Bible Dictionaries
Harrow
Holman Bible Dictionary
To pulverize and smooth the soil by means of a harrow, a cultivating implement with spikes, spring teeth, or disks. The modern harrow was unknown in ancient Egypt. The biblical references to harrowing or breaking clods (Job 39:10; Isaiah 28:24; Hosea 10:11 ) distinguish this process from plowing. Perhaps the dragging of branches to smooth the soil over seed is what is intended. The NIV replaced harrow with “till” (Job 39:10 ) and with “break up the ground” (Hosea 10:11 ). Modern translations replace the harrow of the KJV with iron picks (NIV, NRSV); iron hoes (TEV), or sharp iron instruments (NAS) at 2 Samuel 12:31; 1 Chronicles 20:3 . See Agriculture; Tools .
Copyright Statement
These dictionary topics are from the Holman Bible Dictionary, published by Broadman & Holman, 1991. All rights reserved. Used by permission of Broadman & Holman.
Bibliography Information
Butler, Trent C. Editor. Entry for 'Harrow'. Holman Bible Dictionary. https://www.studylight.org/dictionaries/eng/hbd/h/harrow.html. 1991.