Bible Dictionary
FORK
A fork was a three-pronged agricultural implement, probably used for handling grain or other material. The term occurs once and may possibly describe a weapon.
Definition
A fork is an agricultural implement with three points or prongs, probably used like a pitchfork for handling grain or other material. The term could also describe a weapon, though the agricultural use is considered most likely.
Biblical Usage
The word occurs only once, in the description of an implement with three prongs. The supplied material identifies it as probably an agricultural tool while allowing that it might have been a weapon.
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>fork (shelosh qilleshon):</p><p>This compound word, meaning strictly "three points" or "three prongs," is found only once (1Sa 13:21), and doubtless there refers to the agricultural tool now known as the pitchfork. It might, however, also be a weapon.</p>