Review of Bible Plant Literature

Publications on Bible plants are a small part of the vast corpus of biblical literature. Botanically, they are an inchoate group of plants from diverse plant families with varying agronomic features and differing ecologies, considered as a group only by their inclusion in the scriptures. The reason for relatively few publications is simply that Bible plants have little impact on either Christian doctrine or praxis.

However, knowing these plants helps us understand the content and imagery of the scriptures. To quote from the first American writing on the subject, “in every part of the sacred writings images are introduced from the works of nature, and metaphors drawn from the manners and economy of animals, the growth of trees, and the properties of plants; and unless we know precisely the animal, tree, or plant referred to, we cannot discern the propriety of the allusion, nor be suitably impressed with the full force of the doctrine, precept, or narrative, which it was intended to illustrate. But these things, judiciously explained, serve to clear up many obscure passages, solve many difficulties, correct many wrong interpretations, and open new beauties in the sacred volume” (Harris, 1824, ii). For example, the “judicious explanation” of the deep red color of pomegranates helps when likening that fruit to the cheeks of the beloved in Song of Songs 4:3, and realizing that cedar of Lebanon is the largest tree known to many of the ancients makes its image as a powerful ruler understandable (e.g., Ezekiel 31:3).