Furrow
NatureWhat is the meaning of Furrow in the Bible?
A furrow is a narrow trench dug into the soil by agricultural implements, primarily for the purpose of sowing seeds and facilitating irrigation. In ancient Near Eastern contexts, the preparation of furrows represented the essential transition from fallow land to productive cultivation.
SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing the physical reality of furrows clarifies agricultural metaphors in biblical texts, such as the imagery of sowing on rocky ground or the division of land, grounding spiritual lessons in the tangible labor of ancient farming.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Physical & Symbolic Reality: Physical objects and natural elements like Furrow were everyday realities for biblical writers, frequently used as living metaphors for spiritual truths.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Furrow in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Furrow clarify?
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Furrow." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/furrow/