A pruning-hook is an agricultural implement mentioned in the Bible, primarily used for pruning or trimming trees and vines. It is a curved tool, akin to a sickle, designed to cut away unwanted branches and promote healthy growth in plants. The pruning-hook is emblematic of peace and agricultural prosperity, contrasting with instruments of war.

Biblical References:

The pruning-hook is notably referenced in prophetic literature, symbolizing a transformation from war to peace. In Isaiah 2:4 , the prophet envisions a future where nations will abandon warfare: "Then He will judge between the nations and arbitrate for many peoples. They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will no longer take up the sword against nation, nor will they train anymore for war." This imagery is echoed in Micah 4:3 , reinforcing the hope for a time when tools of war will be repurposed for cultivation and growth.

The transformation of swords into plowshares and spears into pruning-hooks signifies a divine intervention where peace prevails, and resources are redirected from destruction to nurturing life. This vision reflects the Messianic hope for a future kingdom characterized by justice, peace, and abundance.

Symbolism and Interpretation:

In the biblical context, the pruning-hook serves as a powerful symbol of peace and divine providence. It represents the cessation of conflict and the establishment of a society focused on productivity and harmony with God's creation. The imagery of converting weapons into agricultural tools underscores the biblical theme of redemption and restoration, where God transforms what is broken into something fruitful and life-giving.

The use of the pruning-hook in these prophetic passages also highlights the agrarian culture of ancient Israel, where agriculture was central to daily life and survival. The tool's mention would resonate with the original audience, who understood the importance of pruning in maintaining healthy vineyards and orchards.

Cultural and Historical Context:

In ancient Near Eastern societies, agriculture was a primary occupation, and tools like the pruning-hook were essential for maintaining crops. The process of pruning was crucial for ensuring the health and productivity of vineyards, which were a significant part of the economy and sustenance in biblical times. The pruning-hook, therefore, not only symbolizes peace but also the sustenance and blessing of God upon His people.

The prophetic vision of turning weapons into pruning-hooks reflects a deep longing for peace and security, a theme that resonates throughout the Scriptures. It points to a future hope where God's kingdom is fully realized, and His people live in harmony with one another and the land.

Theological Implications:

The transformation of swords into plowshares and spears into pruning-hooks is a profound theological statement about God's ultimate plan for humanity. It speaks to the eschatological hope of a world where God's peace reigns supreme, and His creation is restored to its intended purpose. This vision challenges believers to live as peacemakers, embodying the values of God's kingdom in anticipation of its full realization.

In summary, the pruning-hook in the Bible is more than just an agricultural tool; it is a symbol of peace, transformation, and divine blessing. It calls believers to envision and work towards a world where God's peace and justice prevail, reflecting the hope and promise of the Scriptures.PRUNING-HOOK

proon'-ing-hook.

See HOOK, (3); VINE.

1407. drepanon -- a sickle, a pruning hook
... a sickle, a pruning hook. Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter Transliteration: drepanon
Phonetic Spelling: (drep'-an-on) Short Definition: a sickle Definition: a sickle ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1407.htm - 6k4211. mazmerah -- a pruning knife
... knives (1). pruning-hook. From zamar; a pruning-knife -- pruning-hook. see HEBREW
zamar. 4210, 4211. mazmerah. 4212 . Strong's Numbers.
/hebrew/4211.htm - 6k

Proof against the Marcionites, that the Prophets Referred in all ...
... This person is our Lord, and in Him is that declaration borne out; since it is He
Himself who has made the plough, and introduced the pruning-hook, that is ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xxxiv proof against the marcionites.htm

When travelling lately through the Simplon
... earth? If at the time he caused the death, he was working in his vineyard,
the pruning-hook must be left to rust on the branch. ...
/.../the cities of refuge or the name of jesus/i when travelling lately through.htm

Of the Renewed World.
... Barter merchandise; all lands shall produce all things. The ground shall
not endure the harrow, nor the vineyard the pruning hook; ...
/.../lactantius/the divine institutes/chap xxiv of the renewed world.htm

That These Things Cannot have Been Spoken of a Mere Man: and that ...
... But if this were all, what reason could there be that the earth should need neither
seed nor plough, that the vine should require no pruning-hook, or other ...
/.../pamphilius/the life of constantine/chapter xxi that these things cannot.htm

Epistle xxix. To victor, Bishop .
... before the iniquity of simoniacal heresy shall gain strength in your parts from
the offence of one, it may be cut off from the root by the pruning-hook of your ...
/.../the epistles of saint gregory the great/epistle xxix to victor bishop.htm

Philosophy is Knowledge Given by God.
... The pruning-hook is made, certainly, principally for pruning; but with it we separate
twigs that have got intertwined, cut the thorns which grow along with the ...
/.../the stromata or miscellanies/chapter viii philosophy is knowledge given.htm

Different Degrees of Knowledge.
... For after smoothing off both suckers with a sharp pruning-hook, till the
pith is laid bare, but not wounded, they are bound together. ...
/.../the stromata or miscellanies/chapter xv different degrees of knowledge.htm

On the Question of Baptism, Then, I Think that I have Argued At...
... error was compensated by his remaining in catholic unity, and by the abundance of
his charity; and finally it was cleared away by the pruning-hook of martyrdom ...
/.../writings in connection with the donatist controversy /chapter 18 27 on.htm

A Farther Quotation from virgilius Maro Respecting Christ, with ...
... The laboring hind his oxen shall disjoin; No plough shall hurt the glebe, no
pruning-hook the vine; Nor wool shall in dissembled colors shine: ...
/.../pamphilius/the life of constantine/chapter xx a farther quotation from.htm

Letter cxviii. (AD 410. )
... But I warn you that he who fears to be subjected to the edge of the pruning-hook
by the tongues of such men is a sapless log, and is therefore not only ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/letter cxviii a d 410.htm

Pruninghook
Pruninghook. Pruning, Pruninghook. Pruning-hook . Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia ...
See HOOK, (3); VINE. Pruning, Pruninghook. Pruning-hook . Reference
/p/pruninghook.htm - 6k

Pruning-hook
Pruning-hook. Pruninghook, Pruning-hook. Pruninghooks . Int. ... proon'-ing-hook.
See HOOK, (3); VINE. Pruninghook, Pruning-hook. Pruninghooks . Reference
/p/pruning-hook.htm - 6k

Pruning (6 Occurrences)

/p/pruning.htm - 8k

Pruninghooks (3 Occurrences)

/p/pruninghooks.htm - 7k

Sickle (13 Occurrences)
... There was also a sickle used for warlike purposes, more correctly, however, called
a pruning-hook (Deuteronomy 16:9; Jeremiah 50:16, marg., "scythe;" Joel 3:13 ...
/s/sickle.htm - 12k

Hook (10 Occurrences)
... (3) The "pruning-hook" (mazmerah), used in the culture of the vine (Isaiah 18:5),
was a sickle-shaped knife, small enough to be made from the metal of a spear ...
/h/hook.htm - 15k

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