Wheat is one of the most significant grains mentioned in the Bible, symbolizing sustenance, provision, and divine blessing. As a staple food in the ancient Near East, wheat held both economic and spiritual importance for the Israelites and surrounding cultures.

Biblical References and Symbolism

Wheat is frequently mentioned in the Bible, often in the context of agriculture, offerings, and parables. In Genesis 41:49, Joseph stored up grain, including wheat, during the seven years of abundance in Egypt, which later sustained the nation and surrounding regions during the famine. This narrative underscores wheat's role as a life-sustaining resource.

In the Mosaic Law, wheat was a key component of offerings. Leviticus 2:1-3 describes the grain offering, which could be made from fine flour, often derived from wheat, mixed with oil and frankincense. This offering was a symbol of dedication and thanksgiving to God, reflecting the Israelites' reliance on His provision.

Wheat also appears in the prophetic and wisdom literature. In Isaiah 28:25, the prophet speaks of the farmer's wisdom in planting wheat in its proper place, illustrating God's order and purpose in creation. Similarly, Proverbs 11:26 highlights the moral implications of hoarding grain, emphasizing the virtue of generosity.

Parables and Teachings of Jesus

In the New Testament, Jesus frequently used wheat in His parables to convey spiritual truths. The Parable of the Weeds (Matthew 13:24-30) compares the kingdom of heaven to a field where wheat and weeds grow together until the harvest. This parable illustrates the coexistence of good and evil in the world and the final judgment when God will separate the righteous from the wicked.

Another significant teaching is found in John 12:24, where Jesus says, "Truly, truly, I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a seed; but if it dies, it bears much fruit." Here, wheat symbolizes sacrifice and resurrection, foreshadowing Jesus' own death and the resulting spiritual harvest.

Cultural and Historical Context

In ancient Israel, wheat was a primary agricultural product, often grown alongside barley. The wheat harvest occurred in the late spring and early summer, following the barley harvest. This timing is reflected in the Feast of Weeks (Pentecost), a celebration of the wheat harvest and a time of thanksgiving for God's provision (Exodus 34:22).

Wheat's economic value is evident in its use as a medium of exchange and a measure of wealth. In 2 Kings 7:1, the prophet Elisha predicts a dramatic drop in the price of wheat, signifying an end to famine and the restoration of prosperity.

Spiritual Lessons and Applications

Throughout Scripture, wheat serves as a metaphor for spiritual truths. It represents the sustenance provided by God, the purity and dedication required in offerings, and the growth and fruitfulness expected of believers. The imagery of wheat challenges Christians to live lives of sacrifice, generosity, and faithfulness, trusting in God's provision and ultimate harvest.Exodus 9:32
But the wheat and the rye were not smitten: for they were not grown up.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Jeremiah 12:13
They have sown wheat, but shall reap thorns: they have put themselves to pain, but shall not profit: and they shall be ashamed of your revenues because of the fierce anger of the LORD.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Matt. xiii. 24-30.
... And bind them in bundles to burn them, but gather the wheat into my ... He saith, "of
all seeds, but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becometh ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily xlvi matt xiii 24-30.htm

And He Set Forth to them Another Parable, and Said...
... and bind them in bundles to be burned with fire; and gather the wheat into my barns ...
1216] but when it is grown, it is greater than all the herbs, and produceth ...
/.../hogg/the diatessaron of tatian/section xvii and he set.htm

The Resurrection.
... only it was sown dead, dry, and barren wheat, and riseth living, beautiful, and
fruitful wheat. ... dwell in the dust; for thy dew is as the dew of herbs, and the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bunyan/the riches of bunyan/xxv the resurrection.htm

The Famine which Oppressed Them.
... 5. Many, indeed, secretly sold their possessions for one measure of wheat, if they ...
up the privy passages of the poor wretches with bitter herbs, and piercing ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/chapter vi the famine which oppressed.htm

On the Words of the Gospel, Luke xi. 39, "Now do Ye Pharisees ...
... Not wheat only, but wine, and oil; nor this only, but even the most trifling ... and
Pharisees, who tithe mint, and cummin, and rue, and all herbs." [3387] That ye ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon lvi on the words.htm

The Margin of the Nile
... Again she smiled and made a sheaf of the herbs, preparatory to binding it. ... and pressed
it, and when she turned toward the roadway through the wheat he turned ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter xiv the margin of.htm

The Germination of the Earth.
... these successive accretions that each plant attains its natural development, as
well corn as vegetables, herbs or brushwood ... [1539] Why is the wheat stalk better ...
/.../basil/basil letters and select works/homily v the germination of.htm

New Teaching in Parables' - the Parables to the People by the Lake ...
... separation by the hand of man was impossible so long as the wheat was still ... Jesus
had pointed, may have been the garden with its growing herbs, bushes and ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xxiii new teaching in.htm

The Misfortunes which Happened in Connection with These Things, in ...
... afflicted with famine and pestilence, so that one measure of wheat was sold for ... Some,
chewing wisps of hay and recklessly eating noxious herbs, undermined and ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/chapter viii the misfortunes which happened.htm

If that which it Has Pleased us to Know is Within Reach...
... of herbs or shrubs, either sweet to the nostrils, or disagreeable in smell? Nay
more, if you think that anything can be known or comprehended, say what wheat is ...
/.../the seven books of arnobius against the heathen/59 if that which it.htm

What is gall in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

What does the Bible say about applied kinesiology? | GotQuestions.org

What is Epiphany / Three Kings' Day and should Christians celebrate it? | GotQuestions.org

Herbs: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus