Lexical Summary pishtah: Flax Original Word: פִשְׁתָּה Strong's Exhaustive Concordance flax, tow Feminine of pishteh; flax; by implication, a wick -- flax, tow. see HEBREW pishteh NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom the same as pesheth Definition flax NASB Translation flax (2), wick (2). Brown-Driver-Briggs מִּשְׁתָּה noun feminine flax; — ׳פ: 1 growing Exodus 9:31 (twice in verse)(J). 2 = wick Isaiah 42:3; Isaiah 43:17 (in simile). מַּת see פתת. Topical Lexicon Definition and Scope פִשְׁתָּה (pishtah) denotes flax in its various forms—plant, stalk, fiber, and by extension the wick fashioned from twisted flax threads. The term therefore touches agriculture, textile production, domestic lighting, and rich biblical imagery. Agricultural and Economic Background Flax was a staple crop in the ancient Near East. Sown in late winter and harvested in the spring, it thrived in the alluvial soils of the Nile and the Jordan valleys. After ripening it was pulled up by the root, dried, retted in water, beaten, and combed to separate fibers. The resulting linen was prized for garments (Genesis 41:42), priestly vestments (Exodus 28:39-42), and fine fabrics traded throughout the Mediterranean world (Proverbs 31:24). Because flax ripened earlier than wheat, its destruction by hail (Exodus 9:31) carried immediate economic loss, underscoring the severity of the plague on Egypt. Manufacture of Linen and Lamp Wicks Flax fibers spun into yarn produced lightweight, cool, and durable cloth. When twisted loosely, the same fibers formed lamp wicks. A small clay lamp filled with olive oil could illuminate a home when its flax wick was trimmed and lit. The smoldering or dying wick became a ready metaphor for fragility and impending darkness. Occurrences in Scripture • Exodus 9:31 records the literal crop: “Now the flax and the barley were destroyed, since the barley was ripe and the flax was in bloom.” Theological Symbolism 1. Vulnerability: A newly budding flax plant or a flickering wick can be ruined by a single hail-stone or a careless breath, portraying the tenuous nature of human strength apart from God. Typological and Messianic Implications Flax imagery anticipates Christ’s ministry. Where legalistic religion may bruise or extinguish, the Servant restores. The weak spark in a contrite sinner is preserved, reflecting the Gospel promise that “a dimly burning wick He will not quench” until justice triumphs. Lessons for Ministry and Discipleship • Pastoral care must emulate the Servant’s patience with faltering believers, nurturing rather than crushing. Judgment and Assurance Isaiah 43:17 reassures God’s people that threats arrayed against them are ultimately as perishable as a wick in water. This dual reality—gentleness toward the penitent and decisive judgment upon the unrepentant—underscores the consistency of divine character throughout Scripture. Practical Applications for the Church • Worship settings that employ candles or lamps can teach about the sustenance and extinguishing of spiritual light. Summary פִשְׁתָּה threads through Scripture as both commodity and symbol. From Egypt’s ruined crop to Isaiah’s prophetic portraits, flax illustrates human frailty, the Lord’s compassionate righteousness, and the finality of His judgments. Its lessons continue to guide believers toward gentle ministry and steadfast trust in the God who preserves faint flames and quenches all opposition in His time. Forms and Transliterations וְהַפִּשְׁתָּ֖ה וְהַפִּשְׁתָּ֥ה וּפִשְׁתָּ֥ה והפשתה ופשתה כַּפִּשְׁתָּ֥ה כפשתה kap·piš·tāh kappishTah kappištāh ū·p̄iš·tāh ufishTah ūp̄ištāh vehappishTah wə·hap·piš·tāh wəhappištāhLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Exodus 9:31 HEB: וְהַפִּשְׁתָּ֥ה וְהַשְּׂעֹרָ֖ה נֻכָּ֑תָה NAS: (Now the flax and the barley KJV: And the flax and the barley INT: the flax and the barley were ruined Exodus 9:31 Isaiah 42:3 Isaiah 43:17 4 Occurrences |
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