Bible Dictionary
Grain
Grain refers to a seed or cereal crop such as wheat, barley, or spelt. Scripture uses it literally in agriculture and figuratively for individual seeds and the resurrection body.
Definition
Grain may mean a single seed or kernel, or cereal crops such as wheat, barley, and spelt. The term can therefore describe both agricultural produce and an individual seed used for illustration.
Biblical Usage
Scripture uses grain for a small kernel, the individual seed of mustard, and wheat. The image of a grain also serves in teaching about burial and the resurrection body.
Historical Background
The Hebrews sowed wheat, barley, and spelt. Rye and oats are not mentioned in Scripture.
Scripture References
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Used, in Amos 9:9, of a small stone or kernel; in Matt. 13:31, of an individual seed of mustard; in John 12:24, 1 Cor. 15:37, of wheat. The Hebrews sowed only wheat, barley, and spelt; rye and oats are not mentioned in Scripture.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>gran.</p><p>See AGRICULTURE; GARNER.</p>