Bible Dictionary
CLUSTER
A cluster is a bunch of things growing or gathered together, especially grapes. Scripture also speaks of clusters of henna flowers and dates, and uses vine clusters figuratively in judgment imagery.
Definition
A cluster is a bunch or group of things bound or growing together. The word commonly denotes grapes, but it may also describe henna flowers, dates, and other gathered produce.
Biblical Usage
Scripture speaks of clusters of grapes, bitter grape clusters, clusters of henna flowers, and clusters of dates. Revelation uses the clusters of the vine of the earth in an image of judgment.
Historical Background
The Hebrew term is related to a root meaning “to bind together.” A cluster of raisins in Samuel is more accurately understood as raisin cakes or dried raisins.
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>klus'-ter:</p><p>(1) 'eshkol; compare proper name VALE OF ESHCOL. (which see), from root meaning "to bind together." A cluster or bunch of grapes (Ge 40:10; Nu 13:23; Isa 65:8; So 7:8; Mic 7:1, etc.); a cluster of henna flowers (So 1:14); a cluster of dates (So 7:7). "Their grapes are grapes of gall, their clusters are bitter." (De 32:32).</p><p>(2) botrus, "gather the clusters of the vine of the earth" (Re 14:18).</p><p>The "cluster of raisins" (tsimmuqim) of 1Sa 25:18; 30:12, should rather be "raisin cakes" or "dried raisins."</p><p>E. W. G. Masterman</p>