What is the significance of pomegranates in the Bible?

TL;DR:

Pomegranates are mentioned in the Bible as a tangible symbol of the fruit of following God, His desire to bless His people, and the fruit of love. Pomegranates are symbols that point us to God’s goodness.

what does the bible say?

Pomegranates are a prominent biblical fruit, mentioned in various contexts. Symbolically, this fruit speaks to abundance, fertility, and divine provision. These large fruits contain numerous seeds and appear in the Bible when God instructs Moses about Aaron's high priest robe (Exodus 28:33–34), when the Israelite spies bring them back from the Promised Land (Numbers 13:23), and when Solomon's temple is decorated with pomegranate motifs (1 Kings 7:18–22). In Song of Songs, pomegranates are used to describe the beauty and fertility of the beloved (Song of Songs 4:3). Biblical references to plants, foods, traditions, and places can cause a reader to miss important points or nuances. However, when we study these items, practices, and places, our understanding of God's Word is enhanced and deepened.

from the old testament

Pomegranates are one of the most prominent fruits mentioned in the Bible. These large red berries, about the size of an orange or a grapefruit, have a thick outer husk filled with two hundred to fourteen hundred seeds individually embedded in juice-filled membranes called sarcotestas. The pomegranate is one of the seven species of fruits and grains listed in the Old Testament as a special product of the land of Israel (Deuteronomy 8:8). It is one of the world's oldest fruits and is still grown in the Middle East and elsewhere today. The Bible mentions pomegranates in four noteworthy instances.
Pomegranates first appear in Scripture in Exodus 28:33–34 when God instructs Moses about the robe for the high priest, Aaron. "On its hem you shall make pomegranates of blue and purple and scarlet yarns, around its hem, with bells of gold between them, a golden bell and a pomegranate, a golden bell and a pomegranate, around the hem of the robe." Aaron was to wear this robe "when he goes into the Holy Place before the LORD" (Exodus 28:35). Just as one piece of this large fruit contains numerous seeds inside, so too Aaron, when he approached God's presence, was symbolically bringing with him the entire Israelite nation.
When the twelve Israelite spies went on their reconnaissance trip into the Promised Land, they brought back pomegranates Numbers 13:23. The Israelite spies bringing back this fruit was evidence of the land's fruitfulness, proving God's abundant provision and desire to bless His people.
When Solomon's temple for the Lord was being constructed, there were two bronze pillars at the entrance of the temple, and Hiram decorated each pillar with the shape of hundreds of pomegranates (1 Kings 7:18–22). It is also believed that the top of the pomegranate, its calyx, provided the original design for royal crowns. Perhaps these pomegranates symbolized that the LORD was the true king over Israel (Deuteronomy 33:5) or illustrated the fruitfulness of following the LORD.
In Solomon's poetic celebration of love within biblical marriage, as recorded in Song of Songs, the man in the poem contemplates the beauty of his beloved and says, "Your cheeks are like halves of a pomegranate behind your veil" (Song of Songs 4:3). Besides the obvious meaning that her cheeks were round and blushed red like the pomegranate fruit, pomegranates also represented fertility and love because, when opened, this fruit spills forth its seed. The man was remarking on the fertility and sexual attractiveness of his beloved, while also pointing to the fact that her true beauty lies within, just like a pomegranate's edible seeds reside within the fruit.

from the new testament

Pomegranates are not mentioned in the New Testament.

implications for today

The biblical symbolism of pomegranates reminds us of the profound goodness of God and the abundant fruit He produces in our lives. Just as pomegranates are filled with countless seeds, our lives, when rooted in God, can overflow with spiritual fruitfulness and blessings. The pomegranates on the high priest's robe (Exodus 28:33–34) symbolize the fullness and richness of bringing the people before God, illustrating His desire for us to live in His presence. The spies' discovery of pomegranates in the Promised Land (Numbers 13:23) serves as a testament to God's provision and His intent to bless us abundantly. Additionally, the pomegranate motifs in Solomon's temple (1 Kings 7:18–22) remind us that following God leads to a life of beauty and abundant fruit.

In the New Testament, the concept of bearing spiritual fruit is emphasized by Jesus. In John 15:5, Jesus says, "I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing." This passage teaches us that our spiritual fruitfulness is directly linked to our connection with Christ. As we abide in Him, His goodness flows through us, producing love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22–23). These fruits not only enrich our own lives but also bless those around us, reflecting God's abundant goodness and grace to the world. Thus, the symbolism of pomegranates in Scripture invites us to embrace God's provision and to live in alignment with His purposes, bearing fruit that glorifies Him and blesses others.

understand

Pomegranates are a prominent symbol of fertility and blessing in the Bible as they are large red berries with a thick husk, containing hundreds of seeds surrounded by juice-filled membranes.
Pomegranates were woven into the high priest's garments and used decoratively in the temple, symbolizing divine favor and the richness of love and fertility.
In the Song of Solomon, pomegranates are metaphorically used to describe the beauty and desirability of the beloved.

reflect

Consider the intricate details and beauty associated with pomegranates in Scripture. How can you cultivate a deeper awareness of God's presence and craftsmanship in the everyday aspects of your life?
How does the imagery of pomegranates inform your understanding of God's desire to bless and prosper His people today?
How does the symbolism of pomegranates, with their abundance of seeds and rich, protective husk, relate to moments in your life where God's provision and protection have been evident?

engage

Pomegranate tree flowers are bright red and so beautiful that some fruitless varieties are grown for the flowers alone. Furthermore, because each fruit contains hundreds of edible seeds that are a nutritious source of Vitamin C, Vitamin K, folate, and dietary fiber, pomegranates have long symbolized abundance and prosperity.
How can the imagery of pomegranates inspire a deeper appreciation for God's design in relationships and creation?
Considering the New Testament emphasis on bearing spiritual fruit (John 15:15–17; Galatians 5:22–23), how can we apply the symbolism of pomegranates to our individual and communal spiritual growth?