Spelt(rye, rie)
כֻּסֶּמֶת/SPELT/
“A bearded grain, spelt”
Summary
A hardy grain related to wheat, cultivated in Egypt and Canaan, often rendered 'rye' or 'fitches' in older translations.
☩Identification
Spelt (Hebrew kussemeth) is Triticum spelta, a grain closely allied to common wheat but hardier, growing on coarser soil. The Septuagint translates it as olyra (spelt). Older English versions rendered it 'rye' or 'fitches,' but modern translations consistently use 'spelt.'
Key verses:Exodus 9:32Isaiah 28:25Ezekiel 4:9
☩Biblical References
Spelt was among the grains cultivated in Egypt; it escaped the plague of hail because it ripened later than barley and flax. Isaiah mentions it as planted by the farmer in its proper place. Ezekiel was commanded to make bread from a mixture of grains including spelt during his prophetic sign-act.
Key verses:Exodus 9:32Isaiah 28:25Ezekiel 4:9
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Rye," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. IX (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Spelt," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. V (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).