Topical Encyclopedia
The pomegranate-tree, known scientifically as
Punica granatum, is a fruit-bearing deciduous shrub or small tree that holds significant cultural and religious symbolism in the Bible. The pomegranate is native to the region of Persia and the surrounding areas, and it has been cultivated since ancient times throughout the Mediterranean and the Middle East.
Biblical References:
The pomegranate is mentioned several times in the Bible, often symbolizing abundance, fertility, and beauty. It is one of the seven species listed inDeuteronomy 8:8, which describes the richness of the Promised Land: "a land of wheat and barley, of vines and fig trees and pomegranates, a land of olive oil and honey."
In the construction of the Tabernacle and later the Temple, pomegranates were used as decorative motifs.Exodus 28:33-34 describes the priestly garments: "Make pomegranates of blue, purple, and scarlet yarn around the lower hem of the robe, with gold bells between them, alternating the gold bells and pomegranates around the lower hem of the robe." This design was intended for the robe of the high priest, signifying the beauty and holiness required in the service of God.
The pomegranate also appears in the Song of Solomon, a poetic book that celebrates love and beauty. InSong of Solomon 4:3, the beloved's cheeks are compared to the halves of a pomegranate: "Your lips are like a scarlet ribbon, and your mouth is lovely. Your temples behind your veil are like the halves of a pomegranate." This imagery highlights the fruit's association with beauty and desire.
Symbolism and Significance:
In biblical symbolism, the pomegranate is often associated with righteousness and the law. The numerous seeds within the fruit are sometimes seen as representing the 613 commandments of the Torah, emphasizing the fruit's connection to divine law and moral abundance.
The pomegranate's presence in the Temple's design, as described in1 Kings 7:18-20, further underscores its spiritual significance: "He made pomegranates in two rows encircling each network to decorate the capitals on top of the pillars. He did the same for each capital." These decorative elements on the pillars of the Temple served as a reminder of God's provision and the beauty of His creation.
Cultural and Historical Context:
In ancient Israel, the pomegranate was a common fruit, valued not only for its taste but also for its medicinal properties. It was used in various forms, including juice and wine, and was a staple in the diet of the people. The fruit's hard outer shell and juicy interior made it a symbol of protection and sustenance.
The pomegranate's enduring presence in biblical texts and its continued cultivation in the region highlight its importance in the daily life and spiritual consciousness of the Israelites. Its role in religious rituals and its frequent mention in Scripture reflect its deep-rooted significance in the Judeo-Christian tradition.Strong's Hebrew
7416. rimmon -- a pomegranate
... Word Origin of foreign origin Definition a pomegranate NASB Word Usage pomegranate
(7),pomegranate tree (1), pomegranates (22). pomegranate....
Library
Would any one Say this About the Gods who had Even a Very Low...
... correct to say so. Did apomegranate tree, also, spring from the blood which
flowed and from the parts which were cut off? or at the...
How Sacred Love Contains the Twelve Fruits of the Holy Ghost...
... Thus love is oftentimes represented by the pomegranate, which, as it takes its
properties from thepomegranate-tree, may be said to be the virtue of this tree...
Joel's Rhapsody of the Locust Plague
... The vine is withered, And the fig tree languisheth; Thepomegranate tree, The palm
tree also, and the apple tree, Even all the trees of the field are withered...
Jonathan's Brave Deed
... Meantime Saul was sitting just outside of Gibeah under thepomegranate-tree which
is near the threshing-floor, and there were with him about six hundred men....
Now, when it had Been Often Considered in the Councils of the Gods...
... of blood; both [4313] are carried off and swallowed up by the earth; from them there
suddenly springs up, covered with fruit, apomegranate tree, seeing the...
Visions of Future Glory
... because they have no pasture; yea, the flocks of sheep are made desolate." "The
vine is dried up, and the fig tree languisheth; thepomegranate tree, the palm...
The Unseen Watcher
... because they have no pasture; yea, the flocks of sheep are made desolate." The vine
is dried up, and the fig tree languisheth; thepomegranate tree, the palm...
The Nile and Egypt
... locust tree several varieties of acacia and mimosa-the sont, the mimosa habbas,
the white acacia, the Acacia Parnesxana"and thepomegranate tree, increase in...
Thesaurus
Pomegranate-tree (2 Occurrences)Pomegranate-
tree. Pomegranates,
Pomegranate-
tree. Pomegranate-trees .
Multi-Version Concordance
Pomegranate-
tree (2 Occurrences).
...Pomegranate (11 Occurrences)
... It belongs to the myrtle family of trees. The withering of thepomegranate
tree is mentioned among the judgments of God (Joel 1:12)....
Migron (2 Occurrences)
... mig'-ron (mighron; Magon): (1) A place in the uttermost part of Geba-which read
here instead of Gibeah-marked by apomegranatetree, where Saul and his 600 men...
Pomegranates (20 Occurrences)
Outskirts (38 Occurrences)
... 1 Samuel 14:2 And Saul tarried in the uttermost part of Gibeah under the
pomegranate-tree which is in Migron; and the people that were with him were about...
Languish (13 Occurrences)
... Joel 1:12 The vine is dried up, and the fig tree languisheth; thepomegranatetree,
the palm tree also, and the apple tree, even all the trees of the field...
Languisheth (10 Occurrences)
... Joel 1:12 The vine is dried up, and the fig tree languisheth; thepomegranatetree,
the palm tree also, and the apple tree, even all the trees of the field...
Rimmon (22 Occurrences)
... latter connects this again with 1 Samuel 14:2, where Saul, accompanied by his 600,
"abode in the uttermost part of Gibeah" under thepomegranatetree (Rimmon)....
Extreme (11 Occurrences)
... 1 Samuel 14:2 And Saul abode at the extreme end of Gibeah under thepomegranate-
tree which was in Migron; and the people that were with him were about six...
Micron
... mig'-ron (mighron; Magon): (1) A place in the uttermost part of Geba-which read
here instead of Gibeah-marked by apomegranatetree, where Saul and his 600 men...
Resources
What is the significance of pomegranates in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhy did God use a locust swarm to punish Israel (Joel 1:4)? | GotQuestions.orgWhy did Jesus curse the fig tree? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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