Bible Dictionary
Artillery
In older English usage, artillery could mean weapons or military equipment generally. In 1 Samuel it refers to Jonathan’s bow and arrows and is rendered “weapons” in modern versions.
Definition
Artillery in older English biblical usage means military equipment or missile weapons collectively. The underlying term can mean apparatus or equipment.
Biblical Usage
In 1 Samuel 20:40, artillery refers to Jonathan’s bow and arrows and is rendered “weapons” in the Revised Version. In 1 Maccabees it refers to instruments for casting fire and stones.
Historical Background
The English word comes from the Latin term for equipment of war. The biblical usage is broader than the modern sense of large firearms.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
1 Sam. 20:40, (Heb. keli, meaning “apparatus;” here meaning collectively any missile weapons, as arrows and lances. In Revised Version, “weapons”). This word is derived from the Latin artillaria = equipment of war.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>ar-til'-er-i (keli): In 1Sa 20:40 (the King James Version) of Jonathan's bow and arrows, replaced in the Revised Version (British and American) by WEAPONS; and in 1 Macc 6:51 (the King James Version) where the Greek words are translated in the Revised Version (British and American) "instruments for casting fire and stones."</p>