Bible Dictionaries
Wheat

Holman Bible Dictionary

The staple grain of the Ancient Near East (Numbers 18:12 ). Wheat has been raised in this region since at least neolithic times (8300-4500 B.C.) Many species exist, and exact types cannot be determined from the biblical words. It became the major crop after the nomads began settling into agrarian societies. It is used as an analogy to speak of God's judgment (Matthew 3:12 ) and His care (Psalm 81:16 ). Wheat was used to make bread and was also parched (Leviticus 23:14 ). KJV often translated wheat by the word corn ( Mark 4:28 ). Wheat harvest was an ancient time reference (Exodus 34:22 ) and was celebrated by the Feast of Weeks. Wheat is said to have been harvested (1 Samuel 6:13 ), threshed (Judges 6:11 ), and winnowed (Matthew 3:12 ). See Agriculture; Bread; Harvest; Plants in the Bible .