Lexical Summary chinta': Thorn, Prickle Original Word: חִנְטָא Strong's Exhaustive Concordance wheat (Aramaic) corresponding to chittah; wheat -- wheat. see HEBREW chittah Topical Lexicon Overview The Aramaic term חִנְטָא (Strong’s Hebrew 2591) denotes wheat, the chief cereal of the Ancient Near East. In Ezra it appears in royal decrees guaranteeing resources for Israel’s restored Temple. Though only two explicit occurrences are recorded, the concept of wheat permeates Scripture as a symbol of sustenance, covenant blessing, and redemptive harvest. Old Testament Occurrences (Ezra 6:9; 7:22) Following the exile, Persian kings commanded local treasurers to supply Jerusalem’s priests with all that was “needed—…wheat, salt, wine, and oil…daily without fail” (Ezra 6:9). Later, Artaxerxes reaffirmed the allotment, stipulating “up to…a hundred kors of wheat” (Ezra 7:22). These edicts highlight three truths: 1. Divine Providence: God turned imperial policy toward His people’s welfare (compare Proverbs 21:1). Cultic and Liturgical Significance Wheat fashioned the continual grain offering, the showbread, and elements of peace offerings. Its inclusion with animals, wine, oil, and salt underscores a holistic dedication of Israel’s staple foods to the LORD. By securing wheat “daily,” the decree ensured uninterrupted morning and evening sacrifices (Exodus 29:38-42). Economic and Historical Background A “kor” equaled roughly six bushels; Artaxerxes’ ceiling of one hundred kors indicates generous imperial support. Such quantities would have sustained both priestly families and festival pilgrims, encouraging population resettlement around Jerusalem. Archaeological finds from Achaemenid-period Yehud reveal storage jars compatible with large-scale grain delivery, corroborating Ezra’s narrative. Symbolic and Prophetic Threads 1. Blessing of Obedience: Deuteronomy 28:8 links abundant wheat to covenant fidelity. Ezra’s generation experienced this blessing even under foreign rule, illustrating God’s faithfulness despite Israel’s weakness. Typology of Christ and the Church Jesus likened His redemptive death to a grain of wheat falling into the ground (John 12:24). As wheat sown by the Persian kings met immediate sacrificial need, so Christ’s planted life procures everlasting worship. The Church, described as a field where wheat and tares grow together (Matthew 13:24-30), awaits final separation at His return. Ministry and Practical Application • Provision for Ministry: Ezra reminds believers that God can mobilize secular authorities to supply Kingdom work. Related Biblical Themes and References Leviticus 2; Exodus 29:38-42; Deuteronomy 28:1-14; Ruth 2; Psalm 147:14; Isaiah 55:10-11; Matthew 13:24-30; John 6:25-58; John 12:24; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26; Revelation 14:14-16. Conclusion Though rare in textual frequency, חִנְטָא in Ezra represents far more than a commodity. It manifests God’s sovereign care, energizes restored worship, and prefigures the greater harvest secured in Christ. From post-exilic Jerusalem to the consummated Kingdom, wheat testifies that the LORD “gives food to all flesh, for His loving devotion endures forever” (Psalm 136:25). Forms and Transliterations חִנְטִ֞ין חִנְטִין֙ חנטין chinTin ḥin·ṭîn ḥinṭînLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Ezra 6:9 HEB: לֶאֱלָ֪הּ שְׁמַיָּ֟א חִנְטִ֞ין מְלַ֣ח ׀ חֲמַ֣ר NAS: of heaven, and wheat, salt, KJV: of heaven, wheat, salt, INT: to the God of heaven and wheat salt wine Ezra 7:22 2 Occurrences |
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