Fitches
Natureâš¡ IN BRIEF (SUMMARY)
Fitches denote two distinct plant species: Vicia sativa, an annual legume with black seeds used as a condiment, and potentially Echinochloa crus-galli, a type of millet or spelt-like grain. These seeds possess a warm, aromatic flavor and were valued for their carminative properties in ancient diets.
What is the meaning of Fitches in the Bible?
Fitches denote two distinct plant species: Vicia sativa, an annual legume with black seeds used as a condiment, and potentially Echinochloa crus-galli, a type of millet or spelt-like grain. These seeds possess a warm, aromatic flavor and were valued for their carminative properties in ancient diets.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding fitches clarifies the dietary habits of ancient Israelites, particularly during periods of famine or hardship, as referenced in 2 Kings 6:25, where they were boiled into a pottage, highlighting the resourcefulness required for survival in antiquity.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
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Source Attribution & Provenance
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE) and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been editorially modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and formatted for fast contextual reference.