### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **ákantha**, represented by `{{G173}}`, is the word for a **thorn**. It appears **14 times** across **11 unique verses**. This term is used both literally to describe a thorny plant and figuratively to represent that which hinders spiritual growth and productivity.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{G173}}` appears in several distinct contexts. Most notably, it is used in the Parable of the Sower to illustrate a heart that is overcome by worldly concerns. The seed that falls among **thorns** is choked by the "care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches" [[Matthew 13:22]] or the "cares and riches and pleasures of this life" [[Luke 8:14]], ultimately becoming unfruitful. The word is also used literally in the crucifixion narrative, where soldiers platted a crown of **thorns** and placed it on Jesus' head as an act of mockery ([[Matthew 27:29]], [[John 19:2]]). Finally, it serves as a test for discernment, as in the question, "Do men gather grapes of **thorns**, or figs of thistles?" [[Matthew 7:16]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the role and meaning of **thorns** in the Bible:
* `{{G2590}}` **karpós** (fruit): This word is the direct counterpart to the unfruitfulness caused by thorns. Thorns choke the word so that it yields no **fruit** [[Mark 4:7]], and one is known by their **fruit**, which cannot be gathered from thorn bushes [[Luke 6:44]].
* `{{G4718}}` **staphylḗ** (grapes): This specific type of good fruit is used to illustrate a fundamental principle: desirable things like **grapes** do not come from unproductive and harmful plants like thorns [[Matthew 7:16]].
* `{{G4810}}` **sŷkon** (fig): Similar to grapes, **figs** are presented as good fruit that cannot be gathered from **thorns**, reinforcing the idea that a source is known by its product [[Luke 6:44]].
* `{{G5146}}` **tríbolos** (brier, thistle): This term is often used alongside **thorns** to describe worthless and harmful vegetation. Land that bears **thorns** and **briers** is rejected [[Hebrews 6:8]], and one does not gather figs from **thistles** [[Matthew 7:16]].
* `{{G942}}` **bátos** (bramble, bush): Used in a similar way to thorns, a **bramble bush** is cited as a plant from which one does not gather grapes, highlighting the distinction between good and bad sources [[Luke 6:44]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G173}}` is primarily symbolic, representing negative spiritual realities.
* **Hindrance to Spiritual Life:** Thorns are a metaphor for the worldly anxieties, deceitful riches, and pleasures that choke out the word of God, preventing a person from bearing spiritual fruit ([[Matthew 13:22]], [[Luke 8:14]]).
* **Symbol of a Corrupt Source:** The principle that one cannot gather good fruit from **thorns** illustrates that a corrupt nature cannot produce righteous results. It is a key teaching for discerning true and false prophets [[Matthew 7:16]].
* **An Object of Judgment:** Land that produces **thorns** is described as "rejected" and "nigh unto cursing," with an end of being burned, connecting thorns with divine judgment [[Hebrews 6:8]].
* **Emblem of Suffering and the Curse:** The crown of **thorns** is a powerful symbol of the curse Jesus bore on behalf of humanity. It was an instrument of pain and mockery used during his passion [[Matthew 27:29]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G173}}` **ákantha** is a significant biblical term that extends beyond its literal meaning of a thorny plant. It functions as a powerful metaphor for spiritual dangers, unfruitfulness, and judgment. Whether describing the soil of the human heart, the nature of false teachers, or the crown of suffering worn by Christ, the **thorn** consistently represents that which is harmful, unproductive, and opposed to the fruitfulness of God's kingdom.
TRV