Lexical Summary sowrah: Turning aside, deviation, apostasy Original Word: שׂוֹרָה Strong's Exhaustive Concordance principal From suwr in the primitive sense of cuwr; properly, a ring, i.e. (by analogy) a row (adverbially) -- principal. see HEBREW suwr see HEBREW cuwr Brown-Driver-Briggs שׂוֺרָה Isaiah 28:5 probably dittograph for following שְׂעֹרָה (Koppe We Che and others; ᵐ5 ᵑ6 omitted); > ᵑ9 Ges Di and others in rows (adverb acc; but Late Hebrew שׁוּרָה, Arabic  , LagGGN 1889, 298; compare VogelstLandwirthsch. 41 who favours ׳שׁ in Isaiah. More plausible would be some grain, as שורה Zinjirli Inscription, Lzb374 SachauPanammu 23). Topical Lexicon Meaning and agricultural identity שׂוֹרָה refers to a specific cultivated grain—commonly rendered “spelt” or “emmer.” It is a hardy, hulled wheat that thrives in poorer soils and cooler climates than common wheat. In the Ancient Near East it served as a staple for both bread and porridge, valued for its resilience and long storage life. Old Testament occurrence Isaiah 28:25 is its single appearance: “When he has leveled its surface, does he not sow dill and scatter cumin? Does he not plant wheat in rows, barley in its place, and spelt within its border?” (Berean Standard Bible). The prophet draws on normal farming practice to illustrate divine wisdom in the ordering of judgment and mercy. Spelt, though mentioned only once by name, belongs to the wider biblical motif of God’s careful provision (Genesis 1:29; Psalms 65:9-13; Matthew 6:30-33). Historical cultivation in Israel Archaeology from the Middle Bronze Age onward documents emmer in Israelite storage pits, silo jars, and threshing floors. Because it tolerates marginal rainfall, farmers typically sowed it along field edges (“within its border,” Isaiah 28:25) where the soil was thinner. After harvest its tough husk required a heavier threshing sled, an image that informs verses like Isaiah 28:27-28, where the prophet distinguishes between gentler and harsher threshing tools. Symbolic significance of measured sowing Isaiah’s audience would recognize that each grain receives its “place” according to purpose. The sower’s discriminating hand mirrors the LORD’s discriminating dealings with His people—chastening proportionately, preserving a remnant, never acting randomly (Deuteronomy 32:4; Jeremiah 24:5-7). Spelt’s location at the boundary underscores covenant boundaries: blessing within obedience, judgment beyond it (Deuteronomy 11:22-28). Isaiah’s instructional parable Isaiah 28 contrasts proud Ephraim with the humble farmer who respects God-given order. Just as the sower does not treat cumin like wheat, so the LORD will not treat obstinate rulers as faithful servants. Yet even the coming “threshing” aims at fruitful bread, not wanton destruction (Isaiah 28:28). Spelt’s tougher husk exemplifies the harder blows needed for rebellious hearts, while the nutritious kernel inside prefigures the purified remnant. Integration in broader biblical theology 1. Providence: All grains, including spelt, testify that “the earth is the LORD’s” (Psalms 24:1). Ministry and pastoral implications • God apportions discipline wisely; leaders must imitate His measured firmness (Hebrews 12:5-11). Points for teaching and discipleship 1. Observe creation: farming metaphors deepen trust in divine order. Forms and Transliterations שׂוֹרָה֙ שורה śō·w·rāh soRah śōwrāhLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Isaiah 28:25 HEB: וְשָׂ֨ם חִטָּ֤ה שׂוֹרָה֙ וּשְׂעֹרָ֣ה נִסְמָ֔ן NAS: wheat in rows, Barley KJV: and cast in the principal wheat INT: and plant wheat rows Barley place 1 Occurrence |
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