Weeds
NatureWhat is the meaning of Weeds in the Bible?
The Hebrew term 'cuph' in Jonah 2:5 denotes a type of aquatic weed or seaweed, often associated with other botanical references such as flag and cockle in agricultural contexts.
SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing weeds as common agricultural pests clarifies the imagery of being entangled or overwhelmed, helping readers visualize the prophet's distress and the need for divine deliverance from chaotic forces.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Physical & Symbolic Reality: Physical objects and natural elements like Weeds were everyday realities for biblical writers, frequently used as living metaphors for spiritual truths.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Weeds in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Weeds clarify?
Scripture Passages Mentioned:
Jonah 2:5
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
"Weeds." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/weeds/