Jump to: Smith's • ATS • ISBE • Easton's • Webster's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia Coriander, known scientifically as Coriandrum sativum, is an annual herb in the family Apiaceae. It is native to regions spanning from Southern Europe and Northern Africa to Southwestern Asia. In the context of the Bible, coriander is mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the books of Exodus and Numbers, where it is used as a descriptive term to help the Israelites understand the appearance of manna.Biblical References: 1. Exodus 16:31 : "Now the house of Israel called the bread manna. It was white like coriander seed and tasted like wafers made with honey." In this passage, coriander is used to describe the appearance of manna, the miraculous food provided by God to the Israelites during their journey through the wilderness. The comparison to coriander seed suggests that manna was small, round, and white, similar to the seeds of the coriander plant. 2. Numbers 11:7 : "Now the manna resembled coriander seed, and its appearance was like that of gum resin." Here again, coriander is used to describe the physical characteristics of manna. The reference to gum resin further emphasizes the unique and divine nature of this sustenance. Cultural and Historical Context: Coriander has been used since ancient times for both culinary and medicinal purposes. In the ancient Near East, it was a common herb, valued for its aromatic seeds and leaves. The seeds were often used as a spice, while the leaves, known as cilantro, were used to flavor dishes. The Israelites, during their time in Egypt and their subsequent wanderings, would have been familiar with coriander as a part of their diet. The use of coriander as a descriptive term in the Bible highlights the everyday experiences and agricultural knowledge of the ancient Israelites. By comparing manna to coriander seed, the biblical authors provided a tangible reference for their audience, helping them to visualize the miraculous provision of God in a relatable way. Symbolic Significance: In the biblical narrative, coriander, through its association with manna, becomes a symbol of God's provision and faithfulness. Manna, described as resembling coriander seed, was a daily reminder to the Israelites of God's care and sustenance during their 40 years in the wilderness. This miraculous food, which appeared each morning, was a testament to God's ability to provide for His people in even the most desolate circumstances. The mention of coriander in the context of manna also serves to underscore the simplicity and purity of God's provision. Just as coriander is a humble and common plant, manna was a simple yet sufficient food that met the needs of the Israelites. This simplicity points to the sufficiency of God's grace and the importance of relying on Him for daily sustenance. Conclusion: While coriander itself is a modest herb, its mention in the Bible carries significant theological weight. Through its association with manna, coriander becomes a symbol of divine provision, faithfulness, and the sufficiency of God's grace. The biblical references to coriander provide insight into the daily life and agricultural practices of the ancient Israelites, while also offering a profound reminder of God's enduring care for His people. Smith's Bible Dictionary CorianderThe plant called Coriandrum sativum is found in Egypt, Persia and India, and has a round tall stalk; it bears umbelliferous white or reddish flowers, from which arise globular, grayish, spicy seed-corns, marked with fine striae. It is mentioned twice in the Bible. (Exodus 16:31; Numbers 11:7) ATS Bible Dictionary CorianderA small round seed of an aromatic plant. The plant is a native of China, and is widely diffused in Asia and the south of Europe. Its seeds are planted in March. They are employed as a spice in the East, and are much used by druggists, confectionarists, etc. The manna which fell in the wilderness was like coriander-seed, Exodus 16:31 Numbers 11:7. See MANNA. Easton's Bible Dictionary Hebrews gad, (Exodus 16:31; Numbers 11:7), seed to which the manna is likened in its form and colour. It is the Coriandrum sativum of botanists, an umbelliferous annual plant with a round stalk, about two feet high. It is widely cultivated in Eastern countries and in the south of Europe for the sake of its seeds, which are in the form of a little ball of the size of a peppercorn. They are used medicinally and as a spice. The Greek name of this plant is korion or koriannon, whence the name "coriander." Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (n.) An umbelliferous plant, the Coriandrum sativum, the fruit or seeds of which have a strong smell and a spicy taste, and in medicine are considered as stomachic and carminative.International Standard Bible Encyclopedia CORIANDERkor-i-an'-der (gadh; korion): The fruit of the Coriandrum Sativum (Natural Order Umbelliferae), a plant indigenous around the Mediterranean and extensively cultivated. The fruits are aromatic and stomatic-carminative. They are of a grayish-yellow color, ribbed, ovate-globular and in size about twice that of a hemp-seed. "The manna was like coriander seed" (Numbers 11:7; see also Exodus 16:31). Strong's Hebrew 1407. gad -- coriander... 1406, 1407. gad. 1408 . coriander. Transliteration: gad Phonetic Spelling: (gad) Short Definition: coriander. Word Origin perhaps ... /hebrew/1407.htm - 6k Library Then Moses, Exulting in the Safety of his Own People... How Moses when He had Brought the People Out of Egypt Led Paul's Desire to Depart The Redeemer's Prayer Here Next Followeth the History of Moses The Reaction against Egypt Thesaurus Coriander (2 Occurrences)... They are used medicinally and as a spice. The Greek name of this plant is korion or koriannon, whence the name "coriander.". Noah Webster's Dictionary. ...CORIANDER... /c/coriander.htm - 8k Coriander-seed (2 Occurrences) Manna (19 Occurrences) Core (1 Occurrence) Color (18 Occurrences) Wafers (6 Occurrences) Tasted (18 Occurrences) Resin (4 Occurrences) Bdolach (2 Occurrences) Bdellium (2 Occurrences) Resources What was manna? | GotQuestions.orgWho were Eldad and Medad? | GotQuestions.org What is the Wilderness of Sin? | GotQuestions.org Coriander: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Coriander (2 Occurrences)Exodus 16:31 Numbers 11:7 Subtopics Related Terms |
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