Last update 25 December, 2014.
Plants and minerals
This article lists plants and minerals found in the Bible along with the use in ancient days. That information (hopefully) gives that little extra background information for better understanding of certain verses
Acacia
Picture Picture
Acacia is likely the shitta tree from the KJV translation. Among other things it was used to make the Altar of burned offering, the Ark of Covenant and tent of meeting (ex 25). Acacias are usually flat-
Exod 27:1 And thou shalt make the altar of acacia wood, five cubits long, and five cubits broad; the altar shall be foursquare: and the height thereof shall be three cubits.
Deut 10:3 So I made an ark of acacia wood, and hewed two tables of stone like unto the first, and went up into the mount, having the two tables in my hand
Algum/Almug tree
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Traditionally identified as sandal wood (Pterocarpus santalinus), was imported from Ophir to Judah by Hiram's fleet for Solomon (1 Kings 10:10-
This sweet scented 65 feet high Grecian juniper tree grew in Lebanon and Gilead, was used by king Solomon for the construction of the first Temple. The wood is black on the outside and ruby red on the inside.
2 Chron 2:1 Now Solomon purposed to build a house for the name of Jehovah, and a house for his kingdom.
2 Chron 2:8 Send me also cedar-
2 Chron 2:9 even to prepare me timber in abundance; for the house which I am about to build shall be great and wonderful.
1 Kings 10:12 And the king made of the almug-
Almond
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The most important biblical nut was THE Almond (prunus dulcis) (Prunus dulcis), which is a small tree with delightful whitish flowers in early spring before the leaves have sprouted. The nuts are well-
Aloe
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A genus of the lily family (Aloe succatrina Lam.) with thick fleshy basal leaves containing aloin. The OT references to aloes (Num.24.6 lign aloes kjv; Ps.45.8; Prov.7.17; Song.4.14) are more likely referring to a large and spreading tree known as the Indian eaglewood (Aquilaria agallocha Roxb.). When decaying, the inner wood gives off a fragrant resin used in making perfumes. John.19.39 is probably the only biblical reference to true aloe, a shrubby succulent plant containing juices that were used by the ancients for embalming and as a purgative. The bitter pith was used as a medicine and for embalming (John 19:39).
Num 24:6 As valleys are they spread forth, As gardens by the river-
Psalm 45:8 All thy garments smell of myrrh, and aloes, and cassia; Out of ivory palaces stringed instruments have made thee glad.
John 19:39 And there came also Nicodemus, he who at the first came to him by night, bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred pounds.
Apple
(Song of Sol. 2:3,5; 7:8), although some versions translate the word as "APRICOT." Either could be possible, but it is unlikely that fine varieties of apples were available so early.
Apricot
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A shade tree that reaches nearly thirty feet (nine m.) in height. It yields orange-
Balm
(Gen. 37:25) is a general term for medicinal ointment prepared from resin-
Barley
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A grain cultivated for man and beast in ancient Mesopotamia as early as 3500 b.c. Barley (Hordcum distichon L.) was the main staple bread plant of the Hebrews (Deut.8.8) and the main food of the poor (Ruth.1.22; 2Kgs.4.42; John.6.9, John.6.13). Its adaptability to a variety of climate conditions, tolerates poorer soil than wheat and its short growing season (Ex. 9:31,32) make it an excellent foodstuff. Barley straw served also for bedding and feed for livestock. Barleycorn was used by the Hebrews as a measure of length (one-
It was also used for brewing beer and as horse and cattle fodder (1 Kings 4:28). Sometimes barley was eaten roasted as parched grain (Ruth 2:14). Wheat and barley straw remaining after threshing was used for fuel (Isa. 47:14), and the fine chaff for instant heat in the oven.
Bay Tree
The Hebrew term for bay, meaning “native,” is found only in Ps.37.35, where it describes a tree symbolic of wealth and wickedness. It is translated in various ways: cedar of Lebanon (jb, rsv), green bay tree (kjv), green tree (niv), luxuriant tree (nasb), native green tree (mlb), and spreading tree (neb).
Bean
Several beans or pulses were grown in biblical times, especially lentils (Lens culinaris) in the more arid areas. The red pottage or soup made of lentils enabled Jacob to obtain Esau's birthright (Gen. 25:29-
Of the other pulses the broad bean (Vicia faba) and the chick pea (Cicer arietinum) were important and may have been the vegetables Daniel and his friends ate in Babylon (Dan. 1:12).
The broad bean, Faba vulgaris, L., is extensively cultivated in Palestine. The bean is sown in the fall and harvested after barley and wheat in the spring. A staple article of diet for the poor of Palestine (2Sam.17.28), the dried ground beans were mixed in with grain flour to make bread (Ezek.4.9).
Bramble
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A fast-
Brier, Briar
A plant with a woody or prickly stem (Judg.8.7, Judg.8.16; Ezek.28.24). A sure identification of the exact Hebrew and Greek words that mean brier is next to impossible. Fifteen Hebrew and four Greek terms are interchangeably translated as bramble, brier, thistle, or thorn, among the different English translations.
Broom
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A small flowering shrub or tree, reaching a height of twelve feet (almost four m.), with long slender branches and small leaves. The OT passages refer to the white broom, Retama raetam (Forsk.) Webb. and Berth. The white broom’s scant foliage provides little relief from the desert sun (1Kgs.19.4); its burning quality makes good firewood (Ps.120.4); and its mildly poisonous roots supply little gratification to hungry people (Job.30.4).
Brimstone
See sulfur.
Calamus
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A fragrant ginger-
Carob
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Ceratoria Siliqua L., a member of the pea family, native to the eastern Mediterranean, about fifty feet (sixteen m.) tall, with shiny evergreen leaves and red flowers. These red flowers form into pods in which seeds are embedded in a flavorful, sweet, and nutritious pulp. Called “St. John’s bread” from a belief that carob pods rather than insects were the locusts that John the Baptist ate (Matt.3.4; Mark.1.6). Doubtless the pods of the carob tree were the “pods” (kjv “husks”) eaten by the prodigal son in Jesus’ parable (Luke.15.16).
Cassia
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An aromatic bark of the Cinnonomum cassia Blume, related to cinnamon, though its bark is less delicate in taste and perfume. Its buds are used as a substitute for cloves in cooking. Cassia was mixed into the holy anointing oil of the tabernacle (Exod.30.24) and was a valuable trade product (Ezek.27.19).
Cedarwood
Cleansing of lepers, treating skin problems, cosmetics, calming.
Derived from an old Arabic root meaning a firmly rooted, strong tree, the word denotes a magnificent evergreen, often 120 feet (38 m.) high and 40 feet (13 m.) wide. It exudes a fragrant gum or balsam used as a preservative for fabric and parchment. The wood does not quickly decay and is insect-
Leviticus 14:4 Then shall the priest command to take for him that is to be cleansed two birds alive and clean, and cedar wood, and scarlet, and hyssop.
Leviticus 14:6 As for the living bird, he shall take it, and the cedar wood, and the scarlet, and the hyssop, and shall dip them and the living bird in the blood of the bird [that was] killed over the running water.
Leviticus 14:49 And he shall take to cleanse the house two birds, and cedar wood, and scarlet, and hyssop.
Cinnamon
A bushy evergreen tree (Cinnamomum zeylanicum Nees), about twenty feet (six m.) high, with spreading branches, native to Sri Lanka (Ceylon). Commercial cinnamon is obtained from the inner bark of the young branches. A cinnamon oil is also distilled from the branches for use in food, perfume, and drugs. The sweet, light brown aromatic spice was as precious as gold to the ancients. It was used for embalming and witchcraft in Egypt, the anointing oil of the tabernacle (Exod.30.23), perfume (Prov.7.17), spice (Song.4.14), and trade merchandise (Rev.18.13).The ancient Chinese used cinnamon to treat health conditions as early as 2700 B.C
Cinnamon calms the stomach and may even prevent ulcers. Recent research indicates cinnamon contains benzaldehyde, an anti-
Source: James A. Duke, Ph.D., Herbs of the Bible: 2,000 Years of Plant Medicine (Loveland, CO: Interweave Press, 1999)
Citron, Citrus Tree
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A small shrubby evergreen tree (Citrus medica) growing to a height of eleven feet (three and one-
The “goodly tree” mentioned in Lev.23.40 (kjv) derives its name from a Hebrew word meaning beautiful, magnificent, ornamental in reference to the tree or to its fruit.
Cockle
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An annual sturdy noxious weed (Agrostemma githago L.) with purplish red flowers found in abundance in Palestinian grain fields. The only place in Scripture that cockle is mentioned (kjv, mlb; stinkweed nasb; weed niv, rsv) is in Job.31.40.
Coriander
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A herb (Coriandrum sativum L.) of the carrot family, native to the Mediterranean region; it bears small yellowish-
Corn
See Grain.
Cotton
Gossypium herbaceum L. was imported into Palestine from Persia shortly after the Captivity. The Egyptians spun cotton into a fabric in which they wrapped their mummies. The RSV translation of “cotton” in Esth.1.6 and Isa.19.9 is perhaps more accurately “linen” (so niv)—the material made from cotton fibers.
Crocus
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Crocus biflorus L. is a spring-
Cucumber
A succulent vegetable cultivated from an annual vine plant with rough trailing stems and hairy leaves. Several varieties were known to the ancient Egyptians; Cucumis sativus L. was probably the most common. The refreshing fruit of the cucumber vine was one delicacy the children of Israel longed for in the hot wilderness after leaving Egypt (Num.11.5). The “lodge in a garden of cucumbers,” mentioned in Isa.1.8 (kjv; niv “hut in a field of melons”), was a frail temporary construction of four poles and walls of woven leaves, meant to house the watchman who guarded the garden during the growing season.
The cucumbers of biblical Egypt were most likely the snake-
Cummin
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This small, slender plant (Cuminum cyminum L.) is not found wild. It is the only specie of its genus and is native to western Asia. The strong-
Cypress
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A tall dense coniferous, pyramidal-
Typically with spreading branches, although often seen as a tall narrow tree planted beside cemeteries. References in the Bible to coniferous trees are confusing, but the cypress is evidently intended in Isaiah 40:20; 60:13, among others.
Desire
See Caper.
Dill
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An annual or biennial weedy umbellifer that grows like parsley and fennel. Native to Mediterranean countries, dill (Anethum graveolens) is used as a culinary seasoning and for medicinal purposes. This plant was cultivated for its aromatic seeds, which were subject to tithe. The one verse that mentions it (Matt.23.23 kjv anise) refers to the Pharisees tithing it
The Hebrew word has been variously translated as “dill” (rsv, nasb), “fitch” (kjv), and “caraway” (niv). The fitch (Nigella sativa L.) belongs to the buttercup family and is called the “nutmeg flower” (unrelated to cultivated nutmeg). Its tiny, hot, and easily removed seeds are sprinkled on food like pepper and also serve as a carminative. In like fashion, caraway (Carum carvi) faintly resembles dill, both being of the carrot family; it yields a pungent fruit used for similar purposes.
Dove’s Dung
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This is mentioned only once (2Kgs.6.25 kjv; cf. niv footnote), as a food that the famished people of Samaria were reduced to eating. Josephus and others believe this food substance to be the literal excrement of pigeons that may have contained food or mineral value. Others think that the original text meant to read “seed pods” (niv), “carob pods” or “locust beans” (neb), or “wild onion” (nab). A final conjecture is that dove’s dung is Ornithogalum umbellatum L., the bulb of the spring-
Ebony
A hard, heavy, durable, close-
Eelgrass
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A type of marine eelgrass from the Zosteraceae family, it thrives in tidal waters and may grow out to a depth of thirty-
Elm
See Terebinth.
Fig
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A versatile, bushlike tree (Fiscus carica L.), ranging from three to thirty-
Another kind of fig tree, the sycomore (Ficus sycomorus) grew in Egypt and in the warmer areas of the Holy Land. This large tree usually has low-
Fir Tree
A member of the pine family, the fir tree was an emblem of nobility and great stature. It is mentioned in Isa.41.19; Isa.60.13. Native to western Asia, there was throughout the time of the Crusades an entire forest of these pines between Jerusalem and Bethlehem. The fir tree yields turpentine, paper pulp, and oleoresins. The Hebrew word has been variously translated as pine, juniper, cypress, and fir.
Fitch
See Dill.
Flag
See Bulrush.
Flax
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A slender-
Frankincense
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A white or colorless resin yielded by several species of Boswellia, chiefly B. sacra, which is a shrub or small tree growing on both sides of the Red Sea. The resin is obtained by cutting the branches and collecting the exuding 'tears' which are burnt as incense in religious rites or as a personal fumigant. In the Bible, frankincense was prescribed for holy incense mixture (Ex. 30:31,34; Luke 1:9). It was also brought by the wise men to the infant Jesus, together with gold and myrrh (Matt. 2:11).
Galbanum
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A brownish yellow aromatic, bitter gum excreted from the incised lower part of the stem of the Persian Ferula galbaniflua a relative of parsley growing on dry hills in Iran. It has a pungent, disagreeable odor but when mixed with other ingredients in the sacred incense the fragrance of the incense was increased and lasted longer (See Exod.30.34). Galbanum also functions as an antispasmodic.
Garlic
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A bulbous perennial plant (Allium sativum L.) with a strong, onionlike aroma used for flavoring foods and as an ingredient of many medicines. Small edible bulblets grow within the main bulb. Garlic grew in great abundance in Egypt. The only reference to it in the Bible (Num.11.5) mentions Israel’s longing for the garlic of Egypt while they were traveling through the wilderness.
Goodly Tree
See Citron, Citrus Tree.
Gopher Wood
See Cypress.
Gourd
Picture Picture Picture
Better described as the castor-
The wild gourd or “wild vine” (niv) in all probability is the colocynth (Citrullus colocynthis [L.] Schrad.), a trailing vine resembling the cucumber, growing wild over large areas in the Holy Land. When the orange-
Grain
Edible, starchy, kerneled fruits from the grasses, including corn, wheat, and rice varieties. Grain is a staple food in most diets, providing calorie and protein content. Fifteen Hebrew words and four Greek terms are variously translated as grain in the Bible, suggesting the importance of it in ancient times. The most common kinds of grain were barley, millet, spelt, and wheat. The translation “corn” for grain by KJV (Gen.27.28, Gen.27.32; Deut.7.13; and Josh.5.11-
Grape
A small, climbing, woody vine or an erect shrub from the genus, vitis, that produces leaves and small green flowers that mature into grapes. Grapes may be eaten fresh or dried as raisins (1 Sam. 30:12) or drunk as grape juice or wine. The grapevine is the first plant to be recorded as cultivated in biblical history (Gen.9.20). The grape, its origin lost in antiquity, grew first on the ground, over walls, or on crude supports. Later it was trained on a trellis and finally cultivated in vineyards. It was a symbol of fruitfulness, and the grape harvest was a time of joyous festivity (Gen.40.9-
Grass
A low, green, nonwoody plant serving a multitude of functions for the soil, beast, and man. There are a great many species of grasses in Palestine, but actual turf is virtually unknown. In English the word “grass” is used in a more comprehensive sense and is the rendering of eight Hebrew terms and one Greek word. In the Bible, grass is used figuratively to portray the brevity of life (Ps.103.15-
Hay, which is grass mowed and cured for animal fodder and bedding, represented useless or inferior work built on the foundation of Jesus Christ (1Cor.3.12).
Hazel
See Almond.
Heath
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A low shrubby evergreen with small narrow, rigid leaves, thriving on open, barren soil. The species Erica verticillata grows on the western slopes of Lebanon (Jer.17.6; Jer.48.6 kjv; niv “bush”).
Hemlock
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The KJV translation of a poisonous substance alluded to in Hos.10.4 and Amos.6.12. The substance probably comes from the colocynth (see Gall) or wormwood.
Henna
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Rendered “camphire” in KJV, this is a small thorny shrub (Lawsonia inermis L.) with fragrant white flowers. The dried leaves of the henna, crushed and made into a paste, provided a gaudy yellow stain for the hair, skin and beard. This use of it, common among the Egyptians, was cautioned against in Deut.21.11-
Herb
A seed-
Holm Tree
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The RSV translation of a word in Isa.44.14, where the designation of cypress (so niv) or plane tree would better fit the context. The holm tree is a southern European evergreen oak.
Husks
See Carob.
Hyssop
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Probably the Egyptian marjoram (Origanum maru. var. aegypticum [L.] Dismn. Or Origanum syriacum or Majorana syriacu) in OT occurrences of the term. This is a member of the mint family, which grows commonly in rocky places. The hairy stem of the multi branched inflorescence holds water externally very well; thus it was a suitable instrument for sprinkling blood during the Passover rites (Exod.12.22; Lev.14.1-
The hyssop of the NT probably refers to the sorghum cane (Sorghum vulgare var. durra [Forsk.] Dinsm.), which reaches a height of over six feet (two m.). The seed is ground for meal and is known in Palestine as “Jerusalem corn.” This is thought to be the hyssop of John.19.29.
Hyssop oil can be used to relieve anxiety, arthritis, asthma, respiratory infections, parasites, fungal infections, and cold and flu symptoms. This fresh-
Hyssop was used to brush the lambs blood on the door posts before the first Passover in Egypt. It was also used when Jesus was crucified.
Exod 12:21 And Moses called to all the elders of Israel and said to them, Draw out and take of the flock for you and for your families, and kill the passover.
Exod 12:22 And take a bunch of hyssop and dip in the blood in the basin. And touch some of the blood in the basin to the lintel and on the two doorposts. And you shall not go out, anyone from the door of his house until morning.
John 19:29 Then a vessel full of vinegar was set, and having filled a sponge with vinegar, and putting hyssop around, they brought it to His mouth.
Hyssop was used for purification and healing leprosy. Click
Psalm 51:7 "Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow."
Leviticus 14:49 "And he shall take to cleanse the house two birds, and cedar wood, and scarlet, and hyssop: And he shall kill the one of the birds in an earthen vessel over running water:
Numbers 19:18-
Incense
A combination of gums and spices used to emit a fragrant odor when burned. The incense of the Levitical practice was composed of equal amounts of gum resin (kjv “stacte”), onycha, galbanum, and pure frankincense (Exod.30.34-
Juniper
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A shrub (not Juniperus, the true juniper) that shades and whose poisonous roots make excellent charcoal. KJV mentions it (Heb. rothem; broom niv) four times (1Kgs.19.4-
Leek
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A robust, bulbous biennial plant (Alium porrum L.) of the lily family, with succulent broad leaves, the bases of which are edible. Its much-
Lentil
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A small, trailing leguminous plant (Lens esculenta Moench.) of the pea family. When soaked and cooked, its seeds make a nourishing meal known as “pottage,” and the rest of the plant serves as fodder for the animals. The red pottage or stew for which Esau exchanged his birthright was probably the red Egyptian lentil (Gen.25.30-
Lign
See Aloe.
Lily
Lily and Rose Red lips of Song of Solomon 5:13 indicate a red-
Locust
See Carob.
Mallow
Picture Picture
Because the Hebrew word malluah implies saltiness, many believe that this plant is a species of salt herb or saltwort known as the “sea orache” (Atriplex halimus L.), a robust bushy shrub eaten as a vegetable but supplying little nutritional value. Mallows are mentioned only once in Scripture (Job.30.4 jb, kjv, mlb, nasb, rsv; salt herbs niv; saltwort neb), where it is seen as a food of the poor.
Mandrake
Picture Picture
A member of the nightshade family, native to the Mediterranean, with ovate (egg-
Melon
A generic term referring to annual vine-
Millet
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Various grasses bearing small edible seeds from which a good grade of flour can be made. One stalk may carry a thousand grains. Millet (Panicum miliaceum L.) is still a main food staple in Asia. The common people ate a mixture of wheat, barley, beans, lentils, and millet moistened with camel’s milk and oil (Ezek.4.9).
Mint
Picture
Mentha longifolia is an aromatic plant with hairy leaves and dense white or pink flower spikes, extensively cultivated in the eastern Mediterranean for its food-
Mulberry Tree
Picture
A fruit-
—
It is doubtful whether the black mulberry tree (Morus niger) was present in the Holy Land until New Testament times as it originated in the Caspian Sea region. The only probable reference to it is (as "sycamine") when Jesus spoke of believers having enough faith to destroy one (Luke 17:6)-
Mustard
Picture
Thick-
Myrrh
Picture Picture
A yellow to reddish-
The Hebrew word lot in Gen.37.25 and Gen.43.11 has been generally translated “myrrh.” However, it is questionable whether Commiphora myrrha, native to Arabia and east Africa, was known in Palestine during the patriarchal period. A better translation for this word would be “labdanum,” a gummy resin produced by the small labdanum shrub (Cistus creticus L.), growing abundantly in the rocks and sand in Palestine.
Pregnant mothers anointed themselves for protection against infectious diseases and to elevate feelings of well-
Genesis 37:25 And they sat down to eat bread: and they lifted up their eyes and looked, and behold, a company of Ishmelites came from Gilead with their camels bearing spicery and balm and myrrh, going to carry it down to Egypt."
Genesis 43:1 And their father Israel said unto them, If it must be so now, do this; takeof the best fruits in the land in your vessels, and carry down the man a present, a little balm, and a little honey, spices, and myrrh, nuts, and almonds:"
Exodus 30:23 Take thou also unto thee principal spices, of pure myrrh five hundred shekels, and of sweet cinnamon half so much, even two hundred and fifty shekels, and of sweet calamus two hundred and fifty shekels,
Myrtle
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A small, evergreen shrub (Myrtus comminis L.) with fragrant leaves and white flowers, blackberries, and spicy-
Nettle
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A little scrubby plant of the Urticaceae family, covered with tiny prickly hairs containing poison that when touched produce a painful, stinging sensation. The nettly and its companions—such as briers, thorns, thistles, brambles, underbrush, and weeds—form the low, scrubby rabble of plant life in Palestine that thrive in neglected areas (Job.30.7; Prov.24.31; Isa.34.13; Hos.9.6; Zeph.2.9).
Nut
See Pistachio; Walnut.
Oak
A durable, long-
The oak tree (wood) represents Bravery, Courage and Independence. The valley experiences are necessary for spiritual maturity. In the Bible the heathens worshiped their idols in the Oak groves. Ezekiel 6:13 Jacob buried idols under the Oaks of Shechem. Genesis 35:4 Joshua took the idols of the nation of Israel and buried them under the Oaks. Joshua 24:21-
Oil Tree
See Olive Tree; Pine Tree.
Oleander
(Nerium oleander) is an erect shrub with long, narrow poisonous evergreen leaves and beautiful pink flowers in summer. Although it may be found in stream beds in dry country, it is also in the marshes and streams such as those of Mount Carmel. It may be the "roses" at Jericho and the "roses" planted by the brook (Ecclesiasticus 24:14; 39:13). Even some of the references to willow trees may mean oleanders.
Olive tree
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Olive trees (Olea europaea) are small rounded orchard trees with narrow gray-
Onion
A bulbous plant (Allium cepa L.), originating in the eastern Mediterranean and parts of Asia. Both its inflated leaves and its bulbous underground base were universally used for culinary purposes. The onion has been cultivated since time immemorial. Mentioned only in Num.11.5, the onion was one of a list of foods in Egypt, regrettably unavailable to the disgruntled journeying Israelites.
Onycha
There are different opinions about the exact identification of the spice to which the Hebrew word sheheleth refers. One conjecture is that onycha is of the rockrose family of plants from which a spicy, aromatic gum, known as labdanum, is produced. Others suppose that onycha is the horny shield of a certain mussel found in India, that when burned emits an odor resembling musk. Both substances were evidently known to the ancients. In either case, onycha was an element added to the sacred mixture specified in Exod.30.34-
Palm Tree
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This is more accurately identified as the date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.). The crown of the date palm may reach seventy-
Only one palm, the date-
Pannag
See Millet.
Papyrus
See Bulrush.
Pine Tree
The exact species of tree to which the Hebrew points is not firmly established. In the context of Isa.41.19; Isa.60.13 it can reasonably be assumed that these trees were either those of the pine or fir. The pine exemplifies peace, prosperity, and reconciliation to God. Isaiah 44:14.
Pistachio
An oval nut containing two green edible halves covered by a reddish outer shell, from a small but wide-
True pistachio nuts (Pistacia vera) also arrived late. The pistache nuts referred to in the Bible (Gen. 43:11 NIV) would be from the native terebinth trees (Pistachia terebinthus, P. atlantica) of the hillsides. One is a small shrubby tree, while the other is as large as an oak. Both yield small round edible fruits.
Plane Tree
A stately tree (Platanus orientalis), thriving along the lowland streams and rivers of the Holy Land. Each year the bark peels off, leaving the trunk and older branches smooth and yellowish-
Pomegranate
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The Passover lamb was roasted on a pomegranate cross. Picture
A small bush or tree, common to Palestine, yielding tennis ball sized leathery-
Poplar
Picture Picture
A tall, straight, quick-
Populus euphratica is another of the trees Jacob peeled (Gen. 30:37). It grows beside water, especially the rivers Euphrates and Jordan. It is a tall tree with shaking leaves and numerous suckering shoots around its base. The white poplar (P. alba) or the storax (Styrax officinalis) were more likely to be the trees upon the mountains (Hos. 4:13).
See also Willow.
Poppy
See Gall.
Reed
Picture Picture Picture
Certain water plants may be distinguished from the several Hebrew words used. The following species are likely to be the ones referred to:
COMMON REED (Phragmites communis) forms great stands in shallow water or wet salty sand. The plumed flower head may have been given to Jesus in mockery (Matt. 27:29). Pens (3 John 13) were made from the bamboolike stems.
PAPYRUS SEDGE (Cyperus papyrus) also grows in shallow water in hot places such as in Lake Huleh and along the Nile, but it is now extinct in Egypt except in cultivation. Its tall, triangular, spongy stems were used for rafts (Isa. 18:1-
CATTAIL or reed mace (Typha domingensis) is often associated with the above-
Resin, Gum Resin.
See Stacte.
Rolling Thing
See Tumbleweed.
Rose
A prickly shrub, with pinnate (featherlike) leaves and showy flowers; seven species are extant in Palestine. Trying to decide what plant the Hebrew mentions in Song.2.1 and Isa.35.1 is a dubious affair. Some suggest that it is the bulbous-
Rue
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A small, woody, perennial shrub (Ruta graveolens L. or Ruta chalepensis), noted for its pungent, bitter leaves and yellow flowers. Of the four varieties grown, the species graveolens, meaning “strong smelling,” is the most common, indigenous to the eastern Mediterranean coast. It grows on the hills of the Holy Land. It was relished for its peculiar strong taste and used as a culinary spice and for medicinal reasons. It was a customary tithable garden plant (Luke.11.42).
Rush
A cylindrical, hollow-
Rye, Rie
See Spelt.
Saffron
Picture
A purple-
Scarlet
Picture
A lasting and rich red dye produced by the kermes insect (Chermes ilicis), which breeds in the soft, milky down on the twigs of the kermes oak tree (Quercus coccifers L.). This dye was used for a scarlet and crimson coloring of wool and linen thread in Bible times (2Chr.3.14; Jer.4.30; Heb.9.19; Rev.18.12).
Seaweed
See Eelgrass.
Shittah Tree, Shittim Tree
See Acacia.
Spelt
Picture
An inferior variety of wheat, containing two red grains in its head. It grows taller than wheat and will survive where other grasses will not grow. Spelt (Triticum aestivum var. Spilta L.), sometimes translated “rye” (kjv), was grown in Egypt (Exod.9.32) and in Palestine (Isa.28.25) and was made into bread (Ezek.4.9).
In Gen.37.25; Gen.43.11, the reference is to the gum exuded from the thorny astragal (Astragalus tragacantha L.).
Spikenard
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A costly perennial herb/desert grass (Nardostachys jatamansi from the Himalayas or Cymbopogon schoenanthus ), with an aromatic root, native to East India and presently cultivated on the Himalayas. The rose-
Stacte
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A strongly perfumed gum resin that drains from the incised bark of the small, shrubby storax tree (Styrax officinalis L.), used in biblical days as a component of the perfume formulated for use in the tabernacle (Exod.30.34). NIV has “gum resin.” May be the resin of the balm-
Sweet Cane
See Calamus.
Sulfur
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In the ancient world sulfur was widely used for purifying purposes. For example treatment of skin conditions, sore muscles and joint pain. Sulfur was burned in a house to get rid of pests or after someone died. The Greek word for sulfur is rooted in the Greek word for God. Sulfur was seen as a divine substance that was even used to purify temples. Because of that “The lake that burns with fire and brimstone/sulfur” must have had a special (medical) meaning to the ancient ear. More, click here.
Sycamine
See Mulberry Tree.
Sycamore
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A large spreading tree, producing sweet, edible fruit, native-
Tamarisk
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A small, shrubby tree (Tamarix mannifera), with narrow, evergreen scale leaves and bunches of little pink-
Tare
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An annual weedy grass, probably the bearded darnel (Lolium temulentum L.), that flourishes in grain fields. It is difficult to distinguish domesticated grains from the wild darnel until their heads mature. At harvest time the grain is fanned and put through a sieve. The smaller darnel seeds left after fanning pass through the sieve, leaving behind the desired fruit. The darnel is host to an ergot-
Terebinth
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A thick-
Thistle
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A prickly plant, often with pink or purple-
Thyine
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timber from the North African sanderac tree (Tetraclinis articulata), a coniferlike cypress, which was used by the Greeks and Romans for cabinetmaking. It is dark, hard, and fragrant (Rev. 18:12).
Tumbleweed
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The translations “whirling dust” (rsv, asv), “wheel” and “rolling thing” (kjv) (Ps.83.13; Isa.17.13) probably refer to the “tumbleweed” (niv), long known as the “holy resurrection flower.” A member of the mustard family, the six-
Vine of Sodom
Mentioned in Deut.32.32, this plant cannot be clearly identified. Possible fruit plants have been suggested, but each one has problems in fully satisfying the requirements of the text. It is generally accepted that the vine of Sodom is an example of Hebrew poetry, epitomizing the utter wickedness of Sodom, from which comes toxic fruit and fatal drink.
Walnut
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A large, ornamental, spreading shade tree (Juglans regia L.), with long leaves and woody edible fruit, native to Iran. Also named the “English walnut” or the “Persian walnut,” this tree provides edible fruit; dark, close-
The walnut tree (Juglans regia) originated in the Caspian region and may not have been commonly planted in the Eastern Mediterranean region until after the biblical period. However, it is possible that Solomon grew it in his garden (Song of Sol. 6:11). The tree grows to a considerable size. The leaves are compound, and the oily edible nuts look like a miniature brain-
Weed
See Cockle; Eelgrass; Tare.
Willow
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(Salix acynophylla) Like poplars, willows root easily in wet places, but they are not as tall and usually have long narrow leaves (Job 40:22; Isa. 44:4; Ezek. 17:5).
Wine
Wine against stomach ache and illnesses. It’s not certain this verse is (only) about the healing properties of wine. It just as well could be that Timothy drank polluted water. Note that Paul wrote a little wine. It was not advise to get (frequently) drunk.
1Tim 5:23 Do not drink water in excess, but use a little wine on account of your stomach and your frequent illnesses.
Wormwood
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A bitter, aromatic herb (Artemisia judaica L.) with clusters of small, greenish yellow flowers and alternating greenish gray leaves, growing in desert areas. Related to our sagebrush, the wormwood is the source of an essential oil obtained from the dried leaves and the tops of the plant. Five species are known to exist in Palestine. The plant was a symbol of bitterness, embodying the hardships and evils of life (Prov.5.4; Lam.3.15, Lam.3.19; Amos.5.7 (kjv; niv “gall, bitterness”; Rev.8.11).
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