Bible Dictionary
CLOD
A clod is a lump or mass of earth. In Scripture it can describe the crust of sores, the soil of a valley, or earth covering seed; figuratively, plowing and breaking clods represents discipline and preparation.
Definition
A clod is a lump or mass of earth. The word may describe the crust of sores, soft soil in a valley, or earth covering seed.
Biblical Usage
Job uses clods for the crust formed over sores and for the clods of the valley. Joel speaks of seed lying beneath clods, while Hosea uses breaking clods figuratively of spiritual discipline.
Historical Background
The underlying words can mean a mass of earth, a soft clod or lump of clay, or something thrown off by a spade.
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>In Job 7:5 (gish, gush, "a mass of earth"), "clods of dust," the crust of his sores, formed by the dry, swollen skin--a symptom of leprosy, though not peculiar to it. In Job 21:33; 38:38 (reghebh, "a soft clod," "lump of clay"), "The clods of the valley shall be sweet unto him," "The clods cleave fast together." In Joe 1:17 (meghraphah, "a furrow," "something thrown off" (by the spade)), "The seeds rot (m "shrivel") under their clods."</p><p>Figurative: "Jacob shall break his clods" (Ho 10:11), i.e. "must harrow for himself," used figuratively of spiritual discipline (compare Isa 28:24 the King James Version).</p><p>M. O. Evans</p>