Topical Encyclopedia Gourds are mentioned in the Bible primarily in the context of their use as food and their symbolic significance. The term "gourd" refers to the fruit of certain plants in the Cucurbitaceae family, which includes a variety of species such as pumpkins, squashes, and melons. In biblical times, gourds were cultivated for their edible fruit and sometimes for their hard shells, which could be used as containers.Biblical References: 1. 2 Kings 4:38-41: The most notable mention of gourds in the Bible is found in the account of Elisha and the "wild gourds." During a time of famine, Elisha returned to Gilgal, where the sons of the prophets were gathered. One of the men went out into the field to gather herbs and found a wild vine, from which he collected wild gourds. He sliced them into the pot of stew, not knowing what they were. When the men began to eat the stew, they cried out, "There is death in the pot, O man of God!" Elisha then instructed them to bring flour, which he threw into the pot, and the stew became safe to eat. This miracle demonstrated God's provision and protection through His prophet Elisha. "When Elisha returned to Gilgal, there was a famine in the land. As the sons of the prophets were sitting before him, he said to his servant, 'Put on the large pot and cook some stew for these men.' One of them went out into the field to gather herbs and found a wild vine from which he picked as many wild gourds as his garment would hold. Then he came back and sliced them into the pot of stew, though no one knew what they were. And they poured it out for the men to eat. But when they tasted the stew, they cried out, 'There is death in the pot, O man of God!' And they could not eat it. Then Elisha said, 'Get some flour.' He threw it into the pot and said, 'Pour it out for the people to eat.' And there was nothing harmful in the pot." (2 Kings 4:38-41) 2. Jonah 4:6-7: Another reference to a plant that is often associated with gourds is found in the Book of Jonah. After Jonah preached to Nineveh and the city repented, Jonah sat outside the city, waiting to see what would happen. God provided a plant, often translated as a "gourd" or "vine," to give Jonah shade and comfort. However, God later sent a worm to attack the plant, causing it to wither. This event was used by God to teach Jonah a lesson about compassion and divine mercy. "So the LORD God appointed a vine, and it grew up to provide shade over Jonah’s head to ease his discomfort, and Jonah was greatly pleased with the plant. When dawn came the next day, God appointed a worm that attacked the plant so that it withered." (Jonah 4:6-7) Symbolic Significance: In the biblical narrative, gourds and similar plants often symbolize God's provision and the transient nature of earthly comforts. The account of Elisha and the wild gourds illustrates God's ability to transform what is harmful into something beneficial, highlighting His power and care for His people. Similarly, the account of Jonah and the gourd plant serves as a reminder of the temporary nature of material comforts and the importance of aligning one's perspective with God's compassion and mercy. Cultural and Historical Context: In ancient Near Eastern cultures, gourds were a common food source and were valued for their versatility. They could be eaten when young and tender, while mature gourds could be dried and used as containers or utensils. The biblical references to gourds reflect their everyday presence in the lives of the people and their reliance on God's provision for sustenance and survival. Strong's Hebrew 6498. paqquoth -- gourds... 6497, 6498. paqquoth. 6499 . gourds. Transliteration: paqquoth Phonetic Spelling: (pak-koo-aw') Short Definition: gourds. Word Origin ... /hebrew/6498.htm - 6k 6497. peqaim -- gourd (shaped) ornaments Library When God Takes Away Our Children from Us, it is a Very Affecting ... Lessons. Bread that Strengtheneth Man's Hearts Building a Great Temple ! is that Foul Smell... But if You Urge that Bones, Different Kinds of Honey... Trust of the Wicked, and the Righteous Compared. Jer 17:5-8 Vanity of Life Eccl 2 Prayer Answered by Crosses. The Banquet of Love, Cant. 2 1 2 3 4 6 7 Thesaurus Gourds (4 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance Gourds (4 Occurrences). 1 Kings 6:18 There was cedar on the house within, carved with buds and open flowers ... /g/gourds.htm - 7k Gourd (4 Occurrences) Govern (21 Occurrences) Wild (147 Occurrences) Knop (4 Occurrences) Potter (14 Occurrences) Pottage (7 Occurrences) Physician (6 Occurrences) Pottery (11 Occurrences) Splitteth (2 Occurrences) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible ThesuarusConcordance Gourds (4 Occurrences)1 Kings 6:18 1 Kings 7:24 2 Kings 4:39 2 Chronicles 4:3 Subtopics Related Terms |
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