The term "coulter" refers to a farming implement, specifically a blade or wheel attached to a plow, used to cut through the soil ahead of the plowshare. This tool is essential in preparing the ground for sowing by ensuring that the soil is properly turned and aerated. While the word "coulter" itself does not appear in the Bible, the concept of plowing and preparing the soil is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, often used metaphorically to describe spiritual readiness and the condition of the heart.

Biblical Context and Symbolism

In biblical times, agriculture was a central part of daily life, and the imagery of farming tools and practices was frequently employed by biblical writers to convey spiritual truths. The act of plowing, for instance, is often used to symbolize the preparation of one's heart to receive God's word. In the Parable of the Sower, Jesus speaks of different types of soil representing the varied responses to the Gospel message (Matthew 13:3-9). The coulter, as part of the plowing process, plays a crucial role in this preparation, ensuring that the soil is ready to receive seed.

Old Testament References

While the specific term "coulter" is not found in the Old Testament, the process of plowing is mentioned numerous times. In Isaiah 28:24-25 , the prophet asks rhetorically, "Does the plowman plow for planting every day? Does he continuously loosen and harrow the soil?" This passage highlights the necessity of preparation before planting, a task in which the coulter would have been instrumental.

In 1 Samuel 13:20-21 , the Israelites are described as going down to the Philistines to sharpen their plowshares, mattocks, axes, and sickles. Although the coulter is not explicitly mentioned, it would have been among the essential tools requiring maintenance for effective farming.

New Testament Insights

The New Testament continues to use agricultural metaphors to illustrate spiritual truths. In Luke 9:62 , Jesus declares, "No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God." This statement underscores the importance of commitment and focus in the Christian life, akin to the dedication required in plowing a straight furrow. The coulter, as part of the plow, is implicitly involved in this imagery, representing the initial cutting and preparation necessary for a fruitful harvest.

Spiritual Application

The coulter's role in preparing the soil can be likened to the work of the Holy Spirit in preparing the human heart. Just as the coulter cuts through the earth, the Spirit convicts and softens hearts, making them receptive to the Gospel. Believers are called to examine their hearts, ensuring they are not hardened or resistant to God's word, much like the farmer ensures the soil is ready for planting.

In summary, while the coulter is not directly mentioned in Scripture, its function as part of the plowing process is deeply embedded in the biblical narrative. It serves as a powerful symbol of preparation, readiness, and the transformative work necessary for spiritual growth and fruitfulness.(1 Samuel 13:20, 21), an agricultural instrument, elsewhere called "ploughshare" (Isaiah 2:4; Micah 4:3; Joel 3:10). It was the facing-piece of a plough, analogous to the modern coulter. (n.) Same as Colter.COULTER

kol'-ter.

See PLOW.

855. eth -- a plowshare
... 854, 855. eth. 855a . a plowshare. Transliteration: eth Phonetic Spelling:
(ayth) Short Definition: coulter. coulter, plowshare ...
/hebrew/855.htm - 5k

The Trial of Saul.
... But all the Israelites went down to the Philistines, to sharpen every man his share,
and his coulter, and his ax, and his mattock." Saul was raised up to throw ...
/.../newman/parochial and plain sermons vol viii/sermon iii the trial of.htm

Ploughing in Canaan.
... How different it is to ploughing in our own land! There is no coulter; and instead
of the broad steel plough-share we see a pointed piece of wood. ...
/.../anonymous/mother stories from the old testament/ploughing in canaan.htm

How the Philistines Made Another Expedition against the Hebrews ...
... And on account of this prohibition it was that the husbandmen, if they had occasion
to sharpen any of their tools, whether it were the coulter or the spade, or ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 6 how the philistines.htm

Treasure and Pearl
... And, perchance, some stroke of the spade, or push of the coulter, went a little
deeper than usual, and there flashed the gold, or some shower of rain came on ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/treasure and pearl.htm

Human Responsibility
... Unbelief is the file by which you sharpen the axe; and the coulter, and the
sword, which you use in rebellion against the Most High. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/human responsibility.htm

Coulter (1 Occurrence)
... It was the facing-piece of a plough, analogous to the modern coulter. Noah Webster's
Dictionary. (n.) Same as Colter. Int. ...COULTER. kol'-ter. See PLOW. ...
/c/coulter.htm - 7k

Couldst (7 Occurrences)

/c/couldst.htm - 8k

Mattocks (3 Occurrences)
... 1 Samuel 13:20 but all the Israelites went down to the Philistines, to sharpen every
man his plowshare, and his coulter, and his axe, and his mattock. ...
/m/mattocks.htm - 7k

Mattock (2 Occurrences)
... a weeding-hoe. (2.) Hebrews mahareshah (1 Samuel 13:1), perhaps the
ploughshare or coulter. (3.) Hebrews herebh, marg. of text (2 ...
/m/mattock.htm - 8k

Plowshares (5 Occurrences)
... 1 Samuel 13:20 but all the Israelites went down to the Philistines, to sharpen every
man his plowshare, and his coulter, and his axe, and his mattock. ...
/p/plowshares.htm - 8k

Coulters (1 Occurrence)

/c/coulters.htm - 6k

Army (401 Occurrences)
... as the lowest depth of national degradation that the Israelites had to go down to
the Philistines "to sharpen every man his share, and his coulter, and his axe ...
/a/army.htm - 76k

Coulter: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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