The term "love-apples" is often associated with the plant known as the mandrake, which is mentioned in the Bible in the context of its supposed aphrodisiac properties. The Hebrew word for mandrakes is "dudaim," and it appears in the Old Testament, specifically in the book of Genesis.

Biblical References:

1. Genesis 30:14-16 : "Now during the wheat harvest, Reuben went out and found some mandrakes in the field and brought them to his mother Leah. Rachel said to Leah, 'Please give me some of your son’s mandrakes.' But Leah replied, 'Is it not enough that you have taken my husband? Now you also want to take my son’s mandrakes?' 'Very well,' said Rachel, 'he may sleep with you tonight in exchange for your son’s mandrakes.' So when Jacob came in from the field that evening, Leah went out to meet him and said, 'You must sleep with me, for I have hired you with my son’s mandrakes.' So he slept with her that night."

In this passage, the mandrakes are depicted as a valuable commodity, believed to enhance fertility or romantic desire. Rachel's request for the mandrakes indicates their perceived importance in matters of love and fertility, reflecting the cultural beliefs of the time.

2. Song of Solomon 7:13 : "The mandrakes send forth their fragrance, and at our door is every delicacy, both new and old, that I have treasured up for you, my beloved."

Here, the mandrakes are mentioned in a poetic context, symbolizing love and desire. The fragrance of the mandrakes is associated with romantic allure, fitting the overall theme of the Song of Solomon, which celebrates love and marital intimacy.

Cultural and Historical Context:

In ancient Near Eastern cultures, mandrakes were often associated with fertility and were thought to possess magical properties. The plant's root, which sometimes resembles a human figure, contributed to its mystical reputation. The belief in the mandrake's aphrodisiac qualities is evident in the biblical narrative, where it plays a role in the complex family dynamics between Leah, Rachel, and Jacob.

Botanical Identification:

The mandrake plant, scientifically known as Mandragora officinarum, is a member of the nightshade family. It is native to the Mediterranean region and is characterized by its broad leaves, purple flowers, and yellow berries. The root of the mandrake is often forked and can resemble a human form, which may have contributed to its legendary status.

Theological Implications:

From a theological perspective, the mention of mandrakes in the Bible highlights the human desire for love, fertility, and the continuation of family lineage. The narrative involving Leah and Rachel underscores the complexities of human relationships and the lengths to which individuals may go to secure love and favor. The use of mandrakes in these accounts serves as a reminder of the cultural practices and beliefs that shaped the lives of biblical figures.

In summary, love-apples, or mandrakes, hold a unique place in biblical literature, symbolizing love, desire, and fertility. Their presence in the Scriptures provides insight into the cultural and historical context of the biblical world, as well as the enduring human quest for love and fulfillment.

Chapter xxx
... The Hebrew knows them as d?�da'??m, which according to its root signifies "love-apples."
The ancients and, perhaps, the early Hebrews, too, regarded this fruit ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxx.htm

Love-apples (3 Occurrences)
Love-apples. Love, Love-apples. Loved . Multi-Version Concordance
Love-apples (3 Occurrences). Genesis 30:14 And Reuben ...
/l/love-apples.htm - 7k

Findeth (66 Occurrences)
... Genesis 30:14 And Reuben goeth in the days of wheat-harvest, and findeth love-apples
in the field, and bringeth them in unto Leah, his mother, and Rachel saith ...
/f/findeth.htm - 26k

Bringeth (313 Occurrences)
... Genesis 30:14 And Reuben goeth in the days of wheat-harvest, and findeth love-apples
in the field, and bringeth them in unto Leah, his mother, and Rachel saith ...
/b/bringeth.htm - 37k

Lieth (135 Occurrences)
... from the field at evening; and Leah goeth to meet him, and saith, 'Unto me dost
thou come in, for hiring I have hired thee with my son's love-apples;' and he ...
/l/lieth.htm - 36k

Rachel (42 Occurrences)
... In her eagerness to become a mother of children, Rachel bargained with Leah for
the mandrakes, or love-apples of her son Reuben, but all to no avail (Genesis 30 ...
/r/rachel.htm - 24k

Mandrakes (4 Occurrences)
... man'-draks (dudha'im; mandragoras (Genesis 30:14 Songs 7:13); the marginal reading
"loveapples" is due to the supposed connection of dudha'im with dodhim ...
/m/mandrakes.htm - 9k

Hiring (5 Occurrences)
... from the field at evening; and Leah goeth to meet him, and saith, 'Unto me dost
thou come in, for hiring I have hired thee with my son's love-apples;' and he ...
/h/hiring.htm - 8k

Loved (249 Occurrences)

/l/loved.htm - 35k

During (182 Occurrences)
... from the field at evening; and Leah goeth to meet him, and saith, 'Unto me dost
thou come in, for hiring I have hired thee with my son's love-apples;' and he ...
/d/during.htm - 35k

Love (703 Occurrences)

/l/love.htm - 65k

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