UBS Dictionary of the Greek New Testament

Sense 1: carob pod

Semantic entry: 3.46

Semantic domains: Plants

Subdomains: Fruit Parts of Plants

Definition: (a diminutive derivative of κέρας[a] ‘horn,’ 8.17: κέρας) the pod of the carob tree (which closely resembles a small horn)

Notes: Carob pods were commonly used for fattening swine and were employed as an article of food by poor people. In translating RV LUK 15:16 · LV LUK 15:16 · Read together LUK 15:16 it is not necessary, however, to identify specifically carob pods. In most languages some such expression as ‘edible pods’ is probably more satisfactory, since carob trees are unlikely to be known.

Further resources: flora:2.3