Manure, a natural fertilizer composed primarily of animal excrement and organic matter, is referenced in the Bible as a symbol of both judgment and renewal. In the agrarian societies of biblical times, manure was a valuable resource for enriching soil and promoting agricultural productivity. Its use and symbolism are woven into various scriptural narratives, reflecting both practical and spiritual dimensions.

Biblical References and Symbolism

1. Fertility and Productivity: Manure is implicitly referenced in the context of agricultural practices in the Bible. While the specific term "manure" is not frequently used, the concept of enriching the soil is evident. In the parable of the barren fig tree, Jesus speaks of digging around the tree and fertilizing it, which implies the use of manure to promote growth and fruitfulness (Luke 13:8: "Sir, leave it alone again this year, until I dig around it and fertilize it.").

2. Judgment and Destruction: Manure is also associated with judgment and destruction. In 2 Kings 9:37, the prophecy concerning Jezebel's death includes a vivid image of her remains being like dung on the field, symbolizing utter disgrace and divine judgment (2 Kings 9:37: "And Jezebel’s body will be like dung on the field in the plot of Jezreel, so that no one will be able to say: This is Jezebel.").

3. Purification and Renewal: The use of manure as a purifying agent is metaphorically suggested in biblical texts. In Ezekiel 4:12-15, the prophet is instructed to bake bread using human excrement as fuel, a symbol of the defilement of Israel. However, God permits the use of cow dung instead, indicating a measure of purification and mercy (Ezekiel 4:15: "Then He said to me, 'Look, I will let you use cow dung instead of human excrement, and you may bake your bread over that.'").

4. Humility and Servitude: The humble nature of manure, being a lowly and often despised substance, serves as a metaphor for humility and servitude. In Philippians 3:8, the Apostle Paul uses the term "rubbish" (often translated as "dung" in other versions) to describe all worldly gains compared to the surpassing worth of knowing Christ (Philippians 3:8: "More than that, I count all things as loss compared to the surpassing excellence of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ").

Cultural and Historical Context

In ancient Israel, manure was a critical component of sustainable agriculture. Farmers would collect animal dung to fertilize their fields, ensuring a bountiful harvest. This practice was essential for maintaining soil fertility in a land where the climate and terrain could be challenging for crop production. The use of manure reflects the biblical principle of stewardship, where humanity is called to care for and cultivate the earth responsibly.

Theological Implications

The biblical references to manure underscore themes of transformation and redemption. Just as manure enriches the soil and brings forth new life, so too does God's grace transform the believer, turning what is base and humble into something fruitful and valuable. The imagery of manure in Scripture serves as a reminder of God's power to bring life from death, purity from defilement, and honor from disgrace.1. (v. t.) To cultivate by manual labor; to till; hence, to develop by culture.

2. (v. t.) To apply manure to; to enrich, as land, by the application of a fertilizing substance.

3. (n.) Any matter which makes land productive; a fertilizing substance, as the contents of stables and barnyards, dung, decaying animal or vegetable substances, etc.

2874. kopria -- a dunghill
... a dunghill. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine; Noun, Neuter Transliteration: kopria
Phonetic Spelling: (kop-ree'-ah) Short Definition: manure Definition: manure; a ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2874.htm - 5k

2874a. kopria -- a dunghill
... a dunghill. Transliteration: kopria Short Definition: manure. Word Origin from kopros
(dung) Definition a dunghill NASB Word Usage manure pile (1). ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2874a.htm - 5k

4087. madmenah -- place of dung, dung pit
... Definition: pile. Word Origin from the same as domen Definition place of dung,
dung pit NASB Word Usage manure pile (1). dunghill. Feminine ...
/hebrew/4087.htm - 6k

1828. domen -- dung
... Word Origin from an unused word Definition dung NASB Word Usage dung (6). dung.
Of uncertain derivation; manure -- dung. 1827, 1828. domen. 1829 . ...
/hebrew/1828.htm - 5k

"Ye are the Branches"
... Put certain elements of manure in certain directions, and the vine sends its roots
there, and then in its roots or stems it turns the moisture and manure into ...
//christianbookshelf.org/murray/absolute surrender/ye are the branches.htm

1861-1869. Prayer of Hon. And Rev. Baptist Noel --Residence in ...
... In the villages around her hundreds of labourers were employed in digging for
coprolites, a fossil which, when ground, is useful as manure. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/lowe/gods answers/chapter i 1861-1869 prayer of.htm

But that People which Forgets God, Forgets Itself. ...
... acres as possible with creatures as much to be pitied and as miserable as themselves,
and to serve, from generation to generation, as human manure for the land ...
/.../lamartine/atheism among the people/x but that people which.htm

What Happened Before the Crucifixion.
... the bloody sweat of anguish because of many a painful suffering under which I mean
to prepare thee for Myself; for with red blossoms will I manure thy spice ...
/.../suso/a little book of eternal wisdom/chapter ii what happened before.htm

The vineyard Labourers.
... In many cases the terraces must be supported by strong stone walls; and not only
must the manure be carried on men's shoulders up the steep, but in some cases ...
/.../arnot/the parables of our lord/ix the vineyard labourers.htm

Growth in Grace
... (1.) Growth is the end of the ordinances. Why does a man lay out cost
on ground, manure and water it, but that it may grow? The ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/9 growth in grace.htm

The Unfruitful Tree.
... Cut it down. Why does it encumber the ground?" The gardener answered him and said,
"Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it and manure it. ...
/.../anonymous/mother stories from the new testament/the unfruitful tree.htm

Appendix iii. Rabbinic views as to the Lawfulness of Images ...
... used for idolatrous purposes was not only to be pulverized, but the dust cast to
the winds or into the sea, lest it might possible serve as manure to the soul! ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/appendix iii rabbinic views as.htm

Basilidis Sententiam De Continentia Et Nuptiis Refutat.
... Quod si eum suspicio aliqua subeat, dicat: Frater, impone mihi manure, ne peccem;
et confestim turn in mente, turn in corpore opem experietur. ...
/.../the stromata or miscellanies/caput i basilidis sententiam de continentia.htm

Letter cxxv. To Rusticus.
... [3403] And so utterly does it lose its value that it is not even fit for the dunghill,
[3404] whence believers fetch manure to enrich the barren soil of their ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter cxxv to rusticus.htm

Manure (4 Occurrences)
... 2. (vt) To apply manure to; to enrich, as land, by the application of a fertilizing
substance. ... Multi-Version Concordance Manure (4 Occurrences). ...
/m/manure.htm - 7k

Dung (27 Occurrences)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary. (1.) Used as manure (Luke 13:8); collected outside
the city walls (Nehemiah 2:13). ... 3. (vt) To manure with dung. ...
/d/dung.htm - 20k

Soil (59 Occurrences)
... them. 3. (n.) Land; country. 4. (n.) Dung; feces; compost; manure; as, night
soil. 5. (vt) To enrich with soil or muck; to manure. 6 ...
/s/soil.htm - 23k

Muck (2 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (abbr.) abbreviation of Amuck. 2. (n.) Dung in a moist
state; manure. ... 7. (vt) To manure with muck. Multi-Version Concordance ...
/m/muck.htm - 7k

Lime (4 Occurrences)
... 8. (vt) To treat with lime, or oxide or hydrate of calcium; to manure with lime;
as, to lime hides for removing the hair; to lime sails in order to whiten them ...
/l/lime.htm - 11k

Good (8348 Occurrences)
... 15. (vt) To make good; to turn to good. 16. (vt) To manure; to improve.
Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. CHIEF FRIENDS; GOOD MEN. ...
/g/good.htm - 26k

Immovable (5 Occurrences)
... things adherent thereto by nature, as trees; by the hand of man, as buildings and
their accessories; by their destination, as seeds, plants, manure, etc.; or ...
/i/immovable.htm - 8k

Thick (129 Occurrences)
... 13. (adv.) Closely; as, a plat of ground thick sown. 14. (adv.) To a great depth,
or to a greater depth than usual; as, land covered thick with manure. 15. ...
/t/thick.htm - 38k

Either (152 Occurrences)
... in thy brother's eye. (KJV WBS). Luke 14:35 It is fit neither for the soil
nor for the manure pile. It is thrown out. He who has ...
/e/either.htm - 38k

Enrich (6 Occurrences)
... ceiling by frescoes. 3. (vt) To make rich with manure; to fertilize; -- said
of the soil; as, to enrich land by irrigation. 4. (vt) To ...
/e/enrich.htm - 8k

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