Jump to: Easton's • Webster's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Greek • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, the term "husk" refers to the outer covering or shell of a seed or fruit, often used in agricultural contexts. The concept of husks is mentioned in the Bible, primarily in relation to the parable of the Prodigal Son and the dietary practices of ancient peoples.Biblical References: 1. Luke 15:16 · In the parable of the Prodigal Son, Jesus describes the younger son who, after squandering his inheritance, finds himself in dire need. The verse states, "He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything." The "pods" mentioned here are often understood to be carob pods, which are sometimes referred to as husks. These pods were commonly used as animal fodder, particularly for swine, and were considered a lowly food source, highlighting the son's desperate situation. 2. Agricultural Context · In ancient Israel, agriculture was a central part of daily life, and the process of threshing and winnowing grain involved separating the valuable grain from the husks or chaff. While the Bible does not explicitly use the term "husk" in this context, the concept is implicit in passages discussing the separation of wheat from chaff, such as in Psalm 1:4 and Matthew 3:12. The husk, being the inedible outer layer, was discarded, symbolizing the separation of the righteous from the wicked. Symbolic Meaning: In biblical symbolism, husks can represent the superficial or worthless aspects of life that are devoid of spiritual nourishment. The Prodigal Son's desire to eat the husks signifies a state of spiritual and physical destitution, where he is left with nothing of true value. This imagery serves as a powerful reminder of the emptiness that comes from turning away from God and seeking fulfillment in worldly pleasures. Cultural and Historical Context: The use of carob pods as fodder for pigs reflects the agricultural practices of the time. Carob trees were common in the Mediterranean region, and their pods were a readily available food source for livestock. The fact that the Prodigal Son, a Jewish man, was reduced to tending pigs—a job considered unclean according to Jewish law—further emphasizes his fall from grace and the depth of his repentance upon returning to his father. Theological Implications: The mention of husks in the parable underscores the theme of repentance and redemption. It illustrates the consequences of sin and the emptiness of a life lived apart from God. The Prodigal Son's eventual return to his father symbolizes the hope of restoration and forgiveness available to all who turn back to God, leaving behind the husks of their former lives. In summary, the concept of husks in the Bible serves as a metaphor for the emptiness of a life without God and the transformative power of repentance and divine grace. Easton's Bible Dictionary In Numbers 6:4 (Hebrews zag) it means the "skin" of a grape. In 2 Kings 4:42 (Hebrews tsiqlon) it means a "sack" for grain, as rendered in the Revised Version. In Luke 15:16, in the parable of the Prodigal Son, it designates the beans of the carob tree, or Ceratonia siliqua. From the supposition, mistaken, however, that it was on the husks of this tree that John the Baptist fed, it is called "St. John's bread" and "locust tree." This tree is in "February covered with innumerable purple-red pendent blossoms, which ripen in April and May into large crops of pods from 6 to 10 inches long, flat, brown, narrow, and bent like a horn (whence the Greek name keratia, meaning `little horns'), with a sweetish taste when still unripe. Enormous quantities of these are gathered for sale in various towns and for exportation." "They were eaten as food, though only by the poorest of the poor, in the time of our Lord." The bean is called a "gerah," which is used as the name of the smallest Hebrew weight, twenty of these making a shekel. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) The external covering or envelope of certain fruits or seeds; glume; hull; rind; in the United States, especially applied to the covering of the ears of maize.2. (n.) The supporting frame of a run of millstones. 3. (v. t.) To strip off the external covering or envelope of; as, to husk Indian corn. Greek 2769. keration -- a carob pod ... a carob pod. Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter Transliteration: keration Phonetic Spelling: (ker-at'-ee-on) Short Definition: a husk of the carob Definition: a husk ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2769.htm - 6k Strong's Hebrew 6861. tsiqqalon -- perhaps garment... husk. From an unused root meaning to wind; a sack (as tied at the mouth) -- husk. 6860, 6861. tsiqqalon. 6862 . Strong's Numbers. /hebrew/6861.htm - 5k 2085. zag -- skin (of the grape) 1643. geres -- a crushing 5784. ur -- chaff Library Sixteenth Day. Holiness and Truth. John Chapter vi. 14-Jan The Resurrection. God's Slaves The Prodigal and his Brother. The Sower. Letter iv. You Reply to the Conclusion of My Letter: "What have we ... Separation to God. Sharing Christ's Life Miracles of Destruction. Thesaurus Husk (2 Occurrences)... 2. (n.) The supporting frame of a run of millstones. 3. (vt) To strip off the external covering or envelope of; as, to husk Indian corn. ...Husk (2 Occurrences). ... /h/husk.htm - 8k Shell (1 Occurrence) Vine-tree (3 Occurrences) Kernels (4 Occurrences) Kernel (4 Occurrences) Naziriteship (5 Occurrences) Grapestone (1 Occurrence) Grape-vine (1 Occurrence) Wine-vine (2 Occurrences) Flight (325 Occurrences) Resources Who was Araunah the Jebusite? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the meaning of chaff in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Husk: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Husk (2 Occurrences)Numbers 6:4 2 Kings 4:42 Subtopics Husk: Eaten by the Prodigal Son Related Terms |
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