Saffron
NatureWhat is the meaning of Saffron in the Bible?
Saffron is a spice obtained from the dried orange-colored styles and stigmas of Crocus sativus, a plant cultivated in regions such as Palestine, with wild varieties and other plants like Crocus cartwrightianus also yielding similar pigments.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding saffron clarifies biblical references to precious spices and dyes, illustrating the economic value of aromatic plants in ancient Near Eastern trade and their symbolic use in temple rituals and royal attire.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Physical & Symbolic Reality: Physical objects and natural elements like Saffron were everyday realities for biblical writers, frequently used as living metaphors for spiritual truths.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Saffron in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Saffron 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
"Saffron." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/saffron/