Topical Encyclopedia In the Bible, plants are frequently mentioned and hold significant symbolic and practical importance. They are used to illustrate spiritual truths, provide sustenance, and demonstrate God's creative power and provision.Creation and Provision Plants are first introduced in the creation narrative. On the third day, God commands the earth to bring forth vegetation: "Then God said, 'Let the earth bring forth vegetation, seed-bearing plants and fruit trees, each bearing fruit with seed according to its kind.' And it was so" (Genesis 1:11). This act of creation underscores God's provision for all living creatures, as plants serve as a primary source of food and sustenance. Symbolism and Teachings Throughout Scripture, plants are used symbolically to convey spiritual lessons. The vine and branches metaphor in John 15:5 illustrates the believer's dependence on Christ: "I am the vine and you are the branches. The one who remains in Me, and I in him, will bear much fruit. For apart from Me you can do nothing." This imagery emphasizes the necessity of remaining connected to Jesus for spiritual vitality and fruitfulness. The parable of the sower in Matthew 13:3-9 uses different types of soil to represent the varied responses to God's Word. The seed that falls on good soil and produces a crop symbolizes those who hear the Word, understand it, and bear fruit. Plants in Worship and Rituals Certain plants were integral to Israelite worship and rituals. The olive tree, for example, was a source of oil used in anointing and offerings. The menorah in the Tabernacle was designed to resemble an almond tree, symbolizing light and life (Exodus 25:31-40). The use of hyssop in purification rites, as seen in Psalm 51:7, "Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow," highlights its role in ceremonial cleansing and spiritual renewal. Judgment and Restoration Plants also serve as metaphors for judgment and restoration. In Isaiah 5:1-7, Israel is likened to a vineyard that produces wild grapes, symbolizing the nation's failure to live up to God's expectations. Conversely, the flourishing of the desert in Isaiah 35:1-2 represents the restoration and blessing of God's people: "The wilderness and the land will be glad; the desert will rejoice and blossom like a rose." Practical Uses The Bible records the practical uses of plants in daily life. Grain, such as wheat and barley, was a staple food, while grapes were used to produce wine. Figs and pomegranates are mentioned as signs of prosperity and abundance (Deuteronomy 8:8). Conclusion Plants in the Bible are more than mere botanical references; they are woven into the fabric of biblical narrative and theology. They illustrate God's provision, serve as symbols of spiritual truths, and play a role in worship and daily life. Through the imagery of plants, Scripture communicates profound lessons about faith, dependence on God, and the hope of restoration. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia PLANT, PLANTSSee BOTANY. Greek 4846. sumpnigo -- to choke ... sumpnigo Phonetic Spelling: (soom-pnee'-go) Short Definition: I choke utterly, crowd upon Definition: I choke utterly, as weeds do plants; I crowd upon. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4846.htm - 7k 5590. psuche -- breath, the soul 4741. sterizo -- to make fast, establish 5452. phuteuo -- to plant 3001. lachanon -- a garden herb, a vegetable Strong's Hebrew 6628. tseelim -- (a kind of) lotus... 6627, 6628. tseelim. 6629 . (a kind of) lotus. Transliteration: tseelim Phonetic Spelling: (tseh'-el) Short Definition: plants. ... /hebrew/6628.htm - 5k 5196. Netaim -- a place in Judah 5195. natia -- a plant 8363. shethil -- a transplanted shoot, slip 5193. nata -- to plant 5373. nerd -- nard 3420. yeraqon -- mildew, paleness, lividness 6780. tsemach -- a sprout, growth 6212a. eseb -- herb, herbage 5194. neta -- plantation, planting, plant Library The Dew and the Plants Whether the Plants and Animals Will Remain in this Renewal? Plants and Animals. Thy Plants are a Paradise of Pomegranates, with the Fruits of the ... Whether it was Fitting that the Production of Plants Should Take ... Whether it is Unlawful to Kill any Living Thing? On the End of Man Fourth Tractate. On True Happiness. To Prevent Ambiguity, we must Begin with Clear Definition. Whether the Lights Ought to have Been Produced on the Fourth Day? Thesaurus Plants (70 Occurrences)... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia PLANT, PLANTS. See BOTANY. Multi-Version Concordance Plants (70 Occurrences). Matthew 13:7 Others fell among thorns. ... /p/plants.htm - 27k Water-plants (7 Occurrences) Vine-plants (1 Occurrence) Olive-plants (1 Occurrence) Grain-plants (1 Occurrence) River-plants (1 Occurrence) Reed-plants (1 Occurrence) Vegetable (3 Occurrences) Lily (9 Occurrences) Vegetation (18 Occurrences) Resources What is the Green Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the meaning of the Parable of the Sower? | GotQuestions.org Did Jesus eat meat? | GotQuestions.org Plants: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Plants (70 Occurrences)Matthew 13:7 Matthew 13:26 Matthew 13:27 Matthew 13:29 Matthew 13:30 Matthew 13:32 Matthew 13:36 Matthew 13:40 Matthew 23:23 Mark 4:7 Mark 4:32 Luke 6:44 Luke 8:6 Luke 8:7 1 Corinthians 3:7 1 Corinthians 3:8 1 Corinthians 9:7 Hebrews 6:7 Hebrews 6:8 Revelation 18:13 Genesis 1:11 Genesis 1:12 Genesis 2:5 Genesis 3:18 Genesis 9:3 Genesis 30:14 Exodus 2:3 Exodus 12:8 Numbers 9:11 Numbers 11:5 Deuteronomy 32:2 1 Kings 4:33 1 Kings 21:2 2 Kings 4:39 2 Kings 19:26 1 Chronicles 4:23 Job 5:25 Job 8:19 Job 12:8 Job 31:40 Job 40:21 Job 40:22 Psalms 37:2 Psalms 104:14 Psalms 105:35 Psalms 128:3 Psalms 144:12 Proverbs 24:31 Proverbs 27:25 Proverbs 31:16 Song of Songs 4:13 Song of Songs 5:13 Song of Songs 6:11 Isaiah 16:8 Isaiah 17:10 Isaiah 34:13 Isaiah 37:27 Isaiah 42:15 Isaiah 43:24 Isaiah 44:14 Jeremiah 9:15 Jeremiah 10:5 Jeremiah 12:4 Jeremiah 48:32 Ezekiel 16:7 Ezekiel 31:4 Daniel 4:15 Hosea 10:8 Zephaniah 2:9 Zechariah 10:1 Subtopics Botanical Gardens: (Park, Probably) Related Terms |