Topical Encyclopedia The caperberry, known scientifically as Capparis spinosa, is a plant mentioned in the Bible, specifically in the context of the book of Ecclesiastes. This plant is native to the Mediterranean region and is known for its edible flower buds and fruit. The caperberry is often associated with its culinary uses, particularly in Mediterranean cuisine, where the buds are commonly pickled and used as a condiment.Biblical Reference: The caperberry is mentioned in Ecclesiastes 12:5, which in the Berean Standard Bible reads: "when men fear the heights and dangers of the road, when the almond tree blossoms, the grasshopper drags itself along, and the caperberry shrivels—for then man goes to his eternal home and mourners walk the streets." In this passage, the caperberry is used metaphorically to describe the waning of human desire and vitality in old age. The shriveling of the caperberry symbolizes the diminishing of life's pleasures and appetites as one approaches the end of life. Cultural and Historical Context: In ancient times, the caperberry was valued not only for its culinary uses but also for its purported medicinal properties. It was believed to have various health benefits, including acting as an appetite stimulant. This belief is reflected in the metaphorical use of the caperberry in Ecclesiastes, where its shriveling signifies the loss of appetite and desire in the elderly. The caperberry's mention in Ecclesiastes is part of a larger poetic description of the aging process and the inevitable approach of death. The imagery used in this passage serves to remind readers of the transient nature of life and the importance of remembering one's Creator before the decline of old age. Symbolism and Interpretation: From a theological perspective, the caperberry in Ecclesiastes can be seen as a symbol of the fleeting nature of earthly pleasures and the ultimate futility of relying on them for lasting fulfillment. The passage encourages believers to focus on spiritual matters and to seek a relationship with God, who offers eternal life and joy beyond the temporal experiences of this world. The use of the caperberry in this context aligns with the broader themes of Ecclesiastes, which emphasizes the vanity of worldly pursuits and the importance of fearing God and keeping His commandments. The book's message serves as a call to live a life centered on divine wisdom and purpose, rather than the temporary and often unsatisfying pleasures of the material world. Conclusion: While the caperberry is a small and seemingly insignificant plant, its mention in the Bible carries profound implications for understanding the human condition and the spiritual journey. Through the metaphor of the caperberry, Ecclesiastes invites readers to reflect on the brevity of life and the enduring significance of a life lived in accordance with God's will. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) The small olive-shaped berry of the European and Oriental caper, said to be used in pickles and as a condiment.2. (n.) The currantlike fruit of the African and Arabian caper (Capparis sodado). International Standard Bible Encyclopedia CAPERBERRYka'-per-ber-i ('abhiyonah; kapparis; Ecclesiastes 12:5 the Revised Version, margin): The translation "the caperberry shall fail" (the Revised Version (British and American) "burst") instead of "desire shall fail" (the King James Version) has the support of the Septuagint and of some Talmudic writers (see G. F. Moore, JBL, X, 55-64), but it is doubtful. Strong's Hebrew 35. abiyyonah -- the caperberry... 34, 35. abiyyonah. 36 . the caperberry. Transliteration: abiyyonah Phonetic Spelling: (ab-ee-yo-naw') Short Definition: caperberry. ... /hebrew/35.htm - 6k Library Life as a Joy Shadowed by the Judgment Notes Thesaurus Caperberry (1 Occurrence)... sodado). Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. CAPERBERRY. ka ... Palestine. EWG Masterman. Multi-Version Concordance Caperberry (1 Occurrence). Ecclesiastes ... /c/caperberry.htm - 8k Capacity (5 Occurrences) Desire (565 Occurrences) Drags (5 Occurrences) Medicine (4 Occurrences) Blossoms (16 Occurrences) Caper-berry (1 Occurrence) Fails (35 Occurrences) Food (2953 Occurrences) Resources Caperberry: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Caperberry (1 Occurrence)Ecclesiastes 12:5 Subtopics Related Terms |
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