Bible Dictionaries
Barley

Holman Bible Dictionary

A grain for which Palestine was known (Deuteronomy 8:8 ). The failure of the barley crop was a disaster (Joel 1:11 ). Barley was the food of the poor (Leviticus 23:22; Ruth 3:15 ,Ruth 3:15,3:17; 2 Samuel 17:28; 2 Kings 4:42; 2Kings 7:1,2Kings 7:6,2 Kings 7:18; 2Chronicles 2:10,2 Chronicles 2:15; 2 Chronicles 27:5; Jeremiah 41:8 ). Barley flour was used to make bread (Judges 7:13; Ezekiel 4:12 ) and was the kind of bread Jesus used to feed the multitude (John 6:9 ,John 6:9,6:13 ). Barley was also used as feed for horses, mules, and donkeys (1 Kings 4:28 ). There was a spring variety (Hordeum vulgare ) and a winter variety (Hordeum hexastichon ).