Plough
ArtifactsWhat is the meaning of Plough in the Bible?
The plough is a fundamental agricultural tool used to prepare land for sowing by inverting the soil. It features prominently in ancient Near Eastern texts, including Genesis 45:6, where it serves as a metonym for farming and sustenance.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding the plough clarifies the economic and social context of biblical narratives, illustrating how agricultural practices underpinned the livelihoods and stability of ancient communities.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Physical & Symbolic Reality: Physical objects and natural elements like Plough were everyday realities for biblical writers, frequently used as living metaphors for spiritual truths.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Plough in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Plough clarify?
Scripture Passages Mentioned:
Genesis 45:6
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
"Plough." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/plough/