The Hebrew word pôwl, represented by H6321, refers to beans. Derived from an unused root meaning "to be thick," the word suggests plumpness. It appears 2 times across 2 unique verses in scripture, where it is always listed as a food staple.
In its biblical appearances, H6321 is presented as a practical source of sustenance. It is listed among the provisions, including wheat and barley, that were brought to David and his people to sustain them 2 Samuel 17:28. In a different context, the prophet Ezekiel is commanded by God to mix beans with wheat, barley, and lentiles into one vessel to make bread, symbolizing a period of scarcity Ezekiel 4:9.
Several related words for grains and legumes appear alongside pôwl, establishing its context as a common foodstuff:
- H2406 chiṭṭâh (wheat, whether the grain or the plant; wheat(-en)): This primary grain is mentioned with beans in both of its occurrences (2 Samuel 17:28, Ezekiel 4:9) and is listed as a feature of a promised land Deuteronomy 8:8.
- H8184 sᵉʻôrâh (barley (as villose); barley): This grain is consistently grouped with beans and wheat as a key provision (2 Samuel 17:28, Ezekiel 4:9) and was a staple of the ancient economy and diet.
- H5742 ʻâdâsh (a lentil; lentile): Also listed with beans in both instances (2 Samuel 17:28, Ezekiel 4:9), lentiles are famously part of the pottage for which Esau sold his birthright Genesis 25:34.
The significance of H6321 is grounded in its practical role within the biblical narrative.
- Essential Sustenance: It is consistently shown as a basic foodstuff, part of the provisions necessary to sustain David's company in a time of need 2 Samuel 17:28.
- Ingredient in Hardship: In Ezekiel's symbolic act, beans are combined with other grains to create a bread of scarcity, indicating that they were a known food source used during times of distress Ezekiel 4:9.
- Agricultural Staple: The inclusion of beans with major crops like wheat H2406, barley H8184, and lentiles H5742 solidifies its place as a fundamental component of the agricultural life and diet in ancient Israel.
In summary, H6321 pôwl is a straightforward term for beans, a food item mentioned infrequently but significantly. Its appearances in scripture, though few, highlight its practical importance as a source of sustenance. Whether provided as a gift in a time of need or used as an ingredient in a symbolic bread of hardship, pôwl is defined by its role as a dietary staple alongside the more common grains of the Bible.
TRV