Lexical Summary qimmashon: Thistle, Thorn Original Word: קִמָּשׁוֹן Strong's Exhaustive Concordance thorn From the same as qimmowsh; a prickly plant -- thorn. see HEBREW qimmowsh NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originthe same as qimmos, q.v. Topical Lexicon Occurrence The term appears once in the Hebrew canon, in Proverbs 24:31. There the observer says, “Thorns had risen everywhere, the ground was covered with nettles, and its stone wall was broken down” (Berean Standard Bible). Its singular occurrence suggests that the Spirit intentionally selected an unusual word to sharpen the proverb’s didactic impact. Nature of the Plant The vegetation is a stinging or prickly weed that flourishes in neglected soil, quickly overrunning fields and vineyards. In the dry-summer, wet-winter climate of ancient Israel, such weeds germinate after the rains and stand as a visible testimony to negligence by late spring. Their burning sting provides a memorable tactile lesson: neglect hurts. Ancient Near Eastern Context Agrarian societies in the Levant valued every arable cubit of land. A farmer’s reputation rode on the condition of his walls, vines, and grain plots. Allowing invasive weeds to dominate would broadcast laziness to every passer-by. Wisdom literature frequently draws upon this agricultural backdrop (for example, Ecclesiastes 10:18; Song of Solomon 1:6). Symbolic Significance 1. Reminder of the curse: After the fall, the ground was told to yield “thorns and thistles” (Genesis 3:18). Nettles are thus an emblem of Adamic toil frustrated by sin. Lessons on Diligence and Stewardship Proverbs 24:30-34 brackets the scene with an exhortation: “A little sleep, a little slumber… and poverty will come upon you” (Proverbs 24:33-34). The weed-covered field teaches that inertia invites entropy in every realm—vocational, relational, and spiritual (Hebrews 2:1). Proper stewardship requires vigilance (1 Corinthians 4:2). Homiletical and Pastoral Application • Personal sanctification: Just as nettles flourish in unattended soil, besetting sins proliferate in an undisciplined heart (James 1:14-15). Prophetic Echoes and Typology Later prophets amplify the proverb’s imagery. Amos pictures Israel’s idol shrines as destined for overgrowth (Amos 7:9). Conversely, messianic restoration reverses the curse, replacing “the thornbush” with “the cypress” (Isaiah 55:13). The nettle-ridden field therefore foreshadows both judgment for indolence and hope of redeemed creation. Christological Perspective By bearing a crown of thorns (Matthew 27:29), Jesus Christ identifies with the curse symbolized by nettles, absorbing it to grant believers a new standing. In Him, diligent obedience replaces sloth, and fruitfulness replaces barrenness (John 15:5). Practical Ministry Implications 1. Disciple-making: Teach believers to “break up your fallow ground” (Jeremiah 4:3) through regular Scripture intake, prayer, and fellowship. Conclusion Though mentioned but once, the nettles of Proverbs 24:31 distill a comprehensive theology of diligence versus neglect. They recall Eden’s loss, warn of judgment, invite self-examination, and anticipate the day when “he who sows righteousness will reap a sure reward” (Proverbs 11:18). Forms and Transliterations חֲרֻלִּ֑ים חרלים charulLim ḥă·rul·lîm ḥărullîmLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Proverbs 24:31 HEB: כָּסּ֣וּ פָנָ֣יו חֲרֻלִּ֑ים וְגֶ֖דֶר אֲבָנָ֣יו KJV: And, lo, it was all grown over with thorns, [and] nettles INT: was covered surface thorns wall stone 1 Occurrence |
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