Purslain, also known as purslane, is a small, fleshy-leaved plant that is often considered a weed but has been used historically for both culinary and medicinal purposes. While the Bible does not explicitly mention purslain, it is a plant that would have been familiar in the ancient Near East, including the regions of Israel and surrounding territories. Its presence in the biblical landscape can be inferred from its widespread growth and use in ancient times.

Botanical Characteristics

Purslain (Portulaca oleracea) is a succulent annual plant that thrives in warm climates. It is characterized by its reddish stems and small, green, spoon-shaped leaves. The plant produces small yellow flowers and is known for its ability to grow in poor soil conditions, making it a common sight in fields and gardens. Purslain is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals, which has contributed to its use as a food source.

Historical and Cultural Context

In ancient times, purslain was valued for its nutritional and medicinal properties. It was commonly used in salads and as a cooked vegetable. The plant's high nutritional content made it a valuable food source, especially in times of scarcity. Purslain's medicinal uses included treatments for inflammation, headaches, and digestive issues, reflecting the plant's versatility and importance in daily life.

Biblical Context and Symbolism

While purslain is not directly mentioned in the Bible, its characteristics and uses can be related to various biblical themes. The plant's resilience and ability to thrive in harsh conditions can be seen as a metaphor for perseverance and faithfulness, qualities that are highly valued in Scripture. Additionally, the use of plants and herbs for healing purposes is a recurring theme in the Bible, as seen in passages that reference the use of natural remedies (e.g., Ezekiel 47:12, "Their fruit will be for food and their leaves for healing").

Theological Reflections

From a theological perspective, the presence of plants like purslain in the biblical world serves as a reminder of God's provision and care for His creation. The abundance and diversity of plant life reflect the Creator's wisdom and generosity. In the same way that purslain provides sustenance and healing, believers are called to rely on God's provision for their physical and spiritual needs.

Practical Applications

In modern times, purslain continues to be appreciated for its health benefits and culinary uses. It serves as a reminder of the simple yet profound ways in which God provides for His people. Christians are encouraged to cultivate gratitude for the natural world and to recognize the ways in which God's creation sustains and nourishes them.

Conclusion

While purslain may not be explicitly mentioned in the Bible, its historical and cultural significance in the ancient Near East provides valuable insights into the daily lives of biblical peoples. Its resilience and nutritional value offer a rich metaphor for spiritual truths, encouraging believers to trust in God's provision and care.(n.) Same as Purslane.PURSLAIN; JUICE

purs'-lan, joos, jus.

See JUICE.

4408. malluach -- mallow
... mallows. From malach; sea-purslain (from its saltness) -- mallows. see HEBREW
malach. 4407, 4408. malluach. 4409 . Strong's Numbers.
/hebrew/4408.htm - 6k

2495. challamuth -- (a plant), probably a purslane
... egg. From chalam (in the sense of insipidity); probably purslain -- egg. see HEBREW
chalam. 2494, 2495. challamuth. 2496 . Strong's Numbers.
/hebrew/2495.htm - 6k

A Thanksgiving to God, for his House
... Lord, I confess too, when I dine, The pulse is thine, And all those other bits that
be There placed by thee; The worts, the purslain, and the mess Of water ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/a thanksgiving to god for.htm

A Thanksgiving to God for his House
... And all those other bits, that be. There placed by Thee; The Worts, the Purslain,
and the mess. Of water-cress,. Which of Thy kindness Thou hast sent; ...
/.../palgrave/the treasury of sacred song/xciv a thanksgiving to god.htm

Disclosure of the Monstrous Tenets of the Manich??ans.
... the palate. At least you must not prefer purslain to flesh, since flesh
when cooked is superior in color, smell, and taste. A young ...
/.../chapter 16 name of the 2.htm

Purslain (1 Occurrence)
... (n.) Same as Purslane. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. PURSLAIN; JUICE.
purs'-lan, joos, jus. See JUICE. Multi-Version Concordance Purslain (1 Occurrence). ...
/p/purslain.htm - 7k

Egg (3 Occurrences)
... It has been translated "purslain" (RV marg.), and the whole phrase "purslain-broth",
ie, broth made of that herb, proverbial for its insipidity; and hence an ...
/e/egg.htm - 10k

Juice (8 Occurrences)
... margin "sweet wine"), and once in the Revised Version margin of Job 6:6, where for
"the white of an egg" margin reads, "the juice of purslain." Septuagint has ...
/j/juice.htm - 9k

Purslane (1 Occurrence)
... Purslane (1 Occurrence). Job 6:6 Will a man take food which has no taste without
salt? or is there any taste in the soft substance of purslain? (See RSV). ...
/p/purslane.htm - 6k

Purses (4 Occurrences)

/p/purses.htm - 7k

Soft (36 Occurrences)
... (BBE). Job 6:6 Will a man take food which has no taste without salt? or is
there any taste in the soft substance of purslain? (BBE). ...
/s/soft.htm - 20k

Substance (99 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS). Job 6:6 Will a man take food which has no taste without
salt? or is there any taste in the soft substance of purslain? (BBE). ...
/s/substance.htm - 39k

Purslain: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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