Bible Dictionary
TORCH
A torch was a large portable light or flambeau, used for illumination and sometimes associated with armies, visions, or divine signs. Biblical references include Gideon’s men, prophetic imagery, Jesus’ arrest, and judgment imagery in Revelation.
Definition
A torch was a large portable light or flambeau. It was used to illuminate darkness and could appear in military scenes, prophetic visions, symbolic descriptions, and the account of Jesus’ arrest.
Biblical Usage
Torches are associated with Gideon’s men, prophetic and visionary imagery, the forces sent to arrest Jesus, and the symbolic judgments described in Revelation. They also appear in descriptions of divine or threatening manifestations.
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>torch (lappidh; lampas; in the King James Version this word occurs only 4 times (Na 2:3,4 (Hebrew 4,5); Zec 12:6; Joh 18:3). In the Revised Version (British and American) it is found 10 times (Ge 15:17; Jud 7:16,20; Job 41:19 (Hebrew 11); Eze 1:13; Da 10:6; Na 2:4 (Hebrew 5); Zec 12:6; Joh 18:3; Re 8:10)): A flambeau; a large portable light.</p><p>See LAMP; LANTERN.</p>