Jump to: Smith's • ATS • ISBE • Easton's • Webster's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Identification Cockle is a term used in biblical literature to refer to a type of weed or undesirable plant that grows among crops, particularly wheat. The term is often associated with the broader category of tares or weeds that can be detrimental to agricultural productivity. In the context of the Bible, cockle symbolizes false teachings or evil that can infiltrate and corrupt the community of believers. Biblical References The term "cockle" is not directly mentioned in the Berean Standard Bible ; however, the concept is closely related to the parable of the wheat and the tares found in the Gospel of Matthew. In Matthew 13:24-30 , Jesus tells a parable about a man who sows good seed in his field, but while everyone is sleeping, an enemy comes and sows tares among the wheat. When the wheat sprouts and forms heads, the tares also appear. The servants ask the owner if they should pull up the tares, but he instructs them to let both grow together until the harvest. At that time, the tares will be collected and burned, while the wheat will be gathered into the barn. Symbolism and Interpretation In biblical symbolism, cockle or tares represent the presence of evil or falsehood within the community of believers. The parable of the wheat and the tares illustrates the coexistence of good and evil in the world and within the church. It serves as a warning to believers to be vigilant against false teachings and to maintain the purity of their faith. The decision to let the wheat and tares grow together until the harvest signifies God's patience and the eventual judgment that will separate the righteous from the wicked. This parable emphasizes the importance of discernment and the ultimate justice of God, who will distinguish between true believers and those who are not. Agricultural Context In the agricultural context of ancient Israel, cockle and other weeds posed a significant threat to crops. Weeds could easily blend in with the wheat, making it difficult to distinguish between the two until the plants matured. This agricultural reality provides a vivid metaphor for the spiritual truth conveyed in the parable. Theological Implications The presence of cockle among the wheat serves as a reminder of the ongoing spiritual battle between good and evil. It underscores the necessity for believers to remain steadfast in their faith and to rely on God's wisdom and timing for the ultimate resolution of this conflict. The parable also highlights the importance of grace and patience, as God allows time for repentance and transformation before the final judgment. In summary, while the term "cockle" itself may not appear in the Berean Standard Bible, its symbolic meaning is deeply embedded in the teachings of Jesus and serves as a powerful illustration of the challenges and responsibilities faced by the Christian community. Easton's Bible Dictionary Occurs only in Job 31:40 (marg., "noisome weeds"), where it is the rendering of a Hebrew word (b'oshah) which means "offensive," "having a bad smell," referring to some weed perhaps which has an unpleasant odour. Or it may be regarded as simply any noisome weed, such as the "tares" or darnel of Matthew 13:30. In Isaiah 5:2, 4 the plural form is rendered "wild grapes." Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) A bivalve mollusk, with radiating ribs, of the genus Cardium, especially C. edule, used in Europe for food; -- sometimes applied to similar shells of other genera.2. (n.) A cockleshell. 3. (n.) The mineral black tourmaline or schorl; -- so called by the Cornish miners. 4. (n.) The fire chamber of a furnace. 5. (n.) A hop-drying kiln; a cast. 6. (n.) The dome of a heating furnace. 7. (v. t.) To cause to contract into wrinkles or ridges, as some kinds of cloth after a wetting. 8. (n.) A plant or weed that grows among grain; the corn rose (Luchnis Githage). 9. (n.) The Lotium, or darnel. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia COCKLEkok'-'-l (King James Version margin "stinking weeds," the Revised Version, margin "noisome weeds"; bo'shah, from Hebrew root ba'ash, "to stink"; batos): "Let thistles grow instead of wheat, and cockle instead of barley" (Job 31:40). On account of the meaning of the Hebrew root we should expect that the reference was rather to repulsive, offensive weeds than to the pretty corn cockle. It is very possible that no particular plant is here intended, though the common Palestinian "stinking" arums have been suggested by Hooker. Strong's Hebrew 890. boshah -- stinking or noxious weeds... cockle. Feminine of b'osh; stink-weed or any other noxious or useless plant -- cockle. see HEBREW b'osh. 889, 890. boshah. 891 . Strong's Numbers. /hebrew/890.htm - 6k Library Whether Heretics Ought to be Tolerated? Whether Unbelievers Ought to be Compelled to the Faith? Advice for the Direction of Holy Zeal. Whether it is Lawful to Kill Sinners? Whether Vengeance Should be Wrought by Means of Punishments ... Whether a Sentence of Excommunication Can be Passed on a Body of ... Later English Reformers. Later English Reformers Princely Service. The First Disciples: i. John and Andrew Thesaurus Cockle (1 Occurrence)... 9. (n.) The Lotium, or darnel. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. COCKLE. kok'-'-l ... Hooker. Multi-Version Concordance Cockle (1 Occurrence). Job ... /c/cockle.htm - 8k Noisome (7 Occurrences) Weeds (14 Occurrences) Cock's (7 Occurrences) Grapes (74 Occurrences) Wild (147 Occurrences) Thistles (9 Occurrences) Cocker Resources What does the Bible say about sowing and reaping? | GotQuestions.orgCockle: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Cockle (1 Occurrence)Job 31:40 Subtopics Cockle: A General Term for Obnoxious Plants Related Terms |
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