The mandrake is a plant mentioned in the Bible, known for its fragrant smell and supposed aphrodisiac properties. It is often associated with fertility and desire. The Hebrew word for mandrake is "dudaim," and it appears in the Old Testament, specifically in the context of family and relationships.

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 found by Reuben, Leah's eldest son, and become a point of contention between Leah and Rachel, Jacob's wives. Rachel, who is struggling with infertility, desires the mandrakes, possibly due to their reputed fertility-enhancing properties. Leah, who feels neglected by Jacob, uses the mandrakes as a bargaining tool to gain time with her husband. This narrative highlights the cultural beliefs surrounding mandrakes and their perceived value in matters of fertility and marital relations.

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 stored up for you, my beloved."

In the Song of Solomon, the mandrake is mentioned in a poetic context, symbolizing love and desire. The fragrance of the mandrakes is associated with the romantic and sensual imagery prevalent throughout the book. This reference underscores the plant's connection to love and attraction, fitting within the broader themes of the Song of Solomon, which celebrates marital love and intimacy.

The biblical references to mandrakes reflect the plant's cultural significance in ancient times, particularly in relation to fertility and desire. These passages provide insight into the beliefs and practices of the biblical era, illustrating how natural elements were intertwined with human relationships and spiritual life.Genesis 30:14-16
And Reuben went in the days of wheat harvest, and found mandrakes in the field, and brought them to his mother Leah. Then Rachel said to Leah, Give me, I pray you, of your son's mandrakes.
Nave's Topical Index

Songs 7:13
The mandrakes give a smell, and at our gates are all manner of pleasant fruits, new and old, which I have laid up for you, O my beloved.
Nave's Topical Index

Gregory of Nyssa: Dogmatic Treatises, Etc
... Chapter II.--His General Character as a Theologian ... Eunomius' lack of understanding
and knowledge in the Scriptures. ... he speaks of Circe and of the mandrake poison ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gregory/gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/

What are the mandrakes mentioned in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Who was Leah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Who was Rachel in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Mandrake: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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