Jump to: Smith's • ATS • ISBE • Easton's • Webster's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Greek • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Usage in Biblical Times:Hay, in biblical contexts, refers to dried grasses or plants used primarily as fodder for livestock. In ancient agrarian societies, hay was an essential resource for sustaining animals, especially during the non-growing seasons. The process of cutting, drying, and storing hay was a critical agricultural practice, ensuring that animals such as cattle, sheep, and donkeys had sufficient nourishment throughout the year. Biblical References: While the specific term "hay" is not frequently mentioned in the Bible, the concept of grass and its uses are present. In the Berean Standard Bible, grass is often used metaphorically to illustrate the transient nature of human life and the fleeting nature of earthly glory. For example, Isaiah 40:6-8 states, "A voice says, 'Cry out.' And I asked, 'What should I cry out?' 'All flesh is like grass, and all its glory like the flowers of the field. The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever.'" This passage highlights the impermanence of human endeavors compared to the eternal nature of God's word. The imagery of grass, which can be cut down and withers quickly, serves as a powerful reminder of the brevity of life. Agricultural Practices: In biblical times, the process of making hay involved cutting grasses or legumes at the peak of their nutritional value, allowing them to dry in the sun, and then storing them in barns or stacks. This practice was vital for the survival of livestock, which were integral to the economy and daily life. Animals provided labor, transportation, clothing materials, and food products, making their sustenance a priority for ancient communities. Symbolism and Lessons: The use of grass and hay in biblical literature often carries symbolic meanings. In Psalm 103:15-16 , it is written, "As for man, his days are like grass—he blooms like a flower of the field; when the wind passes over, it vanishes, and its place remembers it no more." This passage uses the imagery of grass to convey the idea of human mortality and the importance of living a life aligned with divine principles. Furthermore, the necessity of hay for sustaining livestock can be seen as a metaphor for spiritual nourishment. Just as hay provides essential sustenance for animals, the Word of God is seen as vital for the spiritual well-being of believers. In Matthew 4:4 , Jesus emphasizes this by saying, "Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God." Conclusion: While hay itself is not a central theme in the Bible, its implications and the imagery associated with grass provide valuable insights into the human condition, the importance of spiritual sustenance, and the eternal nature of God's word. The agricultural practices surrounding hay also reflect the dependence of ancient societies on God's provision through the land. Smith's Bible Dictionary Hay(Heb. chatsir), the rendering of the Authorized Version in (Proverbs 27:25) and Isai 15:6 Of the Hebrew term, which occurs frequently in the Old Testament, and denotes "grass" of any kind. It is quite probable that the modern Orientals do not make hay in our sense of the term; but it is certain that the ancients did mow their grass, and probably made use of the dry material. See (Psalms 37:2) We may remark that there is an express Hebrew term for "dry grass" or "hay," viz. chashash , which, in the only two places where the word occurs, (Isaiah 5:24; 33:11) is rendered "chaff" in the Authorized Version. ATS Bible Dictionary HayIn Proverbs 27:25; Isaiah 15:6, denotes the first shoots of grass. The Jews did not prepare and store up hay for winter use, as is customary in cold climates. Easton's Bible Dictionary Properly so called, was not in use among the Hebrews; straw was used instead. They cut the grass green as it was needed. The word rendered "hay" in Proverbs 27:25 means the first shoots of the grass. In Isaiah 15:6 the Revised Version has correctly "grass," where the Authorized Version has "hay." Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) A hedge.2. (n.) A net set around the haunt of an animal, especially of a rabbit. 3. (v. i.) To lay snares for rabbits. 4. (n.) Grass cut and cured for fodder. 5. (v. i.) To cut and cure grass for hay. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia HAYha. Greek 5528. chortos -- a feeding place, food, grass ... place, food, grass. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: chortos Phonetic Spelling: (khor'-tos) Short Definition: grass, hay Definition: grass ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5528.htm - 6k 2256. hemiorion -- half an hour 2250. hemera -- day 3739. hos, he, ho -- usually rel. who, which, that, also ... 2254. hemin -- our, for us, we. 2270. hesuchazo -- to be still, be silent 2238. heduosmon -- sweet smelling 2237. hedone -- pleasure 2248. hemas -- our, us, we. 2257. hemon -- our company, us, we. Strong's Hebrew 2682. chatsir -- green grass, herbage... grass, hay, herb, leek. Perhaps originally the same as chatsiyr, from the greenness of a courtyard; grass; also a leek (collectively) -- grass, hay, herb, leek. ... /hebrew/2682.htm - 6k 1896. Hege' -- eunuch of Ahasuerus 2032. heron -- conception, pregnancy 4062. madhebah -- golden city 1888. ha -- lo! behold! 4105. Mehetabel -- "God benefits," wife of an Edomite king, also ... 415. El Elohe Yisrael -- "the mighty God of Israel," an altar of ... 1987. Helem -- an Asherite 7053. qilleshon -- perhaps fine point 4120. meherah -- haste, speed Library Hay Hay-Time. Whether Venial Sins are Suitably Designated as "Wood, Hay, and ... When Diamond Got Round the Corner of the Hay... On Earthly Things Of the Nature of Tithes. The True Sense of the Passage (I Cor. Iii. 11-15) About those who ... But as it is in Mockery that Celsus Says we Speak of "God Coming ... Faith and Works What it is to have Christ for a Foundation, and who they are to ... Thesaurus Hay (5 Occurrences)... The word rendered "hay" in Proverbs 27:25 means the first shoots of the grass. ... 4. (n.) Grass cut and cured for fodder. 5. (vi) To cut and cure grass for hay. ... /h/hay.htm - 8k Mow (1 Occurrence) Fodder (9 Occurrences) Dry (217 Occurrences) Meadow (8 Occurrences) Provender (10 Occurrences) Chaff (24 Occurrences) Cock (12 Occurrences) Stubble (18 Occurrences) Straw (21 Occurrences) Resources What does the Bible say about when God will judge us? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the theory of abiogenesis? What is the definition of abiogenesis? | GotQuestions.org What is the meaning of chaff in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Hay: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Hay (5 Occurrences)1 Corinthians 3:12 1 Kings 18:5 Proverbs 27:25 Isaiah 5:24 Isaiah 15:6 Subtopics Hay: General Scriptures Concerning Related Terms |
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