Bible Dictionary
Bulrush
Bulrush refers to a marsh plant or papyrus, especially the tall plant growing beside the Nile. Its stalks were used for ropes, clothing, utensils, writing material, and the basket in which Moses was placed.
Definition
Bulrush refers to a marsh plant or papyrus, especially the papyrus growing in shallow water along the Nile. Its flexible stalks could be woven into ropes, garments, shoes, utensils, boats or baskets, and writing material.
Biblical Usage
The papyrus was used to construct the ark in which Moses was placed. Scripture also mentions its marsh growth, cords or ropes, and the plant’s association with watery places.
Historical Background
Egyptian papyrus could grow twelve to fifteen feet high. Its inner bark was cut into strips, sewn together, and dried to form writing material. It was once abundant in Egypt and also grew in the marshes of northern Palestine.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
(1.) In Isa. 58:5 the rendering of a word which denotes “belonging to a marsh,” from the nature of the soil in which it grows (Isa. 18:2). It was sometimes platted into ropes (Job. 41:2; A.V., “hook,” R.V., “rope,” lit. “cord of rushes”). (2.) In Ex. 2:3, Isa. 18:2 (R.V., “papyrus”) this word is the translation of the Hebrew gome, which designates the plant as absorbing moisture. In Isa. 35:7 and Job 8:11 it is rendered “rush.” This was the Egyptian papyrus (papyrus Nilotica). It was anciently very abundant in Egypt. The Egyptians made garments and shoes and various utensils of it. It was used for the construction of the ark of Moses (Ex. 2:3, 5). The root portions of the stem were used for food. The inside bark was cut into strips, which were sewed together and dried in the sun, forming the papyrus used for writing. It is no longer found in Egypt, but grows luxuriantly in Palestine, in the marshes of the Huleh, and in the swamps at the north end of the Lake of Gennesaret. (See CANE.)
Smith's Bible Dictionary
(or papyrus), a red growing in the shallow water on the banks of the Nile. It grows to the height of 12 or 15 feet, with a stalk two or three inches in diameter. The stalks are very pliable and can be very closely interwoven, as is evident from their having been used in the construction of arks. (Exodus 2:3,5) Paper was made from this plant, from which it derives its name.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>bool'-rush.</p><p>See REED.</p>