Plow
ArtifactsWhat is the meaning of Plow in the Bible?
The plow is an ancient agricultural tool used to break up and turn over soil, with various types of construction and usage throughout Egypt, Palestine, and Syria. The Hebrew word for plow implies that it literally scratches the soil rather than turning it over.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding the physical mechanics and limitations of ancient plowing techniques clarifies biblical metaphors regarding labor, divine judgment, and the foundational nature of agricultural life in the ancient Near East.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Physical & Symbolic Reality: Physical objects and natural elements like Plow were everyday realities for biblical writers, frequently used as living metaphors for spiritual truths.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Plow in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Plow clarify?
Related Topics
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
"Plow." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/plow/