### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **boʼshâh**, represented by `{{H890}}`, refers to a **noxious or useless plant**, such as a **stink-weed** or **cockle**. This rare term appears only **1 time** in the entire Bible, in a single verse. Its meaning is derived entirely from its context as an undesirable weed that grows in place of a valuable crop.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole appearance of `{{H890}}` is in [[Job 31:40]]. In this passage, Job concludes his final declaration of innocence with a self-imprecatory curse. He states that if he is guilty of the sins he has denied, then his land should be cursed. He says, "Let thistles grow instead of wheat, and **cockle** instead of barley" [[Job 31:40]]. Here, **cockle** is presented as the ultimate sign of agricultural failure and judgment, a worthless plant that signifies a cursed ground.
### Related Words & Concepts
The meaning of `{{H890}}` is illuminated by the words it is contrasted with in its only scriptural appearance:
* `{{H8184}}` **sᵉʻôrâh** (barley): As the direct counterpart to **cockle** in Job's oath, **barley** is a staple grain. It is a symbol of sustenance and is listed among the blessings of the promised land [[Deuteronomy 8:8]].
* `{{H2406}}` **chiṭṭâh** (wheat): Used in the parallel clause, **wheat** is another essential crop representing God's provision and favor [[Psalms 147:14]]. Job wishes for it to be replaced by thistles if he is unrighteous.
* `{{H2336}}` **chôwach** (bramble, thistle, thorn): This word is the parallel curse to **cockle**, invoked to replace wheat. Thorns and thistles often symbolize desolation and God's judgment [[Isaiah 34:13]].
* `{{H3318}}` **yâtsâʼ** (to go... out, bring forth): This is the verb used to describe the growth of the thistle and cockle. It signifies something coming forth or being produced from the land, in this case as a result of a curse.
### Theological Significance
Though used only once, the conceptual weight of `{{H890}}` is significant within its context.
* **Symbol of a Curse:** The primary role of **cockle** is to serve as a physical manifestation of a curse. Job invites it upon himself as a just punishment for hypothetical wrongdoing, turning a productive field into a useless one.
* **Antithesis of Blessing:** The word stands in direct opposition to valuable grains like **barley** `{{H8184}}` and **wheat** `{{H2406}}`, which are consistently portrayed as signs of divine blessing and provision.
* **Metaphor for Worthlessness:** As a "stink-weed," it represents not just barrenness but corruption and foulness. It is the agricultural equivalent of a moral failure, where something good and life-sustaining is replaced by something foul and worthless.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H890}}` is a highly specific but powerful word. Its single use in [[Job 31:40]] defines it as a symbol of divine punishment and worthlessness. While other words like **thistle** `{{H2336}}` also represent cursed ground, **boʼshâh** is uniquely paired against **barley**, cementing its identity as the definitive opposite of a fruitful harvest and a stark metaphor for the consequences of sin.
TRV