Cockle
בָּאְשָׁה/KOK-ul/
“Stink-weed or offensive plant”
Summary
A general term for noxious weeds mentioned in Job's self-imprecation, probably referring to any offensive or foul-smelling plant.
☩Biblical Reference
Cockle appears only once in Scripture, in Job's solemn protestation of innocence. If he had dealt unjustly with the land or its workers, he invokes the curse: 'Let thistles grow instead of wheat, and cockle instead of barley.' The Hebrew word boshah derives from a root meaning 'to stink,' suggesting a foul-smelling or offensive weed rather than any specific plant. Some identify it with the darnel (tares) of the New Testament, others with bad weeds in general, or barley affected by 'stinking rust.'
Key verses:Job 31:40
Related Verses1 mention
Job· 1 verse
See Also
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Cockle," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. II (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Cockle," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. II (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 3.Andrew Robert Fausset, "Cockle," in The Englishman's Critical and Expository Bible Cyclopædia (Hodder & Stoughton, 1878).