Bolled
What Does 'Bolled' Mean?
The term 'bolled' is an archaic English word found in the King James Version of Exodus 9:31, describing the condition of flax plants during the plague of hail that struck Egypt. The Hebrew word underlying this translation is gibh`ol, which refers specifically to the calyx or seed pod of a plant. In modern translations, this is rendered more clearly as 'in bloom' (NIV, ESV), 'in bud' (CSB), or 'in the ear' (NASB), indicating the flowering or seed-forming stage of the flax plant.
The Biblical Context of Exodus 9:31
The reference appears within the narrative of the seventh plague against Egypt (Exodus 9:13-35). After a devastating hailstorm destroyed crops across the land, the biblical text provides this specific agricultural detail: "And the flax and the barley was smitten: for the barley was in the ear, and the flax was bolled" (Exodus 9:31 KJV). This precise observation serves multiple purposes. First, it explains why these particular crops were vulnerable, they were at a mature but not yet harvested stage. Second, it contrasts them with wheat and spelt, which were "not grown up" (Exodus 9:32) and thus survived the hail. This agricultural specificity grounds the miraculous event in recognizable seasonal patterns.
Agricultural and Historical Significance
Flax was a crucial crop in ancient Egypt, used primarily for producing linen textiles. The Egyptian growing season for flax typically began with sowing after the Nile's inundation subsided (around November), with the flowering stage occurring approximately three to four months later. The text's mention that flax was "bolled" while barley was "in the ear" places the plague of hail in what would correspond to January or February in the modern calendar. This timing is significant because it demonstrates the plague's occurrence during a specific window when these crops would have been at their most vulnerable, fully developed but not yet harvested. The specificity of this agricultural detail lends historical credibility to the account, suggesting it was recorded by someone familiar with Egyptian farming cycles.
Theological Implications of the Detail
The precise description of the flax being "bolled" carries theological weight beyond mere agricultural reporting. It reveals God's meticulous control over nature and judgment, the plague was timed with exactitude to maximize impact on Egyptian agriculture while preserving a remnant (the later-maturing wheat and spelt). This demonstrates that divine judgment is both purposeful and discriminating. Furthermore, the survival of some crops shows that God's actions were not wanton destruction but targeted judgment meant to demonstrate His power and sovereignty to both Egyptians and Israelites (Exodus 9:14-16). The detail also underscores the authenticity of the biblical record, as it reflects accurate knowledge of Egyptian agriculture that would have been familiar to the original audience but might be overlooked by later fabricators.
Biblical Context
The term 'bolled' appears only in Exodus 9:31 within the King James Version, describing the state of flax plants during the seventh plague against Egypt. This single occurrence places the event within a specific agricultural timeline during the Egyptian growing season. The detail serves to explain why the flax and barley were destroyed by hail while wheat and spelt survived, they were at different stages of growth. This agricultural precision occurs within the larger narrative of the plagues demonstrating God's power over nature and judgment against Pharaoh's refusal to release the Israelites.
Theological Significance
The specific mention of flax being 'bolled' reveals God's precise timing and control over creation. It shows that divine judgment is not arbitrary but occurs with purposeful timing to achieve specific ends. The agricultural detail underscores God's sovereignty over nature and human agriculture, demonstrating that even the growth cycles of plants serve His purposes. Furthermore, the discrimination between destroyed and preserved crops illustrates God's mercy even within judgment, preserving some food sources. This detail contributes to the theme of God's knowledge and control over all aspects of creation, from cosmic events to agricultural cycles.
Historical Background
Archaeological and textual evidence confirms flax was a major crop in ancient Egypt, cultivated primarily for linen production used in clothing, sails, and mummification wrappings. Egyptian agricultural records indicate a planting schedule consistent with the biblical timeline, flax sown after the Nile inundation (October-November) would reach the flowering/'bolled' stage by January-February. Extra-biblical sources, including Egyptian agricultural texts and tomb paintings, depict flax cultivation and processing, confirming its economic importance. The specificity of the 'bolled' detail aligns with known Egyptian growing seasons, lending historical credibility to the Exodus account. This precision suggests either firsthand knowledge of Egyptian agriculture or reliable transmission of agricultural details within the biblical tradition.