King James Bible Dictionary

1. Heb. hoah (2 Kings 14:9; Job 31:40). In Job 41:2 the Hebrew word is rendered "thorn," but in the Revised Version "hook." It is also rendered "thorn" in 2 Chronicles 33:11; Proverbs 26:9; Song of Solomon 2:2; "brambles" in Isaiah 34:13. It is supposed to be a variety of the wild plum-tree, but by some it is regarded as the common thistle, of which there are many varieties in Palestine.

2. Heb. dardar, meaning "a plant growing luxuriantly" (Genesis 3:18; Hosea 10:8); Gr. tribolos, "a triple point" (Matthew 7:16; Hebrews 6:8, "brier," R.V. "thistle"). This was probably the star-thistle, called by botanists Centaurea calcitropa, or "caltrops," a weed common in corn-fields. (See THORNS.)

A noxious plant
Genesis 3:18; Job 31:40; Hosea 10:8

Parables of
2 Kings 14:9; 2 Chronicles 25:18; Matthew 7:16

[THORNS AND THISTLES]

THISTLE, noun this'l. The common name of numerous prickly plants of the class Syngenesia, and several genera; as the common corn thistle or Canada thistle of the genus Serratula or Cnicus; the spear thistle of the genus Cnicus; the milk thistle of the genus Carduus; the blessed thistle of the genus Centaurea; the globe thistle of the genus Echinops; the cotton thistle of the genus Onopordon; and the sow thistle of the genus Sonchus. The name is also given to other prickly plants not of the class Syngenesia; as the fuller's thistle or teasel of the genus Dipsacus, and the melon thistle and torch thistle of the genus Cactus.

One species of thistle (Cnicus arvensis, ) grows in fields among grain, and is extremely troublesome to farmers. It is called in America the Canada thistle as it first appeared in Canada, where it was probably introduced from France, as it abounds in Normandy, and also in England. A larger species in America (Cnicus lanceolatus, ) is indigenous, but it spreads slowly and gives no trouble.

Thorns also and thistles shall it bring froth to thee. Genesis 3:18.