Topical Encyclopedia
In biblical terminology, the term "clusters" often refers to groups of grapes, which hold significant agricultural and symbolic importance throughout the Scriptures. Grapes and their clusters are frequently mentioned in the context of abundance, blessing, and the prosperity of the Promised Land.
Biblical References:1.
Numbers 13:23 · One of the most notable mentions of clusters is found in the account of the spies sent by Moses to explore the land of Canaan. "When they came to the Valley of Eshcol, they cut down a branch with a single cluster of grapes, which they carried on a pole between two men, along with some pomegranates and figs." This passage highlights the fertility and richness of the land God promised to the Israelites, symbolized by the large and bountiful cluster of grapes.
2.
Song of Solomon 7:7-8 · Clusters are also used metaphorically in the poetic and romantic language of the Song of Solomon. "Your stature is like a palm tree; your breasts are clusters of fruit. I said, 'I will climb the palm tree; I will take hold of its fruit.'" Here, clusters symbolize beauty, desire, and the intimate love between the bride and groom, reflecting the deeper spiritual relationship between God and His people.
3.
Isaiah 65:8 · The prophet Isaiah uses the imagery of clusters to convey a message of hope and preservation. "This is what the LORD says: 'As the new wine is found in a cluster, and one says, "Do not destroy it, for there is a blessing in it," so I will act on behalf of My servants; I will not destroy them all.'" In this context, the cluster represents a remnant that carries the promise of blessing and renewal, even amidst judgment.
Symbolism and Themes:·
Abundance and Prosperity: Clusters of grapes are a symbol of the abundance that God provides. The imagery of large, fruitful clusters signifies the prosperity and blessings that come from living in accordance with God's will.
·
Fertility and Fruitfulness: In the agrarian society of ancient Israel, clusters of grapes were a direct representation of fertility and the fruitfulness of the land. This symbolism extends to spiritual fruitfulness, where believers are called to bear fruit in their lives as evidence of their faith.
·
Divine Favor and Promise: The presence of clusters in the Promised Land served as a tangible sign of God's favor and the fulfillment of His promises to His people. It reassured the Israelites of the land's potential and God's faithfulness.
·
Metaphor for Relationships: In the Song of Solomon, clusters are used to describe the beauty and allure of the beloved, illustrating the deep, affectionate relationship between the lovers. This metaphor extends to the relationship between Christ and the Church, emphasizing love, unity, and devotion.
Cultural and Historical Context:In ancient Israel, vineyards and grape cultivation were central to the economy and daily life. The process of growing, harvesting, and processing grapes into wine was labor-intensive and required careful attention, making clusters a fitting symbol for the rewards of diligence and divine blessing. The imagery of clusters would have resonated deeply with the original audience, who understood the significance of a fruitful harvest as a sign of God's provision and care.
Overall, clusters in the Bible serve as a rich symbol of God's abundance, the beauty of creation, and the promise of spiritual and physical prosperity for those who follow Him.
Greek
1009. botrus -- a cluster of grapes... of grapes. Word Origin a prim. word Definition a cluster of grapes NASB Word
Usage
clusters (1). cluster, bunch of grapes. Of uncertain
...Strong's Hebrew
8291. saruq -- vine tendrils orclusters... 8290, 8291. saruq or saroq. 8292 . vine tendrils or
clusters. Transliteration:
saruq or saroq Phonetic Spelling: (sar-ook') Short Definition:
clusters.
...6778. tsimmuq -- bunch of raisins
... Word Origin from tsamaq Definition bunch of raisins NASB Word Usage bunches of
raisins (1),clusters of raisins (3). bunch cluster of raisins....
8534. taltallim -- perhaps locks (of hair)
... Definition: dates. Word Origin from the same as tel Definition perhaps locks
(of hair) NASB Word Usageclusters of dates (1). bushy. By...
811. eshkol -- a cluster
... cluster. Word Origin of uncertain derivation Definition a cluster NASB Word
Usage cluster (5),clusters (4). cluster of grapes. Or...
Library
This Thy Stature is Like to a Palmtree, and Thy Breasts to...
... CHAPTER VII. 7. This thy stature is like to a palmtree, and thy breasts toclusters
of grapes.... Her breasts are beautifully likened toclusters of grapes....
His Head is as the Most Fine Gold, his Locks as theClusters of...
... CHAPTER V. 11. His head is as the most fine gold, his locks as theclusters
of the palm, black as a raven. By the locks covering...
Said, I Will Go up to the Palmtree, and I Will Take Hold of the...
... 8. I said, I will go up to the palmtree, and I will take hold of the fruit thereof;
and thy breasts shall be asclusters of the vine, and the smell of thy...
Chapter vii
... 6.7. This thy stature is like to a palm tree and thy breasts toclusters of
grapes.7. 8. I said, I will go up to the palm tree, I will take hold of the boughs...
Fragment iv.
... branches, and in each branch ten thousand twigs, and in each true twig ten thousand
shoots, and in every one of the shoots ten thousandclusters, and on every...
None but Jesus --Second Part
... There are someclusters of this vine which we shall not be able to gather till we
go to heaven; but this is one of the first ripeclusters and may be plucked...
Back to Memphis
... About it were scintillatingclusters, single stars and faint streaks of
never-dissipated mists. Night after night that one brilliant...
New Orders of Monks; Military Orders
... Often, where monks had built their houses in lonely places, littleclusters of huts
grew up round them, and in time theseclusters of huts became large and...
The Vow of Chastity, and Its Rites in the Law; vines, Christ, and...
... The sober and joy-producing vine, from whose instructions, as from branches, there
joyfully hang downclusters of graces, distilling love, is our Lord Jesus...
Ephraim
... Let us also add these words elsewhere: "He eateth all manner of victuals, and
eateth not flesh: theclusters of figs of Keila are brought in....
Thesaurus
Clusters (12 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Clusters (12 Occurrences).
... It was as though it budded,
its blossoms shot forth, and its
clusters brought forth ripe grapes.
...Raisins (9 Occurrences)
... Abigail supplied David with "a hundredclusters of raisins," among other things,
in the wilderness of Paran (1 Samuel 25:18); David gave twoclusters of...
Cluster (6 Occurrences)
... 4. (vi) To grow inclusters or assemble in groups; to gather or unite in
a cluster orclusters. 5. (vt) To collect into a cluster...
Figs (27 Occurrences)
... hurried and took two hundred loaves of bread, two bottles of wine, five sheep ready
dressed, five measures of parched grain, one hundredclusters of raisins...
Grapes (74 Occurrences)
... has power over fire, and he called with a great voice to him who had the sharp sickle,
saying, "Send forth your sharp sickle, and gather theclusters of the...
Vine (76 Occurrences)
... (gephen cedhom): "For their vine is of the vine of Sodom, And of the fields of Gomorrah:
Their grapes are grapes of gall, Theirclusters are bitter...
Loaded (21 Occurrences)
... haste, and took two hundred loaves, and two bottles of wine, and five sheep ready
dressed, and five measures of parched corn, and a hundredclusters of raisins...
Grape (20 Occurrences)
... VINE.). Noah Webster's Dictionary. 1. (n.) A well-known edible berry growing
in pendentclusters or bunches on the grapevine. The...
Ripe (29 Occurrences)
... has power over fire, and he called with a great voice to him who had the sharp sickle,
saying, "Send forth your sharp sickle, and gather theclusters of the...
Palm-tree (8 Occurrences)
... (See JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT). Song of Songs 7:7 This thy stature is like to a
palm-tree, And thy breasts to itsclusters. (See JPS ASV BBE DBY)....
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