UBS Dictionary of the Greek New Testament

Sense 1: thorn plant, thistle, brier

Semantic entry: 3.17

Semantic domains: Plants

Subdomains: Plants That Are Not Trees

Definition: any kind of plant with sharp projections on its stem and/or branches; regarded as useless; symbol of hardship

Notes: Since plants having thorny projections are almost worldwide in distribution, there is no difficulty in obtaining a satisfactory term for such plants. In some instances, however, a descriptive equivalent may be necessary, for example, ‘plants with piercing points’ or ‘plants that stick into one’s flesh.’

Further resources: flora:6.2.3