In biblical literature, "corn" often serves as a metaphorical element, symbolizing various spiritual truths and principles. The term "corn" in the Bible typically refers to grain, such as wheat or barley, rather than the modern understanding of maize. This figurative use of corn is woven throughout Scripture, illustrating themes of provision, growth, and spiritual sustenance.

Provision and Abundance

Corn is frequently used to symbolize God's provision and the abundance He bestows upon His people. In Genesis 41:47, during the seven years of abundance in Egypt, "the land produced plentifully," highlighting God's provision through the harvest. This abundance is a reminder of God's faithfulness and His ability to meet the needs of His people. Similarly, in Psalm 65:9-13, the psalmist praises God for enriching the land and providing a bountiful harvest, which includes "the valleys covered with grain."

Growth and Transformation

The process of planting, growing, and harvesting corn serves as a powerful metaphor for spiritual growth and transformation. In John 12:24, Jesus uses the imagery of a grain of wheat to describe the necessity of death leading to new life: "Truly, truly, I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a seed; but if it dies, it bears much fruit." This passage illustrates the principle of self-sacrifice and the transformative power of Christ's death and resurrection, encouraging believers to embrace spiritual growth through surrender.

Spiritual Sustenance

Corn also represents spiritual sustenance, as it is a staple food that provides nourishment. In the Lord's Prayer, Jesus teaches His disciples to pray for daily bread (Matthew 6:11), which can be understood as a request for both physical and spiritual nourishment. The provision of corn, or grain, in the biblical context underscores the importance of relying on God for sustenance in all aspects of life.

Judgment and Separation

In some instances, corn is used to depict judgment and the separation of the righteous from the wicked. In Matthew 13:24-30, Jesus tells the parable of the wheat and the tares, where the wheat represents the children of the kingdom and the tares symbolize the children of the evil one. The harvest is a time of separation, where the wheat is gathered into the barn, and the tares are burned. This parable emphasizes the ultimate judgment and the distinction between those who belong to God and those who do not.

Conclusion

The figurative use of corn in the Bible provides rich imagery that conveys deep spiritual truths. Whether symbolizing God's provision, the process of spiritual growth, the necessity of spiritual sustenance, or the reality of judgment, corn serves as a multifaceted metaphor that enriches the biblical narrative and offers insight into the divine-human relationship.Psalm 72:16
There shall be an handful of corn in the earth on the top of the mountains; the fruit thereof shall shake like Lebanon: and they of the city shall flourish like grass of the earth.
Nave's Topical Index

Hosea 14:7
They that dwell under his shadow shall return; they shall revive as the corn, and grow as the vine: the scent thereof shall be as the wine of Lebanon.
Nave's Topical Index

John 12:24
Truly, truly, I say to you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it stays alone: but if it die, it brings forth much fruit.
Nave's Topical Index

1121. ben -- son
... of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship,
including ... calf, X came up in, child, colt, X common, X corn, daughter, X of ...
/hebrew/1121.htm - 8k

And to Regard These Myths in a Figurative Sense...
... And to regard these myths in a figurative sense, and consider Minerva as ... receive
from God, and by His providence, as ripe fruits, and "corn which strengtheneth ...
/.../origen/origen against celsus/chapter lxvii and to regard.htm

Whether a Suitable Cause Can be Assigned for the Ceremonies which ...
... The figurative cause is that the bread signifies Christ Who is the "living bread"
(Jn.6:41, 51). He was indeed an ear of corn, as it were, during the state of ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether a suitable cause can.htm

Unknown or Ambiguous Signs Prevent Scripture from Being Understood ...
... Signs are figurative when the things themselves which we indicate by the proper
names are ... says: "Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn." [1773 ...
/.../on christian doctrine in four books /chapter 10 unknown or ambiguous signs.htm

Now There are Two Causes which Prevent what is Written from Being ...
... Signs are figurative when the things themselves which we indicate by the proper
names ... when it says: "Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn.". ...
/.../augustine/on christian doctrine in four books/chapter 15 now there are.htm

Whether There was any Reasonable Cause for the Ceremonial ...
... The figurative reason for these things is that the necessities of life should not
be withdrawn from the ox that treadeth the corn, ie from the preacher bearing ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether there was any reasonable.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 ... All
these modes of speaking shall be accounted lies, if figurative speech or action ...
/.../augustine/against lying/section 24 touching jacob however.htm

Acts vii. 6, 7
... But when Jacob heard that there was corn in Egypt, he sent out our fathers ... Do you
observe all along a figurative enacting, so to say, of the resurrection of ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xvi acts vii 6.htm

Introduction.
... must produce its own literature, as it raises its own corn, and fabricates its ... the
works of God, and constitute the basis of all figurative language, whether ...
//christianbookshelf.org/arnot/the parables of our lord/introduction.htm

After Christ: with Christ
... the great instance, He illustrates, first, by an example from Nature, the corn of
wheat ... that in its effects, except in a very secondary and figurative fashion. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture i/after christ with christ.htm

Oration on the Holy Lights.
... 1. The figurative Baptism of Israel by Moses in the cloud and in the Sea. ... while
themselves proclaiming it in song to be the Giver of fruits and corn, and the ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xxxix oration on the.htm

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