מָגֵן

From the study of Proverbs 2:7

Range of meaning

A shield, usually the smaller round shield carried by a soldier (as opposed to the large body-shield, tsinnāh). Used figuratively of a protector, including kings ('shields of the earth', Ps 47:9) and above all God.

Against the English

KJV's 'buckler' is accurate but archaic, since a buckler is a small hand-shield. 'Shield' in modern versions is fine.

Used elsewhere in the period

Gen 15:1 'I am your shield'; Deut 33:29; Ps 3:3; 18:2, 30; Prov 30:5 'he is a shield to those who take refuge in him'. The closest parallel is Ps 84:11: 'the LORD God is sun and shield … no good thing does he withhold from those who walk in integrity (hōlᵉkîm bᵉtāmîm)'. That verse uses the same shield-plus-walking-in-integrity pairing.

From the study of Psalm 3:3

Range of meaning

A hand-held shield, usually the smaller round type, as distinct from the tsinnah, the large body shield (both appear in 1 Kings 10:16–17). By extension it means a protector or defender, and it is used as a title for kings and rulers: 'our shield' stands in parallel with 'your anointed' (Ps 84:9) and 'our king' (Ps 89:18). The rulers of the earth are 'the shields of the earth' (Ps 47:9).

Against the English

English 'shield' is accurate. What a modern reader may miss is the royal and personal side. A magen was carried by someone, and 'shield' could name a king or overlord who protects his people.

Used elsewhere in the period

God names himself Abram's shield in Genesis 15:1 ('I am your shield'), and Moses calls him Israel's 'shield of your help' in Deuteronomy 33:29. It is a common title for God in the Psalms (18:2, 28:7, 84:11, 115:9–11). The Septuagint here does not say 'shield' at all. It has antilēmptōr, 'helper, one who takes hold of [me],' and the Vulgate follows with susceptor, 'one who takes [me] up.'

From the study of Proverbs 30:5

Range of meaning

A small round or oval shield carried on the arm by infantry, different from the 'tsinnah', the large body shield. Figuratively it means a protector, and is sometimes used of a king (Ps 47:9; 84:9; 89:18).

Against the English

'Shield' is accurate. What English can miss is that this is a close-combat, personal piece of equipment and a familiar royal title.

Used elsewhere in the period

Gen 15:1 ('I am your shield'); Deut 33:29; Ps 3:3; 18:2, 30; Prov 2:7 ('he is a shield to those who walk blamelessly'). Ancient Near Eastern kings and gods were praised as protective shields.