### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **chiṭṭâh**, represented by `{{H2406}}`, is a term for **wheat**. It appears 30 times across 30 unique verses in the Bible. It refers to wheat in its various forms, whether the grain itself or the entire plant.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H2406}}` is central to agriculture, economy, and worship. It is presented as a primary sign of God's blessing and the fertility of the promised land, described as "a land of **wheat**, and barley" [[Deuteronomy 8:8]]. The grain serves as a staple food and a form of payment, such as when Solomon provided thousands of measures of **wheat** to Hiram [[1 Kings 5:11]]. The agricultural calendar revolved around its cultivation, with the "wheat harvest" being a significant time of year ([[Genesis 30:14]], [[Ruth 2:23]]). It was also used in sacred contexts, as seen in the command to make offerings from "wheaten flour" [[Exodus 29:2]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide a fuller picture of the agricultural context of wheat:
* `{{H8184}}` **sᵉʻôrâh** (barley): This grain is frequently mentioned alongside wheat as a foundational crop, illustrating the agricultural wealth of the land ([[Deuteronomy 8:8]], [[Joel 1:11]]).
* `{{H7105}}` **qâtsîyr** (harvest): This word denotes the season of reaping and is often paired directly with wheat to mark a specific time of year, such as the "wheat harvest" [[Exodus 34:22]].
* `{{H5560}}` **çôleth** (flour): As the direct product of milled wheat, this fine flour was essential for making bread and for use in sacred offerings [[Exodus 29:2]].
* `{{H1758}}` **dûwsh** (to thresh): This verb describes the process of separating grain from the stalk. Ornan was **threshing** wheat when the angel of the LORD appeared to him [[1 Chronicles 21:20]].
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{H2406}}` extends from the physical to the spiritual, highlighting key themes.
* **Divine Provision:** Wheat is a tangible symbol of God's provision. The Psalmist declares that God fills his people with the "finest of the **wheat**," linking sustenance directly to divine favor ([[Psalms 147:14]], [[Psalms 81:16]]).
* **Worship and Firstfruits:** The grain was integrated into Israel's worship. The "firstfruits of **wheat** harvest" were to be offered during the Feast of Weeks, acknowledging God as the source of all bounty [[Exodus 34:22]].
* **Economic Staple:** Wheat was a cornerstone of the ancient economy, used as tribute [[2 Chronicles 27:5]], for trade [[Ezekiel 27:17]], and stored as treasure [[Jeremiah 41:8]].
* **Symbol of Judgment:** The failure of the wheat crop served as a metaphor for spiritual barrenness and divine judgment. Jeremiah prophesied that the people would sow **wheat** but reap thorns as a consequence of their sin [[Jeremiah 12:13]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H2406}}` is much more than a simple agricultural term. It is a vital element in Scripture that represents God's covenant blessings, the basis of the economy, a component of worship, and a powerful symbol in prophetic warnings. From the fields of Boaz to the offerings in the tabernacle, **chiṭṭâh** illustrates the profound connection between the land, the people, and their dependence on God.
TRV