Topical Bible: Herbs: Cultivated for Food

◄ Herbs: Cultivated for Food ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

In biblical times, herbs played a significant role in the diet and daily life of the people of Israel and surrounding regions. The cultivation and use of herbs for food are mentioned throughout the Scriptures, reflecting their importance in ancient agrarian society. Herbs were valued not only for their nutritional benefits but also for their flavor, aroma, and medicinal properties.

Biblical References and Context

The Bible makes several references to herbs, often highlighting their role in sustenance and health. In Genesis 1:29 , God provides herbs as part of the original diet for humanity: "Then God said, 'Behold, I have given you every seed-bearing plant on the face of all the earth and every tree whose fruit contains seed. They will be yours for food.'" This verse underscores the provision of herbs and plants as a fundamental part of God's creation for human nourishment.

In the wilderness, the Israelites experienced the provision of manna, described as having a taste like "wafers made with honey" (Exodus 16:31). While not an herb itself, manna's description suggests a diet that included flavorful and aromatic elements, akin to the use of herbs.

Culinary and Medicinal Uses

Herbs were commonly used in biblical times to enhance the flavor of food. For instance, in Numbers 11:5 , the Israelites lament the loss of the diverse foods of Egypt, including "leeks, onions, and garlic," which are herbs known for their strong flavors and health benefits. These herbs were likely cultivated and used to season dishes, providing both taste and nutritional value.

In addition to their culinary uses, herbs were also recognized for their medicinal properties. Proverbs 15:17 states, "Better a dish of vegetables where there is love than a fattened ox with hatred." This proverb highlights the value of a simple meal, possibly seasoned with herbs, over a lavish feast, emphasizing the importance of love and contentment over material abundance.

Symbolism and Spiritual Significance

Herbs also carry symbolic meanings in the Bible. In Matthew 23:23 , Jesus criticizes the Pharisees for their meticulous tithing of herbs like "mint, dill, and cumin" while neglecting the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy, and faithfulness. This passage illustrates the tendency to focus on minor details at the expense of greater spiritual truths, using herbs as a metaphor for the Pharisees' misplaced priorities.

Agricultural Practices

The cultivation of herbs required knowledge of agricultural practices suitable for the climate and soil of the region. The Israelites, living in a land described as "a land of wheat and barley, of vines and fig trees and pomegranates, a land of olive oil and honey" (Deuteronomy 8:8), would have included herbs in their farming activities. These practices ensured a steady supply of herbs for both domestic use and trade.

Conclusion

Herbs, as cultivated for food, hold a significant place in the biblical narrative, reflecting their essential role in the diet, culture, and spiritual life of the people. Through their culinary, medicinal, and symbolic uses, herbs are woven into the fabric of biblical history, illustrating the provision and wisdom of God in the natural world.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Proverbs 15:17
Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Hebrews 6:7
For the earth which drinks in the rain that comes oft on it, and brings forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receives blessing from God:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Whether There was any Reasonable Cause for the Ceremonial ...
... when it bites, since it dips all its food in water ... written (Gn.9:3): "Even as the
green herbs have I ... time; those trees, to wit, that are cultivated either from ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether there was any reasonable.htm

Antony, However, According to his Custom, Returned Alone to his ...
... to eat with any other hermits, recollecting the spiritual food, he begged ... after this,
seeing again that people came, he cultivated a few pot-herbs, that he ...
/.../athanasius/select works and letters or athanasius/life of antony section 45.htm

Royal Murderers
... that I may have it for a garden of herbs, because it ... the bit of land which his fathers
had cultivated for more ... he turns his face to the wall, and refuses food. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/royal murderers.htm

The Germination of the Earth.
... development, as well corn as vegetables, herbs or brushwood. ... One serves as food to
some animal; medicine has ... Some plant wild fig trees near cultivated fig trees ...
/.../basil/basil letters and select works/homily v the germination of.htm

A Prophet of Peace
... the graces of the Spirit and should be cultivated by all ... one went out into the field
to gather herbs, and found ... those with him who were sorely in need of food. ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 19 a prophet of.htm

The Life of Anne Catherine Emmerich
... they may at least be burned, in order that food may be ... strengthened herself and her
friends with the flowers and herbs which she cultivated; or, rather ...
/.../the dolorous passion of our lord jesus christ/the life of anne catherine.htm

Translated from Latin of Rufinus.
... rain that the diversity of the herbs is properly to ... and desires of men, as the
cultivated and uncultivated ... after eating the impure and filthy food of wickedness ...
/.../origen/origen de principiis/translated from latin of rufinus.htm

Columban.
... convents, after the example of Patrick, and cultivated by the ... to eat but the bark
of trees, and herbs; and their ... those who have to extract their food from the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/neander/light in the dark places/columban.htm

Christ's Birth
... animals filled with joy; in some places I saw flowers, herbs, and shrubs ... In some
places it is cultivated. ... Most of it went as presents and as food for others ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/xi christs birth.htm

Naparima and Montserrat
... no plant would grow, save a few herbs and creepers ... Getting little or no food but
cassava cakes and 'guango ... a small annual assessment for the cultivated portion. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/at last/chapter x naparima and montserrat.htm