The term "half-furrow" is not directly mentioned in the Bible; however, it can be understood in the context of agricultural practices in ancient Israel. A furrow refers to a trench made in the soil by a plow, which is essential for planting seeds. The concept of a "half-furrow" might imply a partial or incomplete plowing, which could be metaphorically significant in biblical literature.

Agricultural Context

In ancient Israel, agriculture was a central part of daily life and economy. The land was plowed to prepare for sowing seeds, and the quality of the plowing could directly affect the yield of the harvest. A full furrow would ensure that seeds are properly covered and protected, while a half-furrow might suggest inadequate preparation or effort.

Biblical Symbolism

Plowing and furrows are often used metaphorically in the Bible to describe spiritual and moral preparation. For instance, in Hosea 10:12 , it is written: "Sow for yourselves righteousness and reap the fruit of loving devotion; break up your unplowed ground, for it is time to seek the LORD, until He comes and sends righteousness upon you like rain." This passage emphasizes the importance of spiritual readiness and the need to prepare one's heart for God's righteousness.

A "half-furrow" could symbolize a lack of full commitment or incomplete spiritual preparation. In the parable of the sower (Matthew 13:3-9), Jesus describes different types of soil and their receptivity to the seed, which represents the word of God. A half-furrow might be likened to rocky or thorny ground, where the seed cannot take root or is choked by other concerns.

Moral and Spiritual Lessons

The idea of a half-furrow can serve as a caution against half-heartedness in one's spiritual life. In Revelation 3:15-16 , the church in Laodicea is warned: "I know your deeds; you are neither cold nor hot. How I wish you were one or the other! So because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to vomit you out of My mouth." This passage underscores the danger of being lukewarm or partially committed in faith.

In a broader sense, the concept of a half-furrow encourages believers to fully engage in their spiritual journey, ensuring that their hearts are fully prepared to receive and nurture the word of God. It serves as a reminder to pursue righteousness with diligence and to avoid the pitfalls of complacency or incomplete devotion.Half-furrow (1 Occurrence)

1 Samuel 14:14
And that first slaughter which Jonathan and his armour-bearer wrought was about twenty men, as it were on the half-furrow of an acre of land.
(DBY)

Half-furrow (1 Occurrence)
Half-furrow. Half-district, Half-furrow. Half-hearted . Multi-Version
Concordance Half-furrow (1 Occurrence). 1 Samuel ...
/h/half-furrow.htm - 6k

Armour-bearer (14 Occurrences)
... 1 Samuel 14:14 And that first slaughter which Jonathan and his armour-bearer wrought
was about twenty men, as it were on the half-furrow of an acre of land. ...
/a/armour-bearer.htm - 11k

Half-district (4 Occurrences)
Half-district. Half-dead, Half-district. Half-furrow . Multi-Version Concordance ...
(See NIV). Half-dead, Half-district. Half-furrow . Reference Bible.
/h/half-district.htm - 7k

Half-hearted (2 Occurrences)
Half-hearted. Half-furrow, Half-hearted. Half-heartedly . Noah Webster's
Dictionary ... (WEY). Half-furrow, Half-hearted. Half-heartedly . Reference Bible.
/h/half-hearted.htm - 7k

Wrought (186 Occurrences)
... 1 Samuel 14:14 And that first slaughter which Jonathan and his armour-bearer wrought
was about twenty men, as it were on the half-furrow of an acre of land. ...
/w/wrought.htm - 37k

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