Bible Dictionaries
Husk

Holman Bible Dictionary

The outer covering of a seed or fruit, usually either dry (as the carob) or membranous (as the grape) (Numbers 6:4; 2 Kings 4:42 , Luke 15:16 ). Modern translations replace husk with skins when referring to grapes (Numbers 6:4 ). The term translated husk at 2 Kings 4:42 is a hapax legomena , a term used only once in Scripture. NAS, RSV follow the Latin Vulgate in rendering the term “sack.” Other modern translations follow other ancient versions in omitting the term. Modern translations give “pods” or “bean pods” for husks at Luke 15:16 . The pods of the Carob tree (Ceratonia siliqua ) are probably intended (so NAS margin). The ripe pods are full of a dark, honeylike syrup. These are ground and used as an animal feed.