thorn, thorn bush, thistle

Definition

Thorn bushes and thistles are plants that have prickly branches or flowers. These plants do not produce fruit or anything else that is useful.

• A “thorn” is a hard, sharp growth on the branch or stem of a plant. A “thornbush” is a type of small tree or shrub that has many thorns on its branches.
• A “thistle” is a plant with prickly stems and leaves. Often the flowers are purple.
• Thorn and thistle plants multiply quickly and can cause nearby plants or crops to not be able to grow. This is a picture of how sin keeps a person from producing good spiritual fruit.
• A crown made of twisted thorn branches was placed on Jesus’ head before he was crucified.
• If possible, these terms should be translated by the names of two different plants or bushes that are known in the language area.

(See also: crown, fruit, spirit)

Bible References

• Hebrews 6:7-8
• Matthew 13:7
• Matthew 13:22
• Numbers 33:55

Word Data

• Strong’s: H0329, H1863, H2312, H2336, H4534, H5285, H5518, H5544, H6791, H6796, H6975, H7063, H7898, G01730, G01740, G46470, G51460