Bible Dictionary
Axe
An axe was a cutting and hewing tool used for felling trees, preparing timber, and other work. Scripture also uses the axe figuratively for judgment and for an instrument of war.
Definition
An axe was a cutting or hewing instrument used for felling trees and preparing timber for building. Different biblical terms emphasize its chopping action, sharpness, iron construction, or use as a hewing instrument. The term can also refer to a heavy weapon, though the battle-axe in Jeremiah may more precisely mean a maul or heavy mace.
Biblical Usage
Scripture uses the axe in descriptions of tree-felling, timber work, and warfare. It also appears figuratively in the image of the axe laid at the root of trees, representing judgment.
Historical Background
The biblical translations reflect several Hebrew words associated with chopping, sharpness, iron, and hewing. One term translated “axe” in an older version is rendered “tongs” in the Revised Version.
Scripture References
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Used in the Authorized Version of Deut. 19:5; 20:19; 1 Kings 6:7, as the translation of a Hebrew word which means “chopping.” It was used for felling trees (Isa. 10:34) and hewing timber for building. It is the rendering of a different word in Judg. 9:48, 1 Sam. 13:20, 21, Ps. 74:5, which refers to its sharpness. In 2 Kings 6:5 it is the translation of a word used with reference to its being made of iron. In Isa. 44:12 the Revised Version renders by “axe” the Hebrew maatsad, which means a “hewing” instrument. In the Authorized Version it is rendered “tongs.” It is also used in Jer. 10:3, and rendered “axe.” The “battle-axe” (army of Medes and Persians) mentioned in Jer. 51:20 was probably, as noted in the margin of the Revised Version, a “maul” or heavy mace. In Ps. 74:6 the word so rendered means “feller.” (See the figurative expression in Matt. 3:10; Luke 3:9.)