What does pomegranate symbolize in the Bible? (Symbolism and Meaning)

As a born-again Christian, I find great meaning in the various fruits mentioned throughout the Bible. One fruit that stands out to me, in particular, is the pomegranate. This vibrant and delicious fruit is mentioned numerous times in the scripture. Today we seek to examine the various references to the pomegranate in the Bible to get a deeper understanding of God’s word. So, what does pomegranate symbolize in the Bible?

I invite you to join me as I give an in-depth analysis of the pomegranate in the Bible. I will look at the significance of pomegranates in the Bible, how pomegranates are used in the Bible, and what pomegranates mean in different cultures. I will also analyze the prophetic, symbolic, and spiritual meanings of the pomegranate in the Bible. Keep reading to learn more.

Where is pomegranate mentioned in the Bible?

The pomegranate fruit is mentioned numerous times in the Bible, but only in the Old Testament. Below are a few instances where pomegranate is mentioned in the Bible:

Exodus 28:33-35

Pomegranates are used as decorations on the hem of the Jewish priest’s garments as instructed by God.

Numbers 13:23

We are told that the spies sent by Moses brought back pomegranates as one of the fruits they found in the valley of Eshcol land of Canaan.

Deuteronomy 8:7-8

Pomegranates have been listed among the seven fruits and grains that are abundant in the land that God promised the Israelites.

Song of Solomon 4:3

Pomegranates are used to describe the beauty and loveliness of the bride. The groom compares his bride’s beauty with the sweetness in the pomegranate.

1 Kings 7:18-20

Pomegranates are used as decoration on the rows of the capitals during the building of Solomon’s temple. It’s mentioned that there were 200 pomegranates in two rows around each capital.

What is the significance of pomegranates in the Bible?

Pomegranates have various significance in the Bible. These fruits make their first appearance in the Bible in Exodus 28:33-35 when God gives Moses instructions about the robe of Aaron as the high priest. God says that all around the lower hem of the robe shall be put pomegranates of blue, purple, and red wools alternating with golden bells. Aaron was to wear this robe whenever he went in the presence of the Lord. So, it is possible that the pomegranate was selected for its symbolic significance. The fruit’s many seeds contained within a single piece could represent how Aaron, as he approached God’s presence, was bringing the entire nation of Israel with him in a figurative sense.

Moreover, in Songs of Solomon 4:3, apart from the literal interpretation that the woman’s cheeks resembled the round and red pomegranate fruit, the fruit had also become a symbol of fertility and love due to the way it spills out its seeds when opened. Therefore, the man was also implying that his beloved was sexually attractive and fertile. Additionally, he was emphasizing that her true beauty was not just in the skin, but rather, like the pomegranate’s edible seeds, her beauty lay within her.

Nevertheless, we are told in Numbers 13:23 that the Israelite spies sent by Moses brought back the pomegranate fruit from the beautiful trees in Canaan. It is, therefore, safe to say that this served as a significant manifestation of God’s abundant provision and blessings upon His people.

How are pomegranates used in the Bible?

The pomegranate was highly valued in the Bible and was used in a variety of ways, both practical and symbolic.

• Used as decoration – Pomegranates were used to decorate the robes of the high priest (Exodus 28:33-34). They were used extensively in the decorations of the Temple in Jerusalem (1 Kings 7:18-20).
• Used as a symbol – Pomegranates are used to symbolize various scenarios in the Bible, such as beauty, blessings, and fertility, among others, as seen in several biblical references named above.
• Used as a metaphor to show richness in Promised Land – Pomegranates are mentioned as one of the fruits of the land of Canaan, which God promised to give to the Israelites (Deuteronomy 8:8).
• Used to make wine – In the Bible, pomegranate wine is mentioned in the Song of Solomon, where it is described as a drink that brings passion (Song of Solomon 8:2).
• Used as a fruit tree – In 1 Samuel 14:2, we are told that Saul was camping under a pomegranate tree in Migron with his 600 men. It is also mentioned as a tree in Songs of Solomon 7:12 and in Joel 1:12 as one of the trees that had dried up.

What do pomegranates mean in different cultures?

Pomegranates have held cultural significance in various parts of the world for thousands of years, and their meanings vary across cultures. Here are some examples:

• Ancient Greece and Rome: In Greek mythology, the pomegranate was associated with death according to the myth of Hades and Persephone. In ancient Rome, pomegranates were seen as a symbol of fertility and were often used in wedding celebrations.
• India: In Hinduism, the pomegranate is associated with the goddess Ganesha and the earth goddess as a symbol of fertility and prosperity and is used in various religious rituals.
• Islam: In Islamic tradition, the pomegranate is considered a “blessed fruit” and is mentioned several times in the Quran. It is often a metaphor for the rewards of praise to those fearful of the Lord.
• Judaism: In Jewish tradition, the pomegranate is a symbol of love and fertility. Pomegranates are also featured in many Jewish holiday rituals, including Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, where it is customary to eat pomegranate seeds and wish for a year full of good deeds and prosperity.
• Christianity: In Christianity, the pomegranate is considered a symbol of resurrection and eternal life. It is often featured in religious art, particularly devotional statues of the Virgin and Child.

What is the prophetic meaning of pomegranates?

This fruit does not hold prophetic meanings. However, the fruit’s symbolism and significance in religious texts have been interpreted by different scholars and bible readers over time depending on the culture and context. But often, it is associated as a symbol of abundance, love, prosperity, and fertility, and its significance can be traced back to ancient times.

4 symbolic meanings of pomegranates in the Bible

Blessings and prosperity: In Numbers 13:23, Moses sent Israelites spies to explore the land of Canaan, and they returned with a cluster of grapes, along with figs and pomegranates, as evidence of its richness and prosperity.

Fertility and abundance: In Deuteronomy 8:7-10, the land which God is giving the Israelites is described to be fertile and plentiful because it will produce abundant wheat, barley, grapes, pomegranates, and honey that they will never go hungry.

Beauty and adornment: Pomegranates are also associated with beauty and adornment in the Bible. In Song of Solomon 4:3. Behind her veil, the beloved’s cheeks are like the halves of a pomegranate, and her lips are like a scarlet thread. This suggests that the fruit was seen as a symbol of physical attractiveness and desirability.

Purification and cleansing: In Exodus 28:33-34, pomegranates are embroidered on the hem of the robe worn by the high priest. This means he has authority in his role of cleansing the sins of the people. This also suggests that the fruit was seen as a symbol of purification and forgiveness.

Spiritual meanings of pomegranates

The spiritual meaning of pomegranates varies depending on the culture and tradition in which they are viewed. For instance, this fruit can be used spiritually to mean righteousness because the fruit is believed to have 613 seeds, which represents the 613 commandments of the Torah. As a result, it is customary to eat pomegranates during the holiday of Rosh Hashanah in Jewish culture.

In addition to this, the fruit is seen as a symbol of fertility, wisdom, knowledge, and good luck in many religions, such as Christianity and Islam. It is key to note that spiritual insights are a common thread that runs through many different belief systems.

What does it mean to dream about pomegranates?

Dreams about pomegranates can have different meanings and interpretations depending on the context and appearance of the fruit in the dream. Seeing a green or unripe pomegranate could signify that you are constantly rushing to complete tasks, and could lead to damage. Not everything needs to be completed quickly; instead, some tasks require careful consideration.

A rotten pomegranate in your dream might mean that you are not acting appropriately and will miss the chance to improve. Your personality is related to some features of your dream. It might also mean that you practice patience and endurance.

If your dream contains a pomegranate garden or tree, it could represent fertility. You’ll need to be creative and come up with fresh plans or tasks to accomplish in order to be successful. On the other hand, pomegranate sales in dreams could indicate that you are wasting your time worrying about insignificant matters and might also represent the fact that you are merely amusing yourself with material things.

Lastly, the act of meticulously separating the grains from the walls as you peel a pomegranate in a dream could mean your curiosity and desire to understand the truth. This could indicate that you will soon have access to knowledge that will pave the route to reaching your goals.