Bible Dictionary
Gourd
The gourd in Jonah provided temporary shade but withered quickly, illustrating the prophet’s misplaced concern. The “wild gourds” in 2 Kings were likely a poisonous cucumber-like plant accidentally gathered for food.
Biblical Usage
Jonah’s gourd grew quickly to shade him and then withered quickly, becoming part of the lesson concerning his misplaced concern. The wild gourds in 2 Kings were accidentally gathered by the sons of the prophets and were associated with poisonous plants.
Scripture References