Thistle

King James Dictionary

Thistle n. 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

Easton's Bible Dictionary

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," RSV "thistle"). This was probably the star-thistle, called by botanists Centaurea calcitropa, or "caltrops," a weed common in corn-fields. (See Thorns .)

Copyright Statement These dictionary topics are from M.G. Easton M.A., DD Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Third Edition, published by Thomas Nelson, 1897. Public Domain.

Bibliography Information Easton, Matthew George. Entry for 'Thistle'. Easton's Bible Dictionary. https://www.studylight.org/dictionaries/eng/ebd/t/thistle.html. 1897.

Vine's Expository Dictionary of NT Words

1: Τρίβολος (Strong'S #5146 — Noun Masculine — tribolos — trib'-ol-os )

occurs in  Matthew 7:16;  Hebrews 6:8 (AV, "briers"). In the Sept.,   Genesis 3:18;  2—Samuel 12:31;  Proverbs 22:5;  Hosea 10:8 . Cp. THORNS.

Wilson's Dictionary of Bible Types

 Genesis 3:18 (c) This is a very fitting symbol of the sticking, stinging troubles of life which have come upon us because of the curse. It represents the smallest of our troubles. The briers are larger troubles. Brambles are still larger, and thorns are the largest and the worst of all injuries, sins and difficulties. Thorns were placed upon our Lord Jesus because He suffered the greatest and the most severe of all troubles that come to human beings. (See under Bramble, Brier and Thorn

 2 Kings 14:9 (a) Amaziah, the King of Judah, is this thistle. He was an annoying person, as thistles are annoying. He was meddling with trouble, and causing difficulties that never should have existed. (See2Ch  25:18).

Webster's Dictionary

(n.) Any one of several prickly composite plants, especially those of the genera Cnicus, Craduus, and Onopordon. The name is often also applied to other prickly plants.

Smith's Bible Dictionary

Thistle. See Thorns .

Fausset's Bible Dictionary

(See Thorn .)

Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature

Bibliography Information McClintock, John. Strong, James. Entry for 'Thistle'. Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature. https://www.studylight.org/encyclopedias/eng/tce/t/thistle.html. Harper & Brothers. New York. 1870.