King James Bible Dictionary

This word occurs frequently, and is the translation of several different terms.

1. Micah 7:4, it denotes a species of thorn shrub used for hedges. In Proverbs 15:19 the word is rendered "thorn" (Heb. hedek, "stinging"), supposed by some to be what is called the "apple of Sodom" (q.v.).

2. Ezekiel 28:24, sallon', properly a "prickle," such as is found on the shoots of the palm tree.

3. Isaiah 55:13, probably simply a thorny bush. Some, following the Vulgate Version, regard it as the "nettle."

4. Isaiah 5:6; 7:23-25, etc., frequently used to denote thorny shrubs in general. In 10:17; 27:4, it means troublesome men.

5. In Hebrews 6:8 the Greek word (tribolos) so rendered means "three-pronged," and denotes the land caltrop, a low throny shrub resembling in its spikes the military "crow-foot." Comp. Matthew 7:16, "thistle."

Figurative; Isaiah 5:6; Isaiah 55:13; Ezekiel 2:6; Ezekiel 28:24

BRI'ER, noun

1. In a general sense, a prickly plant or shrub. Is.v.6. Judges 8:7.

2. In a limited sense, the sweet-brier and the wild-brier, species of the rose.

BRI'ERY, adjective Full of briers; rough; thorny.