Grits
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Grits, a dish made from ground corn, is a staple in Southern American cuisine. While grits themselves are not directly mentioned in the Bible, the broader category of grains and their significance in biblical times provides a context for understanding their importance in daily life and spiritual symbolism.

Biblical Context of Grains

Grains, including corn, wheat, and barley, were central to the diet of ancient Near Eastern peoples. The Bible frequently references grains as a symbol of sustenance and divine provision. In Genesis 41:47-49, during the time of Joseph, Egypt experienced seven years of abundance, during which "the earth produced plentifully" . Joseph stored up grain in great abundance, which later sustained the people during the years of famine.

The process of grinding grain into flour or meal, akin to the preparation of grits, is also noted in Scripture. In Numbers 11:8, the Israelites ground manna in mills or beat it in mortars, boiling it in pots to make cakes. This reflects the labor-intensive process of preparing grains for consumption, a daily task for many families.

Spiritual Symbolism

Grains hold significant spiritual symbolism in the Bible. They are often associated with God's provision and blessing. In Psalm 65:9-13, the psalmist praises God for enriching the land and providing grain, saying, "You crown the year with Your bounty, and Your paths overflow with plenty" . This imagery underscores the belief that God is the ultimate provider of all sustenance.

The New Testament also uses grain as a metaphor for spiritual truths. In John 12:24, Jesus speaks of a grain of wheat, saying, "Truly, truly, I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a seed; but if it dies, it bears much fruit" . This passage highlights the principle of sacrifice and resurrection, central to Christian faith.

Cultural and Historical Significance

While grits as a specific dish are not mentioned in the Bible, the cultural practice of consuming ground grains is ancient. In biblical times, grains were a primary food source, often prepared as porridge or bread. The preparation and consumption of such dishes would have been familiar to the people of the Bible.

In modern times, grits have become a symbol of Southern hospitality and comfort. They reflect a tradition of simplicity and nourishment, values that resonate with biblical teachings on contentment and gratitude for God's provision.

Conclusion

Though not explicitly mentioned in Scripture, grits, as a form of ground grain, connect to the biblical themes of sustenance, provision, and spiritual truth. The preparation and enjoyment of grits today can serve as a reminder of the enduring significance of grains in both physical and spiritual nourishment.
Strong's Hebrew
1643. geres -- a crushing
... 1642, 1643. geres. 1644 . a crushing. Transliteration: geres Phonetic
Spelling: (gheh'-res) Short Definition: grits. Word Origin ...
/hebrew/1643.htm - 5k

7383. riphah -- perhaps grain
... ground corn, wheat. Or riphah {ree-faw'}; from ruwph; (only plural), grits (as
pounded) -- ground corn, wheat. see HEBREW ruwph. 7382, 7383. ...
/hebrew/7383.htm - 6k

Library

Be it So; Let it be Conceded that These Most Unfortunate Cattle ...
... [4881] Salsamina, by which is perhaps meant the grits and salt cast on the victim;
but if so, Arnobius is at variance with Servius (Virgil, Ecl., viii. ...
/.../arnobius/the seven books of arnobius against the heathen/24 be it so let.htm

No One, Says My Opponent, Makes Supplication to the Tutelar ...
... Footnotes: [3990] Lit., "salted fruits," the grits mixed with salt, strewed
on the victim. [3991] Supplied by Ursinus. [3992] So the edd. ...
/.../arnobius/the seven books of arnobius against the heathen/24 no one says my.htm

We have Now to Say a Few Words About Incense and Wine...
... flourished; nor did even Romulus or Numa, who was skilful in devising new ceremonies,
know either of its existence or growth, as the sacred grits [4895] show ...
/.../arnobius/the seven books of arnobius against the heathen/26 we have now to.htm

But Let us Agree, as You Wish, that There are Both Infernal ...
... and horrible in colour? Dye the incense if it is offered, the salted grits,
and all the libations without exception. Into the milk ...
/.../the seven books of arnobius against the heathen/20 but let us agree.htm

Thesaurus
Grits (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Grits (2 Occurrences). Leviticus 2:14 "'If you
offer a meal offering of first fruits to Yahweh, you shall ...
/g/grits.htm - 7k

Grizzled (4 Occurrences)

/g/grizzled.htm - 8k

Gristles (1 Occurrence)

/g/gristles.htm - 6k

Groats (4 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n. pl.) Dried grain, as oats or wheat, hulled and broken
or crushed; in high milling, cracked fragments of wheat larger than grits. ...
/g/groats.htm - 7k

Resources
Grits: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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