation, it symbolizes conquest and divine authority. Its appearance with the first horseman of the Apocalypse signifies powerful, far-reaching judgment and victory.

U – Unveiling the Word

τόξον appears significantly in Revelation 6:2 as part of the apocalyptic imagery of the first horseman. This weapon symbolizes conquest and authority, reaching beyond mere military might to represent divine power and judgment. In ancient warfare, the bow represented both distance warfare and sovereign power, as it was often associated with royal authority in Near Eastern iconography. The early church understood τόξον as a symbol of the expanding reach of divine authority and judgment. Today, it reminds us of the Messiah’s ultimate victory and sovereign power over all creation.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: τόξον, toxon, /ˈtok.son/
• Detailed Pronunciation: TOCK-sohn (where ‘o’ is like in “top”)
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• From Proto-Indo-European *tekw- (to flee, run)
• Root: τοξ- (tox-) indicating shooting or archery
• Suffix: -ον (-on) forming neuter nouns

D – Defining Meanings

• Bow (weapon)
• Archer’s weapon
• Symbol of conquest

For compound words: Not applicable as τόξον is a simple noun

Translation Options:

• “bow” – most direct translation
• “war bow” – emphasizing military context
• “archer’s bow” – specifying weapon type

E – Exploring Similar Words

• βέλος (belos) /ˈbe.los/ – arrow, dart See G956
• ῥομφαία (rhomphaia) /rʰom.ˈpʰai.a/ – large sword See G4501
• μάχαιρα (machaira) /ˈma.kʰai.ra/ – sword See G3162

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

• Case: Nominative/Accusative
• Number: Singular
• Gender: Neuter
• Declension: Second

The noun follows standard second declension patterns:

• Nominative: τόξον
• Genitive: τόξου
• Dative: τόξῳ
• Accusative: τόξον

Cross-references: Related adjective τοξικός meaning “of or for the bow”

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

Lexicons provide rich understanding of τόξον. BDAG emphasizes its symbolic significance in Revelation. Thayer’s notes its military applications and metaphorical uses. LSJ documents extensive classical usage in warfare contexts. Vine’s highlights its apocalyptic significance. Strong’s connects it to the concept of conquest and military might. Moulton and Milligan cite military documents showing its technical usage. LEH notes its frequent occurrence in the Septuagint, particularly in contexts of divine warfare and judgment.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

“And I looked, and behold, a white horse! And its rider had a bow, and a crown was given to him, and he came out conquering, and to conquer.” Revelation 6:2

Additional References:
This is the only occurrence of τόξον in the New Testament.

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

τόξον symbolizes the far-reaching power and authority of divine conquest. In Revelation, it appears with the first horseman, signifying the expansion of God’s kingdom through judgment and victory. This word reveals that the good news of King Jesus includes His ultimate triumph over all opposition. The bow represents both judgment and deliverance, reminding us that the Messiah’s victory is complete and His authority extends to the ends of the earth.

D – Did You Know?

• The word τόξον gave us the English word “toxic,” originally referring to poison for arrows
• Ancient Near Eastern kings were often depicted with bows as symbols of authority
• The bow was considered the most sophisticated weapon in ancient warfare

Strong’s G5115: A noun referring to a bow used as a weapon. In biblical context, particularly in Revelation, it symbolizes conquest and divine authority. Its appearance with the first horseman of the Apocalypse signifies powerful, far-reaching judgment and victory.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: bow, weapon, apocalypse, revelation, conquest, victory, warfare, judgment, horsemen, divine-authority, military, end-times​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​