Thorns, Thistles
Thorns Thistles
(, , )
Apart from the Gospels, thorns or thistles are alluded to only twice in the NT. In Heb 6:8 , thorn, and , brier, occur together. The writer exhorts his readers to be steadfast in the faith, and reminds them of the spiritual blessings which they have received. Just as the earth which drinketh in the rain that Cometh off upon it, and in spite of that beareth thorns and briers, is rejected, so too will those who, endowed with all blessings and graces from above, fail to bring forth the fruits of righteousness. The term for bearing in this passage is , and in contrast with the normal term in Heb 6:7 indicates something which is unnatural. It is contrary to nature for a field which has been duly planted with good seed, and subsequently cared for and watered, to yield thorns and briers. It is equally unnatural for those in whom the spirit of truth has been planted, and who have received similar care and attention, to fall away and abandon the faith thus planted.
In 2Co 12:7 the word used is , stake. St. Paul writes that he has been given a stake for the flesh-the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. St. Paul elsewhere (Rom 6:6; Rom 8:13) recognizes the need for mortifying or crucifying the flesh, while in 1Co 5:5, as here, he alludes to Satans derived power for inflicting pain and suffering, a power which Satan, however, is impelled to use for the accomplishment of mans ultimate salvation. Opinions differ as to the nature of the stake for the flesh here alluded to, but there can be no doubt that it was a bodily ailment (cf. Lightfoot, Galatians 5, p. 189f.). It may possibly have been a permanent affection of his eyesight (cf. Gal 4:15), or it may have been malaria, which would perhaps explain St. Pauls statement that he first visited Galatia on account of an infirmity in his flesh (Gal 4:13), or it may have been a form of epilepsy.
Thorns and thistles of various kinds are found all over Palestine. They cover fallow ground, and must be burnt before the ground can be ploughed. Prickly plants are used as hedges, and they also form the regular food of camels and goats.
Literature.-The Speakers Commentary, iii. [London, 1881] 469 f.; B. F. Westcott, The Epistle to the Hebrews, do., 1889, p. 152 f.; J. B. Lightfoot, St. Pauls Epistle to the Galatians 5, do., 1876, p. 186 ff.; Hastings Single-vol. Dictionary of the Bible , pp. 600, 688; Hasting’s Dictionary of the Bible (5 vols) iv. 753; Encyclopaedia Biblica ii. 1456, iii. 3620.
P. S. P. Handcock.
Fuente: Dictionary of the Apostolic Church
Thorns, Thistles
There are about a dozen different words translated ‘thorns,’ and ‘thistles,’ showing how plentiful these results of the curse are in this sin-stained world. The different species cannot be identified with most of the Hebrew words. The thistle is used to signify a worthless person in the parable of Jehoash, king of Israel. 2Ki 14:9. Thorns are often mentioned as growing up in places given to desolation.
The Hebrew word atad, translated ‘thorns’ in Psa 58:9, and ‘bramble’ in Jdg 9:14-15, has been identified with the Lycium Europaeum, this and the L. afrum are both found in Palestine. Its identification seems to be confirmed by the Arabs calling the plant atad , but it is also known by the name of ausej .
In the millennium, “instead of the thorn shall come up the myrtle tree.” Gen 3:18; Isa 32:13; Isa 55:13; etc. See CROWN OF THORNS.