Bible Dictionary
Barley
Barley was a hardy grain used for bread, especially by poorer people, and as fodder for animals. Its harvest preceded the wheat harvest and provided the loaves used in Jesus’ feeding of the five thousand.
Biblical Usage
Barley appears in Gideon’s dream as a humble loaf representing Israel’s lowly army. It was used in bread, offerings, and prophetic signs. Jesus fed five thousand people with five barley loaves and two fish.
Scripture References