In biblical literature, the concept of poison-plants is often used metaphorically to describe spiritual and moral corruption. While the Bible does not explicitly list specific plants as poisonous, it uses the imagery of harmful plants to convey deeper theological truths about sin, idolatry, and the consequences of turning away from God.

Metaphorical Usage:

1. Deuteronomy 29:18 · In this passage, Moses warns the Israelites against idolatry and turning away from the covenant with God. He uses the metaphor of a "root bearing poisonous and bitter fruit" to describe the spiritual danger of allowing idolatry to take root in their hearts. The Berean Standard Bible states: "Make sure there is no man or woman, clan or tribe among you today whose heart turns away from the LORD our God to go and worship the gods of those nations; make sure there is no root among you bearing poisonous and bitter fruit."

2. Jeremiah 8:14 · The prophet Jeremiah speaks of the impending judgment on Judah, using the imagery of poison to describe the consequences of their unfaithfulness. The BSB translates: "Why are we sitting here? Gather together; let us flee to the fortified cities and perish there! For the LORD our God has doomed us to perish and given us poisoned water to drink, because we have sinned against Him."

3. Hosea 10:4 · Hosea uses the imagery of poisonous plants to describe the deceit and falsehood prevalent among the people of Israel. The BSB reads: "They speak mere words; with false oaths they make covenants. So judgment springs up like poisonous weeds in the furrows of a field."

Symbolism and Theological Implications:

The use of poison-plant imagery in the Bible serves as a powerful symbol of the destructive nature of sin and rebellion against God. Just as a poisonous plant can cause physical harm, spiritual poison leads to moral decay and separation from God. The biblical authors use this imagery to call the people of God to repentance and to warn them of the dire consequences of turning away from His commandments.

Moral and Spiritual Lessons:

The metaphor of poison-plants underscores the importance of vigilance in one's spiritual life. Believers are encouraged to guard their hearts against the infiltration of sin and false teachings, which can take root and grow if left unchecked. The imagery serves as a reminder of the need for spiritual discernment and the pursuit of holiness.

Practical Application:

In a practical sense, the biblical warnings about poison-plants can be applied to the life of a believer by emphasizing the importance of regular self-examination and repentance. Just as a gardener removes weeds to protect the health of a garden, Christians are called to uproot sin and cultivate a life that bears good fruit in accordance with God's will.

The concept of poison-plants in the Bible, while metaphorical, provides a vivid illustration of the spiritual truths that are central to the Christian faith. Through these images, Scripture communicates the seriousness of sin and the necessity of remaining faithful to God.

Footnotes:
... {333} From the Eriodendron, or giant silk-cotton. {334} Spigelia anthelmia, a
too-well-known poison-plant. {335a} Coelogenys Paca. {335b} Wild cavy. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/andromeda and other poems/footnotes .htm

A Death in the Desert
... fatal disease is there. A tiny leaf above ground may tell that, deep below,
lurks the root of a poison plant. That little deflection ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/a death in the desert.htm

Poison-plant (1 Occurrence)
Poison-plant. Poisonous, Poison-plant. Poisons . Multi-Version
Concordance Poison-plant (1 Occurrence). Hosea 10:4 Their ...
/p/poison-plant.htm - 6k

Poisonous (8 Occurrences)

/p/poisonous.htm - 9k

Plowed (9 Occurrences)
... Hosea 10:4 Their words are foolish; they make agreements with false oaths, so
punishment will come up like a poison-plant in a ploughed field. (See NIV). ...
/p/plowed.htm - 9k

Poisons (1 Occurrence)

/p/poisons.htm - 6k

Ploughed (16 Occurrences)
... Hosea 10:4 Their words are foolish; they make agreements with false oaths, so
punishment will come up like a poison-plant in a ploughed field. (BBE). ...
/p/ploughed.htm - 11k

Oaths (49 Occurrences)
... Hosea 10:4 Their words are foolish; they make agreements with false oaths, so
punishment will come up like a poison-plant in a ploughed field. ...
/o/oaths.htm - 21k

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