The oldest Bible verse ever found is 2,600 years old and is the Priestly Blessing of Numbers 6:22-27. This was found in a forgotten and undisturbed tomb outside of the heart of Jerusalem, probably in the tomb of a priest from the First Temple Period. 

Both Iris & Toxon mean Rainbow in the Bible

By Eli Kittim 🎓

All the Evidence Points to a Christ-Like Figure in Rev. 6.2

In this study I want to focus primarily on two words, iris & toxon, in order to show how they completely change our understanding of Revelation 6.2. But before I do this, I would first like to show you some proofs concerning the implied benevolence of the White horseman of the Apocalypse. That the white horse is a symbol of purity and righteousness is multiply attested by its linguistic usage patterns. For example, the phrase “and behold, a white horse,” in Rev. 19.11, is identical to the one used in Revelation 6.2. In other words, the two white horses of Revelation 19 & 6 represent the exact same figure who “is called Faithful and True” (Rev. 19.11)! That’s why Irenaeus, a second century theologian, held the same view, namely, that the first rider of the white horse who is depicted as a peacemaker represents Jesus Christ (Mounce, Robert H. The Book of Revelation. New International Commentary on the New Testament. Rev. ed. [Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1997], p. 141).

This is also confirmed by the type of crown the rider of the white horse wears. Stephanos “crowns” are typically worn by believers and victors in Christ (see e.g. the Greek text of Matthew 27.29; James 1.12; 2 Timothy 4.8; 1 Peter 5.4; Revelation 2.10; 4.4; 14.14)! All these proofs clearly show that the white horseman of Rev. 6.2 is neither deceptive nor evil, as many Bible commentators would have us believe!

The Hebrew Bible Uses the Word Bow for Rainbow

In the New Testament, the Greek noun ἶρις (iris) means “rainbow” (see https://biblehub.com/greek/2463.htm). Curiously enough, the Greek noun τόξον (toxon), which we find in Rev. 6.2, means “bow” but——as we shall see——it also means “rainbow” (see https://biblehub.com/greek/5115.htm). Τόξον can be seen as a contraction for ουράνιον τόξον (rainbow), from Ancient Greek οὐρανός ("heaven") + τόξον ("bow").

Given that the Greek noun “iris” is the most widely used term for “rainbow” in the New Testament, some commentators argue that since the word in Rev. 6.2 is “toxon,” not “iris,” it means that “toxon” (τόξον) cannot possibly refer to a rainbow. However, many notable Bible commentators, such as Chuck Missler, have said that the “bow” (toxon) in Rev. 6.2 appears to represent the “rainbow” of Genesis 9.13. In other words, the bow (toxon) represents the peace-covenant of Genesis 9.13. The actual verse in Genesis 9.13 (NRSV) reads:

“I have set my bow in the clouds, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and the earth.”

Bear in mind that Genesis 9.13 uses the Hebrew phrase qaš·tî (קַשְׁתִּ֕י), which means “my bow.” It comes from the Hebrew noun קֶשֶׁת (qesheth), which means——wait for it——a bow (https://biblehub.com/hebrew/7198.htm).

The Septuagint (LXX) Translates the Hebrew Word for Rainbow with the Greek Word Toxon

Further evidence that “toxon” (bow) can mean “rainbow” comes from the Septuagint, an early Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible. Lo and behold, the Septuagint translates “rainbow” as τόξον (toxon) in Genesis 9.13!

Thus, this brief study illustrates my point, namely, that “iris” and “toxon” are interchangeable in the Bible! The Septuagint (LXX) translation of Genesis 9.13 by L.C.L. Brenton reads as follows:

τὸ τόξον μου τίθημι ἐν τῇ νεφέλῃ, καὶ ἔσται εἰς σημεῖον διαθήκης ἀνὰ μέσον ἐμοῦ καὶ τῆς γῆς.

Translation:

“I set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a sign of covenant between me and the earth.”

Conclusion

Subscribe by email | Subscribe in iTunes | Subscribe on Spotify

In this week’s text, we look at a word from the prophet Micah! It’s a favorite passage of ours and we can’t wait to unpack it and see what new things we can illuminate by bringing our queerness to bear on the text!

In this episode, we:

Registration is open for the Faithful Sexuality course! [And Brian finally gets to say “Slide into our DMs]  [starting at 0:46]

We shout out our Patron Beatrice and Indigo and talk about the power of Patreon [starting at 1:58]

We answer a listener question about how you decide whether or not seminary is the right next move.  [starting at 3:17]

We offer a queer reading of Micah 6:1-8. We explore what God asks of us (and give a little insight into where the name of our online community “Sanctuary Collective” comes from).  [starting at 9:55]

If you want to support the Patreon and help keep the podcast up and running, you can learn more and pledge your support at patreon.com/queertheology

If you'd like to be featured in future episodes, email your question or Bible passage suggestion to [email protected] (more deets in the ep)

Links Mentioned in this episode: queertheology.com/faithfulsexuality Divine in the Differences, feat Indigo Rose

Joseph tells his brothers about a dream he had in which his brothers’ sheaves of wheat bowed to his sheaf. This makes them hate him more than they already do. Then he tells his brothers and father about a dream he had in which the sun, moon, and eleven stars bowed to him. This makes his brothers jealous and is of concern to his father. His brothers plot to kill him, then after they decide not to do that they throw him into a pit and he is sold to some Ishmaelite merchants on their way to Egypt, who transport him on the back of a camel along with their other goods. Later, Joseph’s brother Judah engages the services of a veiled prostitute sitting by the entrance to Enaim. He doesn’t know that the prostitute is his widowed daughter-in-law Tamar*. In Egypt, Joseph has been purchased by Potiphar, courtier of the Pharaoh. He has risen to a high position in the household due to his excellent service. While Potiphar is away, Potiphar’s wife tries to seduce Joseph. Joseph flees as Potiphar’s wife grabs at his garment.