Spelt is an ancient grain, a species of wheat that has been cultivated since antiquity. It is known for its hardy nature and ability to grow in less fertile soils, making it a staple in various ancient cultures. In the Bible, spelt is mentioned in the context of agriculture and sustenance, reflecting its importance in the diet and economy of ancient Near Eastern societies.

Biblical References:

Spelt is specifically mentioned in the Old Testament, where it is listed among the grains that were cultivated and consumed by the Israelites. In the book of Exodus, spelt is noted during the account of the plagues that God sent upon Egypt. The seventh plague, a devastating hailstorm, destroyed much of the crops in Egypt. However, the Bible records that "the wheat and the spelt were not destroyed, because they are late crops" (Exodus 9:32). This indicates that spelt, like wheat, was a significant crop that was sown later in the agricultural cycle, allowing it to escape the destruction that befell the earlier crops.

In the book of Isaiah, spelt is mentioned in the context of agricultural practices and the wisdom required for successful farming. Isaiah 28:25, states: "When he has leveled its surface, does he not sow caraway and scatter cumin? Does he not plant wheat in rows, barley in its place, and spelt as its border?" This passage highlights the careful planning and knowledge involved in planting different types of crops, including spelt, to ensure a bountiful harvest.

Cultural and Historical Context:

Spelt was a vital crop in the ancient world, valued for its nutritional content and versatility. It was used to make bread, porridge, and other staple foods. The grain's resilience to harsh conditions made it a reliable source of sustenance, especially in regions where other crops might fail. Its cultivation dates back to the early agricultural societies of the Fertile Crescent, and it continued to be an important crop throughout biblical times.

In the context of biblical Israel, spelt would have been part of the agricultural landscape, contributing to the diet of the people alongside other grains like wheat and barley. The mention of spelt in the Bible underscores its role in the daily life and economy of the Israelites, as well as its significance in the broader agricultural practices of the ancient Near East.

Theological Significance:

From a theological perspective, the mention of spelt in the Bible can be seen as a testament to God's provision and the wisdom imparted to humanity for managing the earth's resources. The survival of the spelt and wheat during the plague of hail in Egypt serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and the protection He offers to His people. Additionally, the detailed agricultural instructions in Isaiah reflect the divine order and knowledge bestowed upon mankind to cultivate the land effectively.

Overall, spelt's presence in the biblical narrative highlights the interconnectedness of faith, daily life, and the natural world, illustrating how God's creation is designed to sustain and nourish His people.1. (p. p.) of Spell.

2. (v.) imp. & p. p. of Spell Spelled.

3. (n.) A species of grain (Triticum Spelta) much cultivated for food in Germany and Switzerland; -- called also German wheat.

4. (n.) Spelter.

5. (v. t. & i.) To split; to break; to spalt.

SPELT

spelt (kuccemeth; olura, zea (Exodus 9:32, the King James Version "rye"; Isaiah 18:25, the King James Version "rye," margin "spelt"; Ezekiel 4:9, the King James Version "fitches" margin "spelt"; the Revised Version (British and American) adopts "spelt," influenced by the Septuagint, in all passages)): Spelt is the seed of Triticum spelta, a kind of wild wheat. Several writers would identify this kuccemeth with the Arabic kirsenneh (Vicia ervilia), a kind of vetch much used as camels' fodder.

3698. kussemeth -- spelt (a kind of wheat)
... 3697, 3698. kussemeth. 3699 . spelt (a kind of wheat). Transliteration: kussemeth
Phonetic Spelling: (koos-seh'-meth) Short Definition: spelt. ...
/hebrew/3698.htm - 6k

Editor's Note
... ALL personal names are spelt according to the system employed by the authoress,
except where it has been necessary to modify this to retain the identity of ...
/.../cable/the fulfilment of a dream of pastor hsis/editors note.htm

In Her Wanderings on that Quest, She Reaches the Confines of ...
... hangs about her with pleasing attentions, beseeches her not to neglect to refresh
her body, brings to quench her thirst wine thickened with spelt, [4437] which ...
/.../the seven books of arnobius against the heathen/25 in her wanderings on.htm

Whether Wheaten Bread is Required for the Matter of this Sacrament ...
... But some cereals resemble wheat, such as spelt and maize, from which in some
localities bread is made for the use of this sacrament. ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether wheaten bread is required.htm

Luke's History: what it Professes to Be
... In that manuscript the name of John is spelt in two different ways, the form Joanes
being almost invariably used in Luke and Acts, and Joannes in the Gospels ...
/.../ramsay/was christ born in bethlehem/chapter 1 lukes history what.htm

Parables. (xiii, xviii-xx, xxxv. )
... This parable is instructive first by disclosing one of the ways along which Revelation
reached, and spelt itself out in, the mind of the Prophet. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/smith/jeremiah/2 parables xiii xviii-xx xxxv.htm

"But Lest this Should Perchance Seem Incredible to any One...
... [103] "Fides Christi adest": lit. "the faith of Christ is present.". [104] Also
spelt "anchoret": it means "one who has retired from the world" (anachoreo). ...
/.../severus/life and writings of sulpitius severus /chapter xv but lest this.htm

If that which it Has Pleased us to Know is Within Reach...
... Nay more, if you think that anything can be known or comprehended, say what wheat
is,"spelt, barley, millet, the chick-pea, bean, lentil, melon, cumin ...
/.../the seven books of arnobius against the heathen/59 if that which it.htm

Be it So; Let it be Conceded that These Most Unfortunate Cattle ...
... 81), who expressly states that these were of spelt mixed only with salt; while there
is no trace elsewhere of a different usage. [4882] The first four edd. ...
/.../arnobius/the seven books of arnobius against the heathen/24 be it so let.htm

But You, on the Contrary, Forgetting How Great their Dignity and ...
... Do they take upon themselves [4187] the engagements of the bridal couch by
prescription, by the cake of spelt, and by a pretended sale? ...
/.../arnobius/the seven books of arnobius against the heathen/20 but you on the.htm

Now, as we have Prepared a Place for Our Idea...
... no difference in the material, and without being re-cooked by means of different
flavours; but let it be either pottage of millet, or bread of spelt, or, in ...
/.../arnobius/the seven books of arnobius against the heathen/21 now as we have.htm

Spelt (3 Occurrences)
... 4. (n.) Spelter. 5. (vt & i.) To split; to break; to spalt. Int. Standard
Bible Encyclopedia. SPELT. spelt (kuccemeth; olura, zea ...
/s/spelt.htm - 8k

Fitches (3 Occurrences)
... 9 this word is the rendering of the Hebrew kussemeth (incorrectly rendered "rye"
in the Authorized Version of Exodus 9:32 and Isaiah 28:25, but "spelt" in the ...
/f/fitches.htm - 9k

Wheat (56 Occurrences)
... NIV). Exodus 9:32 But the wheat and the spelt were not struck, for they had
not grown up. (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/w/wheat.htm - 28k

Rye (2 Occurrences)
... Hebrews kussemeth), found in Exodus 9:32; Isaiah 28:25, in all of which the margins
of the Authorized and of the Revised Versions have "spelt." This Hebrew. ...
/r/rye.htm - 7k

Barley (35 Occurrences)
... its surface, doesn't he plant the dill, and scatter the cumin seed, and put in the
wheat in rows, the barley in the appointed place, and the spelt in its place ...
/b/barley.htm - 23k

Levelled (5 Occurrences)
... thereof, doth he not cast abroad the fitches, and scatter the cummin, and put in
the wheat in rows, and the barley in the appointed place, and the spelt in the ...
/l/levelled.htm - 8k

Liest (13 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 4:9 And thou, take unto thee wheat, and barley, and beans, and lentils,
and millet, and spelt, and put them in one vessel, and make thee bread thereof ...
/l/liest.htm - 10k

Leveled (4 Occurrences)
... its surface, doesn't he plant the dill, and scatter the cumin seed, and put in the
wheat in rows, the barley in the appointed place, and the spelt in its place ...
/l/leveled.htm - 7k

Lentils (4 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 4:9 Take for yourself also wheat, and barley, and beans, and lentils, and
millet, and spelt, and put them in one vessel, and make bread of it ...
/l/lentils.htm - 9k

Late (24 Occurrences)
... wind. (See NIV). Exodus 9:32 But the wheat and the spelt were not smitten:
for they were not grown up. (See JPS YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/l/late.htm - 14k

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