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Tyndale Open Bible Dictionary

IntroIndex©

HONEY

Sweet syrup produced by bees (Jgs 14:8), either wild (1 Sm 14:25-26) or domesticated (apparently so in 2 Chr 31:5). Sometimes, however, it may refer to thick grape syrup (as in Arabic) or date syrup (as described by Josephus). Honey was considered one of life’s necessities (Ecclus 39:26); one must not, however, eat too much (Prv 25:16, 27). It was part of the diet of John the Baptist (Mk 1:6) and of Immanuel (Is 7:15). Its exclusion, along with leaven, from grain offerings (Lv 2:11) is undoubtedly because it is susceptible to fermentation. Its sweetness became a familiar metaphor (Jgs 14:18; Ps 19:10; Rv 10:9-10).

See also Food and Food Preparation.