Bible Encyclopedias

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

Tares

târz ( ζιζάνια , zizánia ( Matthew 13:25 ff), margin "darnel"): Zizania is equivalent to Arabic zuwān , the name given to several varieties of darnel of which Lolium temulentum , the "bearded darnel," is the one most resembling wheat, and has been supposed to be degenerated wheat. On the near approach of harvest it is carefully weeded out from among the wheat by the women and children. Zuwān is commonly used as chickens' food; it is not poisonous to human beings unless infected with the mold ergot.