Jump to: Smith's • ATS • ISBE • Easton's • Webster's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Greek • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia Flax is a plant of significant importance in biblical times, primarily due to its use in producing linen, a fabric highly valued in ancient cultures. The plant, known scientifically as Linum usitatissimum, is mentioned several times in the Bible, highlighting its agricultural and economic significance.Biblical References: 1. Cultivation and Use: Flax was cultivated extensively in ancient Egypt and the Near East. The process of turning flax into linen involved several steps, including harvesting, retting, and weaving. Linen garments were prized for their quality and were often associated with purity and holiness. In Proverbs 31:13, the virtuous woman is described as one who "selects wool and flax and works with eager hands," indicating the domestic and industrious use of flax in household management. 2. Symbolism and Imagery: Flax is used symbolically in the Bible to convey various themes. In Isaiah 42:3, the prophet speaks of the Messiah, saying, "A bruised reed He will not break, and a smoldering wick He will not extinguish." Here, the "smoldering wick" refers to a flax wick, symbolizing gentleness and compassion. The imagery of flax in this context underscores the tender and restorative nature of the Messiah's mission. 3. Judgment and Destruction: The destruction of flax crops is mentioned as a sign of divine judgment. In Exodus 9:31, during the plagues of Egypt, it is noted, "Now the flax and barley were destroyed, since the barley was in the ear and the flax was in bloom." The destruction of flax, a critical agricultural product, would have had severe economic repercussions, emphasizing the severity of God's judgment on Egypt. 4. Righteousness and Purity: Linen, made from flax, is often associated with righteousness and purity in the Scriptures. In Revelation 19:8, the fine linen worn by the bride of Christ is described as "the righteous acts of the saints." This association elevates flax beyond its economic value, imbuing it with spiritual significance. 5. Historical Context: The cultivation of flax and the production of linen were well-established industries in ancient Israel and surrounding regions. The climate and soil conditions in these areas were conducive to growing flax, making it a staple crop. Linen garments were worn by priests, as commanded in Leviticus 6:10, where the priest is instructed to "put on his linen robe, and he shall put on linen undergarments next to his body." Cultural and Economic Impact: Flax played a crucial role in the economy of ancient societies. Its fibers were not only used for making clothing but also for producing ropes, sails, and other essential items. The trade of linen garments and flax products contributed to the wealth and prosperity of regions engaged in its cultivation and manufacture. Conclusion: The biblical references to flax highlight its multifaceted role in ancient life, from its practical applications in daily living to its symbolic representation of spiritual truths. Through its various mentions in Scripture, flax serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of the material and spiritual realms in the biblical worldview. Smith's Bible Dictionary Flaxa well-known plant with yellowish stem and bright-blue flowers. Its fibres are employed in the manufacture of linen. The root contains an oil, and after the oil is expressed is sued as a food for cattle. Egypt was celebrated for the culture of flax and the manufacture of linen. The spinning was anciently done by women of noble birth. It seems probable that the cultivation of flax for the purpose of the manufacture of linen was by no means confined to Egypt, but that, originating in India, it spread over Asia at a very early period of antiquity. That it was grown in Palestine even before the conquest of that country by the Israelites appears from (Joshua 2:6) The various processes employed in preparing the flax for manufacture into cloth are indicated:
ATS Bible Dictionary FlaxA well-known plant, upon which the industry of mankind has been exercised with the greatest success and utility, Joshua 2:6 Proverbs 1:13. Moses speaks of the flax in Egypt, Exodus 9:31, which country has been celebrated, from time immemorial, for its production and manufacture. The "fine linen of Egypt," which was manufactured from this article, is spoken of for its superior excellence, in Scripture, Proverbs 7:16 Ezekiel 27:7. It is however, probable that fine cotton is sometimes to be understood when the Byssus is spoken of. Most of the linen found wrapped around Egyptian mummies will hardly compare with our common sheetings. But some specimens are found of most remarkable fineness; one containing 152 threads in the warp, and 71 in the woof, to each square inch; and another, 270 double threads in the warp, and 110 in the woof, per inch. See COTTON and LINEN. The prophet Isaiah, in speaking of the gentleness of the Messiah, makes use of a proverbial expression, which is also quoted by Matthew and applied to Jesus: "The bruised reed he shall not break, and the smoking flax he shall not quench," Isaiah 42:3 Matthew 12:20. Here "flax" is used for the wick of a lamp or taper, which was usually made of flax. He will not break a reed already bruised and ready to be broken, nor extinguish a flickering, dying lamp, just ready to expire; that is, he will not oppress his humble and penitent followers, but cherish the feeblest beginnings of true grace. Easton's Bible Dictionary (Hebrews pishtah, i.e., "peeled", in allusion to the fact that the stalks of flax when dried were first split or peeled before being steeped in water for the purpose of destroying the pulp). This plant was cultivated from earliest times. The flax of Egypt was destroyed by the plague of hail when it "was bolled", i.e., was forming pods for seed (Exodus 9:31). It was extensively cultivated both in Egypt and Palestine. Reference is made in Joshua 2:6 to the custom of drying flax-stalks by exposing them to the sun on the flat roofs of houses. It was much used in forming articles of clothing such as girdles, also cords and bands (Leviticus 13:48, 52, 59; Deuteronomy 22:11). (see LINEN.) Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) A plant of the genus Linum, esp. the L. usitatissimum, which has a single, slender stalk, about a foot and a half high, with blue flowers. The fiber of the bark is used for making thread and cloth, called linen, cambric, lawn, lace, etc. Linseed oil is expressed from the seed.2. (n.) The skin or fibrous part of the flax plant, when broken and cleaned by hatcheling or combing. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia FLAXflaks pesheth, also pishtah; linon (Matthew 12:20)): The above Hebrew words are applied Greek 3043. linon -- flax, linen ... flax, linen. Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter Transliteration: linon Phonetic Spelling: (lee'-non) Short Definition: flax, linen Definition: flax, linen. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3043.htm - 6k 1040. bussos -- byssus (a species of flax), also (the) linen (made ... Strong's Hebrew 6594. pishtah -- flax... 6593, 6594. pishtah. 6595 . flax. Transliteration: pishtah Phonetic Spelling: (pish-taw') Short Definition: flax. Word Origin from ... /hebrew/6594.htm - 6k 6593. pesheth -- flax, linen 5296. neoreth -- tow (for making thread) 8305. sariq -- carded or combed Library Jesus Heals Multitudes Beside the Sea of Galilee. Christ the Arrester of Incipient Evil and the Nourisher of ... Strength in the Weak. The Great Change Egypt. Laodicea The Saint Having Turned to God the Father, Explains Why He Does ... Sweet Comfort for Feeble Saints From the World to God They Indeed who Say that Baptism is not to be Repeated... Thesaurus Flax (11 Occurrences)... Easton's Bible Dictionary (Hebrews pishtah, ie, "peeled", in allusion to the fact that the stalks of flax when dried were first split or peeled before being ... /f/flax.htm - 13k Flax-cord (1 Occurrence) Linen (111 Occurrences) Tow (3 Occurrences) Rahab (14 Occurrences) Bolled (1 Occurrence) Flowers (42 Occurrences) Wool (34 Occurrences) Line (131 Occurrences) Flower (33 Occurrences) Resources What does it mean that “the smoking flax He will not quench” in Matthew 12:20? | GotQuestions.orgQuestions about Matthew | GotQuestions.org What should we learn from the virtuous woman in Proverbs 31? | GotQuestions.org Flax: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Flax (11 Occurrences)Matthew 12:20 Exodus 9:31 Joshua 2:6 Judges 15:14 Proverbs 31:13 Isaiah 19:9 Isaiah 42:3 Isaiah 43:17 Ezekiel 40:3 Hosea 2:5 Hosea 2:9 Subtopics Flax: Smoking Flax not Quenched Related Terms |
    |