Field (Hastings' Dictionary)
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This topic also has an entry in the International Standard Bible Encyclopedia. Both articles offer independent scholarly perspectives.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia on Field
Field feld. ⇒See the definition of field in the KJV Dictionary See AGRICULTURE. ⇒See also the McClintock and Strong Biblical Cyclopedia.
Smith's Bible Dictionary on Field
The Hebrew sadeh is applied to any cultivated ground, and in some instances in marked opposition to the neighboring wilderness. On the other hand the sadeh is frequently contrasted with what is enclosed, whether a vineyard, a garden or a walled town. In many passages the term implies what is remote from a house, (Genesis 4:8; 24:63; 22:25) or settled habitation, as in the case of Esau. (Genesis 25:27) The separate plots of ground were marked off by stones, which might easily be removed, (19:14; 27:17) cf. Job 24:2; Prov 22:28; 23:10 The absence of fences rendered the fields liable to damage from straying cattle, (Exodus 22:5) or fire, (Exodus 22:6; 2 Samuel 14:30) hence the necessity of constantly watching flocks and herds. From the absence of enclosures, cultivated land of any size might be termed a field.
Fausset's Bible Dictionary on Field
Sadeh in Hebrew implies cultivated land (as field is derived from felling trees), but unenclosed; whereas the English "field" implies enclosure. In contrast to the adjoining wilderness (Gen 33:19; Gen 36:35). The sadeh is contrasted with what is enclosed, as a vineyard (Num 22:23-24) or a city (Deu 28:3; Deu 28:16). Unwalled villages were counted by the law as "the fields of the country" (Lev 25:31). "Field" means the open country, apart from habitations, in Gen 25:27; Gen 37:15. Stones marked off separate plots; to remove these landmarks entailed the curse (Deu 27:17). The lack of fences exposed the fields to straying cattle (Exo 22:5) or fire (2Sa 14:30). Hence, the need of watchers, now named nator. The rye or spelled was placed "in its (the field's) border" (Isa 28:25). The wheat was put in the middle, the best and safest place, and the several other grains in their own place. The tallest and strongest grain outside formed a kind of fence. "A town in the country (field)" is a provincial town, as distinguished from the royal city (1Sa 27:5). "Fruitful field" is a distinct word, Ca…
References
- Orr, J. (ed.) (1915) The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia. Chicago: Howard-Severance Company. [Public Domain]
- Easton, M.G. (1893) Easton's Bible Dictionary. 3rd edn. Thomas Nelson. [Public Domain]
- Nave, O.J. (1897) Nave's Topical Bible. Topical Bible Publishing Co.. [Public Domain]
- Hastings, J. (ed.) (1909) A Dictionary of the Bible. Edinburgh: T&T Clark. [Public Domain]
- Smith, W. (ed.) (1884) Smith's Bible Dictionary. London: John Murray. [Public Domain]
- Fausset, A.R. (1878) Fausset's Bible Dictionary. [Public Domain]A Critical and Expository Bible Cyclopaedia