Flour-meal
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Flour-meal, often referred to simply as "flour" or "meal" in biblical texts, is a finely ground powder made from grains such as wheat or barley. It holds significant importance in the daily life and religious practices of ancient Israel, serving as a staple food and a key component in various offerings and rituals.

Biblical References and Usage

Flour-meal is frequently mentioned in the Bible, highlighting its role in both sustenance and worship. In Genesis 18:6, when Abraham receives three visitors, he instructs Sarah to "quickly prepare three seahs of fine flour, knead it, and bake some bread." This passage illustrates the use of flour-meal in hospitality and daily nourishment.

In the context of offerings, flour-meal is a primary ingredient in grain offerings, which are detailed in the book of Leviticus. Leviticus 2:1 states, "When anyone presents a grain offering to the LORD, his offering shall be of fine flour. He is to pour oil on it, put frankincense on it." These offerings, also known as "minchah," were a way for the Israelites to express gratitude and devotion to God, symbolizing the fruits of their labor and God's provision.

Symbolism and Spiritual Significance

Flour-meal carries rich symbolic meaning in the biblical narrative. It represents sustenance and life, as bread was a fundamental part of the diet in ancient times. The process of grinding grain into flour and baking it into bread can also be seen as a metaphor for transformation and refinement, reflecting the spiritual journey of believers.

In the New Testament, Jesus uses the imagery of flour and leaven to teach about the Kingdom of Heaven. In Matthew 13:33, He says, "The kingdom of heaven is like leaven that a woman took and mixed into three measures of flour until all of it was leavened." Here, flour-meal serves as a metaphor for the pervasive and transformative power of God's kingdom.

Cultural and Historical Context

In ancient Israel, the preparation of flour-meal was a labor-intensive process, typically performed by women. Grains were ground using a hand mill or mortar and pestle, producing a fine powder suitable for baking. The quality of the flour, often described as "fine," was important, especially for offerings, as it signified purity and excellence.

Flour-meal was not only a dietary staple but also a commodity of trade and a measure of wealth. It was stored in jars and used in various forms, such as unleavened bread, cakes, and porridge. The presence of flour-meal in a household was a sign of prosperity and God's blessing.

Conclusion

Flour-meal, as depicted in the Bible, is more than just a physical substance; it is imbued with spiritual and cultural significance. Its role in daily life, religious rituals, and teachings of Jesus underscores its importance in the biblical world and its enduring symbolism in the Christian faith.
Greek
224. aleuron -- meal
... Word Origin from aleo (to grind) Definition meal NASB Word Usage flour (2). wheat
flour. From aleo (to grind); flour -- meal. (aleurou) -- 2 Occurrences. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/224.htm - 6k
Strong's Hebrew
7058. qemach -- flour, meal
... 7057, 7058. qemach. 7059 . flour, meal. Transliteration: qemach Phonetic
Spelling: (keh'-makh) Short Definition: flour. ... flour, meal. ...
/hebrew/7058.htm - 5k

5560. soleth -- fine flour
... fine flour, meal. From an unused root meaning to strip; flour (as chipped off) --
(fine) flour, meal. 5559b, 5560. soleth. 5561 . Strong's Numbers.
/hebrew/5560.htm - 6k

Library

Resolves to Go to College. Friends Oppose. Wife Decides It. Hard ...
... All the flour, meal, sugar, coffee, preserves, jams, jellies, and everything else,
was taken. Not a pound of anything to eat was left on the place. ...
/.../chapter viii resolves to go.htm

Thesaurus
Flour-meal (1 Occurrence)
Flour-meal. Flourishing, Flour-meal. Flouted . Multi-Version
Concordance Flour-meal (1 Occurrence). Genesis 18:6 And ...
/f/flour-meal.htm - 6k

Flourishing (11 Occurrences)

/f/flourishing.htm - 9k

Flouted (1 Occurrence)

/f/flouted.htm - 6k

Hasteth (32 Occurrences)
... Genesis 18:6 And Abraham hasteth towards the tent, unto Sarah, and saith, 'Hasten
three measures of flour-meal, knead, and make cakes;' (YLT). ...
/h/hasteth.htm - 15k

Resources
What is the story of Elijah and the widow of Zarephath? | GotQuestions.org

What were the various sacrifices in the Old Testament? | GotQuestions.org

Why is eating dairy products and meat in the same meal considered not kosher? | GotQuestions.org

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Concordance
Flour-meal (1 Occurrence)

Genesis 18:6
And Abraham hasteth towards the tent, unto Sarah, and saith, 'Hasten three measures of flour-meal, knead, and make cakes;'
(YLT)

Subtopics

Flour-meal

Related Terms

Flour-meal (1 Occurrence)

Flow (85 Occurrences)

Second (2060 Occurrences)

Corinthians (3 Occurrences)

Epistle (13 Occurrences)

Flourishing through Faithfulness
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