qe.shet denotes a bow used with arrows in combat and hunting, and the bow seen in the cloud.

The term most often denotes a weapon handled, drawn, bent, broken, or used with arrows in battle and hunting. A smaller group of verses uses it for the bow visible in the cloud, including the sign associated with a covenant.

1. Weapon used with arrows · dominant

   In 2 Kings 13:15 the APB renders the command to take a bow together with arrows, and 2 Kings 13:16 places the king's hand upon it. In 1 Kings 22:34 a man draws it and strikes the king, while Ezekiel 39:3 pairs it with arrows that are made to fall from the hand.

   2 Kings 13:152 Kings 13:161 Kings 22:34Ezekiel 39:3Genesis 27:3Isaiah 5:28
2. Bow appearing in the cloud · rare

   In Genesis 9:13 the APB renders the clause, "I have set my bow in the cloud," where it is a sign of the covenant between God and the land. Genesis 9:14 and Genesis 9:16 likewise describe the bow as seen or present in the cloud, and Ezekiel 1:28 compares surrounding brightness to its appearance on a rainy day.

   Genesis 9:13Genesis 9:14Genesis 9:16Ezekiel 1:28

In the Anselm Project Bible: The APB commonly presents the term as "bow" in clauses about drawing, carrying, breaking, or using it with arrows. In Genesis 9:13, Genesis 9:14, Genesis 9:16, and Ezekiel 1:28, it presents a bow in or like one in the cloud.