Hay
“Grass, green herbage, or leeks”
Summary
The word translated 'hay' in Scripture does not refer to dried grass as in modern usage, but rather to the first shoots or green growth of grass, since the ancient Hebrews did not store hay but used straw as provender.
☩Biblical Usage
The Hebrew word chatsir, rendered 'hay' in the Authorized Version, actually denotes fresh grass or the first rising shoots of vegetation. The management of grass by the Hebrews was entirely different from modern practice—hay as dried grass was not prepared or stored, straw being used instead as provender for animals. In Proverbs 27:25, the word describes the tender grass appearing in spring, not cut and dried hay.
☩Figurative Use
In the hot Eastern climate, grass becomes dried as it stands without being cut and stored. The Psalmist's imagery of grass withering refers to this natural drying in the sun. Paul's reference to building with 'hay' alongside wood and stubble speaks to materials that will not endure the testing fire, contrasting with the permanence of gold, silver, and precious stones.
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Hay," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. IV (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.F. N. Peloubet & M. A. Peloubet (ed.), "Hay," in Smith's Bible Dictionary (Porter & Coates, 1884).
- 3.Andrew Robert Fausset, "Hay," in The Englishman's Critical and Expository Bible Cyclopædia (Hodder & Stoughton, 1878).
- 4.Richard Watson, "Hay," in A Biblical and Theological Dictionary (John Mason, 1831).