The Plants of the Bible

by John Hutton Balfour

Publisher:

Thomas Nelson

, 1885

Overview

John Hutton Balfour was a 19th century professor of Botany at the University of Glasgow and later at Edinburgh University. The Plants of the Bible condenses his and other scholars’ observations of Holy Land flora. Hart draws on his knowledge of biblical languages and Arabic as well his botanical expertise to describe Bible plants, emphasizing the characteristics to which the Bible refers. When identification is difficult, he describes the various possibilities and lets the reader decide. This work has stood the test of time. Modern Bible students will want to emulate Balfour’s common-sense approach to the difficulties of identifying Bible plants.

In the Logos edition, this volume is enhanced by amazing functionality. Important terms link to dictionaries, encyclopedias, and a wealth of other resources in your digital library. Perform powerful searches to find exactly what you’re looking for. Take the discussion with you using tablet and mobile apps. With Logos Bible Software, the most efficient and comprehensive research tools are in one place, so you get the most out of your study.

Key Features

• Collects observations of Holy Land flora from John Hutton Balfour and others
• Describes the characteristics of plants mentioned in the Bible
• Offers powerful images that are great teaching tools

Contents

Top Highlights

“No tree furnishes better protection from the rays of the sun in Eastern countries than the fig-tree. Figs constitute an important article of food in Eastern countries, and are eaten both in a fresh and in a dried condition.” (Page 42)

“Being associated with the assuaging of the waters of the Flood, the olive-branch is used as an emblem of peace and reconciliation.” (Page 65)

“When growing in the desert, it indicates the presence of water.” (Page 74)

“From a careful investigation of the matter, it has been supposed that the tare (zizanion) was the plant called darnel-grass (Lolium, temulentum), which, while it has some resemblance to wheat, differs from it totally in quality. The darnel is a noxious grass, having narcotic qualities to a certain extent; and hence the necessity for rooting it out. An attempt to do so, especially in the early stages of growth, might be unsuccessful, from the great similarity between it and wheat. It is only at the time of harvest, when the fruit is produced, that the two crops can be accurately distinguished.” (Pages 180–181)

“The fig-tree is employed to indicate the peace and prosperity of a nation, 1 Kings 4:25; also Micah 4:4, where it is said, ‘They shall sit every man under his vine and under his fig-tree.’” (Pages 41–42)

Product Details

• Title: The Plants of the Bible
• Author: John Hutton Balfour
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson
• Print Publication Date: 1885
• Logos Release Date: 2011
• Pages: 265
• Era: era:modern
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
• Subjects: Bible › Natural history; Plants in the Bible
• Resource ID: LLS:PLANTSBBL
• Resource Type: Monograph
• Metadata Last Updated: 2025-02-04T21:22:24Z