In biblical times, the term "corn" referred to grain in general, rather than the specific maize known as corn in modern North American English. The grain most commonly associated with biblical corn-fields is wheat or barley. Corn-fields, therefore, were fields where these grains were cultivated, playing a significant role in the agrarian society of ancient Israel and surrounding regions.

Biblical References

Corn-fields are mentioned in several passages throughout the Bible, often highlighting their importance in daily life, sustenance, and religious practices. One notable reference is found in the account of Jesus and His disciples walking through the grain fields on the Sabbath. In Matthew 12:1-2 , it is written: "At that time Jesus went through the grain fields on the Sabbath. His disciples were hungry and began to pick the heads of grain and eat them. When the Pharisees saw this, they said to Him, 'Look, Your disciples are doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath.'"

This passage illustrates the practical use of corn-fields as a source of food and also highlights the religious tensions regarding Sabbath observance. The act of plucking grain was considered work by the Pharisees, thus violating their interpretation of Sabbath laws.

In the Old Testament, corn-fields are often associated with God's provision and blessing. In Deuteronomy 23:25 , the law provides for the poor and the traveler: "When you enter your neighbor’s grainfield, you may pick kernels with your hands, but you must not put a sickle to your neighbor’s grain." This law reflects the communal and compassionate aspects of Israelite society, ensuring that those in need could find sustenance.

Agricultural Practices

The cultivation of grain was central to the economy and survival of ancient Israel. The agricultural cycle, including plowing, sowing, and harvesting, was closely tied to the religious calendar, with festivals such as the Feast of Weeks (Pentecost) celebrating the wheat harvest. The importance of grain is further underscored by its frequent use in offerings and sacrifices, as seen in Leviticus 2:14 : "If you bring a grain offering of firstfruits to the LORD, you shall offer crushed heads of new grain roasted in the fire."

Symbolism and Metaphor

Corn-fields also serve as powerful symbols and metaphors in biblical literature. They often represent abundance, prosperity, and divine blessing. In Psalm 65:9-13 , the psalmist praises God for His provision: "You visit the earth and water it; You greatly enrich it. The stream of God is full of water; You provide their grain, for so You have prepared it."

Moreover, the imagery of harvest is frequently used to convey spiritual truths. Jesus uses the metaphor of the harvest to describe the gathering of believers into the kingdom of God. In Matthew 9:37-38 , He says to His disciples, "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into His harvest."

Cultural and Historical Context

Understanding the significance of corn-fields in the Bible requires an appreciation of the cultural and historical context of ancient Israel. The agrarian lifestyle dictated much of daily life, and the success of the harvest was crucial for survival. The dependence on rain and favorable weather conditions for a successful crop is reflected in the Israelites' reliance on God for provision and their expressions of gratitude and worship.

In summary, corn-fields in the Bible are more than just agricultural sites; they are integral to the narrative of God's provision, the social and religious life of His people, and the rich tapestry of biblical symbolism.

The Two Sabbath-Controversies - the Plucking of the Ears of Corn ...
... Of these the first was when, going through the cornfields on the Sabbath,
His disciples began to pluck and eat the ears of corn. ...
/.../chapter xxxv the two sabbath-controversies.htm

The Chronology
... In like manner the cure of the withered hand (iii.1-6) may have become
artificially grouped with the incident of the cornfields. ...
/.../rhees/the life of jesus of nazareth/iv the chronology.htm

The Rock of Castello.
... tops are almost lost in the clouds, while the little stream that murmurs below has
its banks covered with vines and mulberry trees, rich corn fields, and happy ...
/.../macduff/the cities of refuge or the name of jesus/the rock of castello.htm

The Secret of Its Greatness
... all the great nations it held the first place; for the people of Egypt were more
clever, and rich; their gardens more beautiful, their cornfields and orchards ...
/.../duff/the bible in its making/chapter ii the secret of.htm

A Teacher with Authority
... And it came to pass, that he went through the corn fields on the sabbath day; and
his disciples began, as they went, to pluck the ears of corn. ...
/.../mark/jesus of nazareth a biography/chapter ii a teacher with.htm

Ruth
... was afterwards to become so famous and so holy; and had, we may suppose, his vineyard
and his olive-garden on the rocky slopes, and his corn-fields in the vale ...
/.../kingsley/the water of life and other sermons/sermon x ruth.htm

The Death of Saint David.
... of Wales when they entered it in battle-array, seeking the enemy,"towns were unpeopled,
houses overthrown, monasteries pillaged, corn-fields burnt, farms ...
/.../kingston/the seven champions of christendom/chapter sixteen the death of.htm

Yet Speaking.
... It was as though, years after the Battle of Waterloo, some soldiers of the Iron
Duke had visited the historic cornfields, and had recited their reminiscences ...
//christianbookshelf.org/meyer/john the baptist/xvi yet speaking.htm

Touching Jacob, However, that which He did at his Mother's Bidding ...
... For when he speaks of waving corn-fields, of vines putting forth gems, [2417] of
the bloom of youth, of snowy hairs; without doubt the waves, the gems, the ...
/.../augustine/against lying/section 24 touching jacob however.htm

On the Downs
... Gather thyme and hawkweed slender,. Bluebells of the hill; Pale musk mallows by
the cornfields,. Poppies bright and bold,. Scabious like the evening purple,. ...
/.../bevan/hymns of ter steegen and others second series/on the downs.htm

Cornfields (3 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Cornfields (3 Occurrences). Matthew 12:1 At that
time Jesus went on the sabbath through the cornfields; and ...
/c/cornfields.htm - 7k

Corn-fields (2 Occurrences)
Corn-fields. Cornfields, Corn-fields. Cornfloor . Multi-Version Concordance ...
(WBS). Cornfields, Corn-fields. Cornfloor . Reference Bible.
/c/corn-fields.htm - 7k

Corn (107 Occurrences)
... Mark 2:23 And it came to pass, that he went through the cornfields on the sabbath
day; and his disciples began, as they went, to pluck the ears of corn. ...
/c/corn.htm - 41k

Zobah (15 Occurrences)
... from zehobhah as referring to its supplies of "bright yellow" brass; but this word
might be more appropriately used to contrast its cornfields with white ...
/z/zobah.htm - 15k

Kedesh (12 Occurrences)
... From its lofty situation, Kedesh commanded a spacious view over a richly varied
landscape, With smiling cornfields, and hills clothed with oak and terebinth. ...
/k/kedesh.htm - 14k

Kenites (8 Occurrences)
... These last continued to live in tents, practicing the ancient nomadic customs (Jeremiah
35:6).ichly varied landscape, With smiling cornfields, and hills ...
/k/kenites.htm - 13k

Nettle (2 Occurrences)
... etc. It may probably be a species of mustard, the Sinapis arvensis, which
is a pernicious weed abounding in corn-fields. Tristram ...
/n/nettle.htm - 8k

Thistle (3 Occurrences)
... This was probably the star-thistle, called by botanists Centaurea calcitropa,
or "caltrops," a weed common in corn-fields. (see THORNS.). ...
/t/thistle.htm - 9k

Plucking (8 Occurrences)
... Mark 2:23 And it came to pass that he went on the sabbath through the cornfields;
and his disciples began to walk on, plucking the ears. (DBY YLT). ...
/p/plucking.htm - 9k

Passing (177 Occurrences)
... Mark 2:23 And it came to pass -- he is going along on the sabbaths through the
corn-fields -- and his disciples began to make a way, plucking the ears, (See NAS ...
/p/passing.htm - 36k

Does the Bible say anything about crop circles? | GotQuestions.org

What is the meaning of Jezreel? | GotQuestions.org

Who was Ruth in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus