Definition and Description:
Stew is a dish commonly made by simmering meat and vegetables in liquid, often seasoned with herbs and spices. In biblical times, stew was a practical and nourishing meal, reflecting the agrarian lifestyle and the available resources of the people. It was a staple in the diet of many, providing sustenance and warmth.

Biblical References:
The Bible mentions stew in several contexts, highlighting its role in daily life and significant events. One of the most notable references is found in the account of Esau and Jacob. In Genesis 25:29-34 , Esau sells his birthright to Jacob for a bowl of stew, illustrating the impulsive nature of Esau and the value placed on immediate gratification over long-term blessings:

"One day, while Jacob was cooking some stew, Esau came in from the field and was famished. He said to Jacob, 'Let me eat some of that red stew, for I am famished.' (That is why he was also called Edom.) 'First sell me your birthright,' Jacob replied. 'Look,' said Esau, 'I am about to die, so what good is a birthright to me?' But Jacob said, 'Swear to me first.' So Esau swore to Jacob and sold him the birthright. Then Jacob gave Esau bread and lentil stew. He ate and drank, and then got up and went on his way. Thus Esau despised his birthright." (Genesis 25:29-34)

This passage not only highlights the physical hunger of Esau but also serves as a moral lesson on the importance of valuing spiritual inheritance and blessings.

Another reference to stew is found in 2 Kings 4:38-41 , where the prophet Elisha purifies a pot of stew that had been inadvertently poisoned:

"When Elisha returned to Gilgal, there was a famine in the land. As the sons of the prophets were sitting before him, he said to his servant, 'Put on the large pot and cook some stew for these men.' One of them went out into the field to gather herbs and found a wild vine from which he picked as many gourds as his garment would hold. Then he came back and cut them into the pot of stew, though no one knew what they were. And they poured it out for the men to eat. But when they tasted the stew, they cried out, 'There is death in the pot, O man of God!' And they could not eat it. Then Elisha said, 'Get some flour.' He threw it into the pot and said, 'Pour it out for the people to eat.' And there was nothing harmful in the pot." (2 Kings 4:38-41)

This miracle performed by Elisha demonstrates God's provision and care for His people, even in times of scarcity and danger.

Cultural and Theological Significance:
Stew, as depicted in the Bible, is more than just a meal; it is a symbol of hospitality, community, and divine intervention. In the ancient Near East, sharing a meal was an act of fellowship and peace. The preparation and sharing of stew would have been a communal activity, reflecting the interconnectedness of family and community life.

Theologically, the accounts involving stew often carry deeper meanings. The account of Esau and Jacob serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of prioritizing immediate desires over spiritual responsibilities. Meanwhile, Elisha's miracle with the poisoned stew underscores God's ability to transform and redeem situations that seem hopeless.

Conclusion:
While stew may seem like a simple dish, its presence in the biblical narrative is rich with meaning and lessons. It serves as a reminder of the importance of valuing spiritual blessings, the power of God's provision, and the significance of community and hospitality in the life of believers.1. (n.) A small pond or pool where fish are kept for the table; a vivarium.

2. (n.) An artificial bed of oysters.

3. (v. t.) To boil slowly, or with the simmering or moderate heat; to seethe; to cook in a little liquid, over a gentle fire, without boiling; as, to stew meat; to stew oysters; to stew apples.

4. (v. i.) To be seethed or cooked in a slow, gentle manner, or in heat and moisture.

5. (n.) A place of stewing or seething; a place where hot bathes are furnished; a hothouse.

6. (n.) A brothel; -- usually in the plural.

7. (n.) A prostitute.

8. (n.) A dish prepared by stewing; as, a stew of pigeons.

9. (n.) A state of agitating excitement; a state of worry; confusion; as, to be in a stew.

5138. nazid -- something sodden or boiled, pottage
... 5137b, 5138. nazid. 5139 . something sodden or boiled, pottage. Transliteration:
nazid Phonetic Spelling: (naw-zeed') Short Definition: stew. ...
/hebrew/5138.htm - 6k

4802. marchesheth -- a stewpan, saucepan
... Word Origin from rachash Definition a stewpan, saucepan NASB Word Usage pan (2).
frying pan. From rachash; a stew-pan -- fryingpan. see HEBREW rachash. ...
/hebrew/4802.htm - 6k

How Jacob Deceived his Father
... Once when Jacob was preparing a stew, Esau came in from the fields, and he was very
hungry; so he said to Jacob, "Let me swallow some of that red stew, for I ...
/.../sherman/the childrens bible/how jacob deceived his father.htm

Jacob and Esau.
... older. One day Esau came in from hunting, very tired and hungry, and sold
his birthright to Jacob for a kind of stew called pottage. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/anonymous/wee ones bible stories/jacob and esau.htm

The Power of Ambition.
... Once when Jacob was preparing a stew, Esau came in from the field, and he was faint;
therefore Esau said to Jacob, Let me eat quickly, I pray, some of that red ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kent/the making of a nation/study vi the power of.htm

The Death of Saint Patrick.
... Others say that, at all events, he introduced the Irish-stew; but to that there
seems also some little objection of the same character, as "praties" enter ...
/.../kingston/the seven champions of christendom/chapter fifteen the death of.htm

The Seventh Commandment
... dispensed with for money. It was once said of Rome, Urbs est jam tota lupanar,
Rome was become a common stew. And no wonder, when ...
/.../watson/the ten commandments/2 7 the seventh commandment.htm

Powerful Persuasives
... Come ye to Jesus. He invites you. Ye that stew and toil for wealth, ye merchants,
with your many cares, labourers ye are. He bids you come. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 62 1916/powerful persuasives.htm

The Gateway into the Kingdom.
... "If the Lord had told Moses to go and get some herbs, or roots, and stew them, and
take the decoction as a medicine, there would be something in that. ...
/.../moody/the way to god and how to find it/chapter ii the gateway into.htm

Climbing the Mountain
... You will find it a long way, and a stew stiff ascent, and anything else than brass
would be worn out. Young Christian, have you had your feet shod yet? ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 7 1861/climbing the mountain.htm

Stew (7 Occurrences)
... vt) To boil slowly, or with the simmering or moderate heat; to seethe; to cook in
a little liquid, over a gentle fire, without boiling; as, to stew meat; to ...
/s/stew.htm - 9k

Esau (89 Occurrences)
... Rebekah loved Jacob. (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). Genesis 25:29
Jacob boiled stew. ... Genesis 25:34 Jacob gave Esau bread and stew of lentils. ...
/e/esau.htm - 41k

Pot (46 Occurrences)
... There was a famine in the land; and the sons of the prophets were sitting before
him; and he said to his servant, "Set on the great pot, and boil stew for the ...
/p/pot.htm - 25k

Famished (8 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Famished (8 Occurrences). Genesis 25:29 Jacob boiled stew.
Esau came in from the field, and he was famished. (WEB NAS RSV NIV). ...
/f/famished.htm - 8k

Meal-time (1 Occurrence)
... When the meat was boiled in more water than was required for the ordinary "stew"
the result was the broth (Judges 6:19 f), and the meat and the broth might ...
/m/meal-time.htm - 24k

Mealtime (1 Occurrence)
... When the meat was boiled in more water than was required for the ordinary "stew"
the result was the broth (Judges 6:19 f), and the meat and the broth might ...
/m/mealtime.htm - 24k

Meals (8 Occurrences)
... When the meat was boiled in more water than was required for the ordinary "stew"
the result was the broth (Judges 6:19 f), and the meat and the broth might ...
/m/meals.htm - 27k

Jug (11 Occurrences)
... 2. (n.) A pitcher; a ewer. 3. (n.) A prison; a jail; a lockup. 4. (vt) To seethe
or stew, as in a jug or jar placed in boiling water; as, to jug a hare. ...
/j/jug.htm - 10k

Lentil (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Lentil (1 Occurrence). Genesis 25:34 Jacob gave Esau bread
and stew of lentils. He ate and drank, rose up, and went his way. ...
/l/lentil.htm - 6k

Lentils (4 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Lentils (4 Occurrences). Genesis 25:34 Jacob gave Esau
bread and stew of lentils. He ate and drank, rose up, and went his way. ...
/l/lentils.htm - 9k

Who was Esau in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

What was the story of Jacob and Esau? | GotQuestions.org

What does Israel mean in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Stew: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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