Topical Encyclopedia
In biblical terms, the word "kernel" often refers to the inner, edible part of a seed or grain, which is encased within a husk or shell. The concept of the kernel is used both literally and metaphorically throughout the Scriptures, symbolizing nourishment, growth, and the potential for new life.
Literal UsageThe kernel is primarily mentioned in the context of agriculture, a central aspect of life in ancient Israel. Grains such as wheat and barley were staple foods, and the process of threshing was used to separate the kernels from the chaff. This separation was crucial for obtaining the nutritious part of the grain, which was then ground into flour for bread, a fundamental element of the diet.
In the Berean Standard Bible, the kernel is not explicitly mentioned by name, but the process of threshing and winnowing, which involves the separation of kernels from chaff, is described. For example, in the book of Ruth, Boaz is found winnowing barley at the threshing floor (
Ruth 3:2), highlighting the importance of this agricultural practice.
Metaphorical UsageThe kernel also serves as a powerful metaphor in Scripture, illustrating spiritual truths. In the New Testament, Jesus uses the imagery of a kernel of wheat to convey the principle of life through death. In
John 12:24 , Jesus states, "Truly, truly, I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a seed; but if it dies, it bears much fruit." Here, the kernel represents the necessity of sacrifice and transformation, pointing to Jesus' own death and resurrection as the means of producing spiritual fruit and eternal life for believers.
This metaphor extends to the Christian life, where believers are called to die to themselves and live for Christ, producing spiritual fruit through the Holy Spirit. The kernel's transformation from a single seed to a fruitful plant serves as a vivid illustration of the transformative power of God's work in the life of a believer.
Symbolism in JudgmentThe separation of kernels from chaff is also used symbolically to describe God's judgment. In
Matthew 3:12 , John the Baptist speaks of Jesus, saying, "His winnowing fork is in His hand to clear His threshing floor and to gather His wheat into the barn, but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire." This imagery underscores the distinction between the righteous (the wheat) and the wicked (the chaff), with the kernel representing those who are faithful and fruitful in God's eyes.
ConclusionThe concept of the kernel in the Bible, whether in its literal agricultural context or its rich metaphorical applications, underscores themes of nourishment, sacrifice, transformation, and judgment. It serves as a reminder of the sustenance provided by God, the call to spiritual growth, and the ultimate separation of the righteous from the wicked.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
n.) The inner part of a grain or seed, often the edible part; all that is within the seed walls; the edible substance contained in the shell of a nut; hence, anything included in a shell, husk, or integument; as, the kernel of a nut.
2. (n.) A single seed or grain; as, a kernel of corn.
3. (n.) A small mass around which other matter is concreted; a nucleus; a concretion or hard lump in the flesh.
4. (n.) The central, substantial or essential part of anything; the gist; the core; as, the kernel of an argument.
5. (v. i.) To harden or ripen into kernels; to produce kernels.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
KERNELkur'-nel (chartsannim, English Versions of the Bible "kernels"; Septuagint reads stemphullon used by Aristophanes as olives from which oil has been pressed, later, in same, of raisin pulp): Mentioned inNumbers 6:4 along with zagh, translated "husks." This translates, "kernels" or "grape stones," is from the Targum and Talmud, but is doubtful, and it may be the word should be translated "sour grapes."
Greek
2848. kokkos -- a grain... a grain. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: kokkos Phonetic Spelling:
(kok'-kos) Short Definition: a
kernel, grain Definition: a
kernel, grain
...2847. kokkinos -- scarlet
... scarlet, crimson. From kokkos (from thekernel-shape of the insect); crimson-colored --
scarlet (colour, coloured). see GREEK kokkos. (kokkinen) -- 1 Occurrence...
Strong's Hebrew
2785. chartsannim -- probably grape kernels, grape stones...kernel. From charats; a sour grape (as sharp in taste) --
kernel. see HEBREW
charats. 2784, 2785. chartsannim. 2786 . Strong's Numbers.
6872b. tseror -- a pebble
... a pebble. Transliteration: tseror Short Definition:kernel. Word Origin from the
same as tsar Definition a pebble NASB Word Usagekernel (1), small stone (1)....
6507. perudah -- grain
... seed. Feminine passive participle of parad; something separated, ie Akernel --
seed. see HEBREW parad. 6506, 6507. perudah. 6508 . Strong's Numbers.
1643. geres -- a crushing
... beaten corn. From an unused root meaning to husk; akernel (collectively), ie Grain --
beaten corn. 1642, 1643. geres. 1644 . Strong's Numbers.
6872. tsrowr -- a bundle, parcel, pouch, bag
... Or (shorter) tsror {tser-ore'}; from tsarar; a parcel (as packed up); also akernel
or particle (as if a package) -- bag, X bendeth, bundle, least grain, small...
1626. gerah -- a gerah (one-twentieth of a shekel)
... gerah. From garar (as in gerah); properly, (like gargar) akernel (round as if scraped),
ie A gerah or small weight (and coin) -- gerah. see HEBREW garar....
Library
Getting theKernel
... TALK FORTY-EIGHT. GETTING THEKERNEL.... He might bite on it all he pleased, but the
deliciouskernel he could not get until the shell was broken....
Christ Teaching by Parables
... Some one has well said that truth, taught by a parable, is like thekernel hid away
in a nut. The parable, like the shell of the nut, covers up thekernel....
The Resurrection.
... There is a poor dry and wrinkledkernel cast into the ground; and there it
lieth, swelleth, breaketh, and, one would think, perisheth....
Groping in the Dark.
... In almost all of them there is indeed some distinctkernel of truth. But
thatkernel has been invariably shut up in a shell and...
The Charge of Worshipping a Cross the Heathens Themselves Made...
... take the case of a tree which grows up into a system of branches and foliage, and
is a reproduction of its own kind, whether it springs from thekernel of an...
Authority and the Adventurer
... If you see clearly thekernel of common-sense in the nut of Christian orthodoxy,
why cannot you simply take thekernel and leave the nut?...
The Work of God in Our Work.
... Sanctification is thekernel from which the blade and full ear of good works shall
spring; but this does not identify thekernel with the blade....
Flight into Egypt and Slaughter of the Bethlehem Children.
... 22, 23. In their type and antitype relationship the Old and New Testaments
may be likened to the shell andkernel of a nut. Israel...
How to Read the Bible
... Reading has akernel to it, and the mere shed is little worth.... There is an interior
reading, akernel reading"a true and living reading of the Word....
Its Results Dependent Upon the Spirit of the Hearers.
... The greater number, however, in their stupidity, did not trouble themselves
to penetrate the shell in order to reach thekernel....
Thesaurus
Kernel (4 Occurrences)... is within the seed walls; the edible substance contained in the shell of a nut;
hence, anything included in a shell, husk, or integument; as, the
kernel of a
...Grain (413 Occurrences)
... Used, in Amos 9:9, of a small stone orkernel; in Matthew 13:31, of an individual
seed of mustard; in John 12:24, 1 Corinthians 15:37, of wheat....
Kerith (1 Occurrence)
Kernels (4 Occurrences)
Nut (1 Occurrence)
... The fruit of certain trees and shrubs (as of the almond, walnut, hickory, beech,
filbert, etc.), consisting of a hard and indehiscent shell inclosing akernel....
Gerah (1 Occurrence)
... GERAH. ge'-ra (gerah, "grain" or "kernel"): A weight, the 20th part of a shekel
(Exodus 30:13 Leviticus 27:25 Numbers 3:47; Numbers 18:16 Ezekiel 45:12)....
Weights (14 Occurrences)
... were: (1.) The gerah (Leviticus 27:25; Numbers 3:47), a Hebrew word, meaning
a grain orkernel, and hence a small weight. It was...
Include (7 Occurrences)
... 1. (vt) To confine within; to hold; to contain; to shut up; to enclose; as, the
shell of a nut includes thekernel; a pearl is included in a shell....
Remnant (157 Occurrences)
... of the last-mentioned two words, "remnant" has a special significance in the prophecies
of Isaiah, as denoting "a holy seed," or spiritualkernel, of the...
Pistachio (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) The nut of the Pistacia vera, a tree of the order
Anacardiaceae, containing akernel of a pale greenish color, which has a...
Resources
Who was Araunah the Jebusite? | GotQuestions.orgHow many prophecies did Jesus fulfill? | GotQuestions.orgHow did Jesus fulfill the meanings of the Jewish feasts? | GotQuestions.orgKernel: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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