Definition and Context
The term "earing" in the Bible refers to the act of plowing or tilling the ground in preparation for sowing seeds. It is an archaic term that appears in older translations of the Bible, such as the King James Version. In the context of agriculture, "earing" is a critical step in the cycle of planting and harvesting, symbolizing preparation and readiness for growth.

Biblical References
The concept of earing is mentioned in several passages, often in conjunction with sowing and reaping, illustrating the agricultural practices of ancient Israel. In the Berean Standard Bible, the term "plowing" is used instead of "earing," reflecting modern language.

1. Genesis 45:6 · "For the famine has covered the land these two years, and there will be five more years without plowing or harvesting." This verse highlights the severity of the famine in Egypt during Joseph's time, emphasizing the absence of agricultural activities, including earing, due to the lack of resources.

2. Exodus 34:21 · "Six days you shall labor, but on the seventh day you shall rest; even during the plowing and harvesting times, you must rest." Here, the commandment to observe the Sabbath rest is extended to the agricultural calendar, indicating that even during critical times of earing and harvesting, the Israelites were to honor the Sabbath.

3. Deuteronomy 21:4 · "And the elders of that city shall bring the heifer down to a valley with running water, which has not been plowed or sown, and they shall break the heifer’s neck there in the valley." This passage describes a ritual for atonement, specifying that the location for the ritual should be a place that has not been subjected to earing or sowing, symbolizing purity and untouched land.

Symbolic Meaning
In a broader spiritual sense, earing can symbolize the preparation of one's heart and life for receiving God's word and blessings. Just as the soil must be tilled to receive seed, individuals must prepare their hearts to receive spiritual truths. This metaphor is echoed in the parable of the sower, where the condition of the soil represents the readiness of the heart to accept the gospel (Matthew 13:3-9).

Cultural and Historical Background
In ancient Israel, agriculture was the backbone of society, and the process of earing was essential for survival. The Israelites depended on the cycles of plowing, sowing, and harvesting for their sustenance. The agricultural calendar was closely tied to religious observances, with festivals such as Passover, the Feast of Weeks, and the Feast of Tabernacles marking key points in the agricultural year.

Theological Implications
The act of earing, as part of the agricultural process, underscores the biblical themes of diligence, stewardship, and reliance on God's provision. It serves as a reminder of humanity's role in cultivating the earth and the necessity of preparing one's life for spiritual growth. The biblical injunctions related to earing and rest also highlight the importance of balancing work with spiritual observance, trusting in God's timing and provision.An Old English word (from the Latin aro, I plough), meaning "ploughing." It is used in the Authorized Version in Genesis 45:6; Exodus 34:21; 1 Samuel 8:12; Deuteronomy 21:4; Isaiah 30:24; but the Revised Version has rendered the original in these places by the ordinary word to plough or till. 1. (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Ear.

2. (n.) A line used to fasten the upper corners of a sail to the yard or gaff; -- also called head earing.

3. (n.) A line for hauling the reef cringle to the yard; -- also called reef earing.

4. (n.) A line fastening the corners of an awning to the rigging or stanchions.

5. (n.) Coming into ear, as corn.

6. (n.) A plowing of land.

EARING

er'-ing (harish):

The Hebrew word is twice translated "earing" in the King James Version (Genesis 45:6 Exodus 34:21). The Revised Version (British and American) rendering is "plowing": "There shall be neither plowing nor harvest."

See also Deuteronomy 21:4 1 Samuel 8:12 Isaiah 30:24.

2758. charish -- a plowing, plowing time
... plowing time, ground. From charash; ploughing or its season -- earing (time), ground.
see HEBREW charash. 2757, 2758. charish. 2759 . Strong's Numbers.
/hebrew/2758.htm - 6k

Recognition and Reconciliation
... For these two years hath the famine been in the land: and yet there are five
years, in the which there shall neither be earing nor harvest. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/recognition and reconciliation.htm

Purposes of God.
... to preserve life.6. For these two years hath the famine been in the land, and yet
there are five years, in the which there shall neither be earing nor harvest ...
/.../finney/systematic theology/lecture xlvi purposes of god.htm

Earing (2 Occurrences)
... & vb. n.) of Ear. 2. (n.) A line used to fasten the upper corners of a sail to the
yard or gaff; -- also called head earing. ... Standard Bible Encyclopedia. EARING. ...
/e/earing.htm - 8k

Earlier (48 Occurrences)

/e/earlier.htm - 21k

Eared (1 Occurrence)

/e/eared.htm - 7k

Plough (11 Occurrences)
... First referred to in Genesis 45:6, where the Authorized Version has "earing," but
the Revised Version "ploughing;" next in Exodus 34:21 and Deuteronomy 21:4 ...
/p/plough.htm - 11k

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