Mallows
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Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and Botanical Context:
Mallows refer to a type of plant mentioned in the Bible, specifically in the book of Job. The term "mallows" is derived from the Hebrew word "malluach," which is often associated with salt-tolerant plants. In a broader botanical context, mallows belong to the Malvaceae family, which includes a variety of flowering plants, some of which are known for their edible leaves and medicinal properties.

Biblical Reference:
The primary biblical reference to mallows is found in Job 30:4. In this passage, Job describes the desperate conditions of those who are marginalized and impoverished, highlighting their need to forage for sustenance in desolate places. The Berean Standard Bible translates this verse as follows:

"They pluck mallow by the bushes, and the roots of the broom tree are their food." (Job 30:4)

Cultural and Historical Context:
In the ancient Near East, where the biblical narrative is set, mallows were likely a common plant in arid and semi-arid regions. The reference to mallows in Job suggests that these plants were considered a last resort for nourishment, indicating their association with poverty and hardship. The people described in Job 30:4 are depicted as scavenging for whatever food they can find, including mallows, which grow in salty, barren soils.

Symbolism and Theological Implications:
From a theological perspective, the mention of mallows in Job underscores themes of suffering, humility, and reliance on God's provision. The imagery of foraging for mallows in desolate places serves as a metaphor for the trials and tribulations faced by Job and others who endure hardship. It reflects the broader biblical narrative of God's people experiencing periods of testing and dependence on divine sustenance.

Practical Uses and Significance:
Historically, various species of mallows have been used for their nutritional and medicinal properties. The leaves and roots of some mallow plants are edible and have been used in traditional remedies for their soothing and anti-inflammatory effects. This practical aspect of mallows may have contributed to their inclusion in the biblical text as a symbol of survival and resourcefulness in the face of adversity.

Conclusion:
While the Bible's mention of mallows is brief, it provides insight into the socio-economic conditions of the time and serves as a poignant reminder of the struggles faced by those living on the margins. The reference to mallows in Job enriches the narrative by illustrating the depth of human suffering and the enduring hope for divine intervention and relief.
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Occurs only in Job 30:4 (R.V., "saltwort"). The word so rendered (malluah, from melah, "salt") most probably denotes the Atriplex halimus of Linnaeus, a species of sea purslane found on the shores of the Dead Sea, as also of the Mediterranean, and in salt marshes. It is a tall shrubby orach, growing to the height sometimes of 10 feet. Its buds and leaves, with those of other saline plants, are eaten by the poor in Palestine.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(n.) A genus of plants (Malva) having mucilaginous qualities. See Malvaceous.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
MALLOWS

mal'-oz.

See SALT-WORT.

Strong's Hebrew
4408. malluach -- mallow
... mallows. From malach; sea-purslain (from its saltness) -- mallows. see HEBREW
malach. 4407, 4408. malluach. 4409 . Strong's Numbers.
/hebrew/4408.htm - 6k
Library

On the Downs
... Gather thyme and hawkweed slender,. Bluebells of the hill; Pale musk mallows by
the cornfields,. Poppies bright and bold,. Scabious like the evening purple,. ...
/.../bevan/hymns of ter steegen and others second series/on the downs.htm

Letter iii. A Letter of Severus to Holy Paul the Bishop. ...
... to any garden; for if let in, he will mow down with a sword all things within his
reach, and he will never be satisfied with the slaughter simply of mallows. ...
/.../severus/life and writings of sulpitius severus /letter iii a letter of.htm

What Carey did for Science --Founder of the Agricultural and ...
... We also cut up mallows by the bushes for our food (Job 30:4). Amaranths, of three
sorts, we also eat, besides capsicums, pumpkins, gourds, calabashes, and the ...
/.../smith/the life of william carey/chapter xii what carey did.htm

Thesaurus
Mallows (2 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. MALLOWS. mal'-oz. ... Multi-Version Concordance Mallows
(2 Occurrences). Job 6:6 Can that which hath no savor be eaten without salt ...
/m/mallows.htm - 7k

Mallow (2 Occurrences)
... (n.) Alt. of Mallows. Multi-Version Concordance Mallow (2 Occurrences). ... (See RSV).
Job 30:4 Who cut up mallows by the bushes, and juniper roots for their meat. ...
/m/mallow.htm - 7k

Salt-wort (1 Occurrence)
... solt'-wurt (malluach, a word connected with melach, "salt," translated halimos;
the King James Version, mallows): The halimos of the Greeks is the sea orache ...
/s/salt-wort.htm - 7k

Saltwort
... solt'-wurt (malluach, a word connected with melach, "salt," translated halimos;
the King James Version, mallows): The halimos of the Greeks is the sea orache ...
/s/saltwort.htm - 7k

Malluch (6 Occurrences)

/m/malluch.htm - 9k

Juniper (7 Occurrences)
... Job 30:4 Who cut up mallows by the bushes, and juniper roots for their meat. (KJV
WBS). Psalms 120:4 Sharp arrows of the mighty, with coals of juniper. ...
/j/juniper.htm - 11k

Tasteless (4 Occurrences)
... (WEB WEY YLT NAS). Job 6:6 Can that which hath no savour be eaten without salt?
or is there any taste in the juice of mallows? (See NAS RSV NIV). ...
/t/tasteless.htm - 7k

Broom-roots (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Broom-roots (1 Occurrence). Job 30:4 Those cropping
mallows near a shrub, And broom-roots 'is' their food. (YLT). ...
/b/broom-roots.htm - 6k

Cropping (1 Occurrence)
... & vb. n.) of Crop. Multi-Version Concordance Cropping (1 Occurrence). Job 30:4 Those
cropping mallows near a shrub, And broom-roots 'is' their food. (YLT). ...
/c/cropping.htm - 6k

Shrub (4 Occurrences)
... JPS DBY YLT NAS NIV). Job 30:4 Those cropping mallows near a shrub, And
broom-roots 'is' their food. (YLT NAS). Jeremiah 17:6 For ...
/s/shrub.htm - 8k

Resources
Mallows: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Concordance
Mallows (2 Occurrences)

Job 6:6
Can that which hath no savor be eaten without salt? Or is there any taste in the white of an egg?
(See JPS)

Job 30:4
Who cut up mallows by the bushes, and juniper roots for their meat.
(KJV WBS YLT)

Subtopics

Mallows

Mallows: A Plant

Related Terms

Mallow (2 Occurrences)

Salt-wort (1 Occurrence)

Saltwort

Malluch (6 Occurrences)

Juniper (7 Occurrences)

Tasteless (4 Occurrences)

Broom-roots (1 Occurrence)

Cropping (1 Occurrence)

Shrub (4 Occurrences)

Mallow
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