Shrub
NatureWhat is the meaning of Shrub in the Bible?
Genesis 21:15 describes Hagar placing Ishmael under a single bush (sib'ah) to shield him from the sun while she sat at a distance, indicating the provision of minimal shade in an arid environment.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding the physical characteristics of shrubs clarifies the narrative's emphasis on the severity of the drought and the specific, limited nature of the divine provision that allowed Ishmael to survive.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Physical & Symbolic Reality: Physical objects and natural elements like Shrub were everyday realities for biblical writers, frequently used as living metaphors for spiritual truths.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Shrub in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Shrub clarify?
Scripture Passages Mentioned:
Genesis 21:15
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
"Shrub." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/shrub/