Bulrush

(1.) In Isa. 58:5 the rendering of a word which denotes “belonging to a marsh,” from the nature of the soil in which it grows (Isa. 18:2). It was sometimes platted into ropes (Job. 41:2; A.V., “hook,” R.V., “rope,” lit. “cord of rushes”). (2.) In Ex. 2:3, Isa. 18:2 (R.V., “papyrus”) this word is the translation of the Hebrew gome, which designates the plant as absorbing moisture. In Isa. 35:7 and Job 8:11 it is rendered “rush.” This was the Egyptian papyrus (papyrus Nilotica). It was anciently very abundant in Egypt. The Egyptians made garments and shoes and various utensils of it. It was used for the construction of the ark of Moses (Ex. 2:3, 5). The root portions of the stem were used for food. The inside bark was cut into strips, which were sewed together and dried in the sun, forming the papyrus used for writing. It is no longer found in Egypt, but grows luxuriantly in Palestine, in the marshes of the Huleh, and in the swamps at the north end of the Lake of Gennesaret. (See CANE.)

(or papyrus), a red growing in the shallow water on the banks of the Nile. It grows to the height of 12 or 15 feet, with a stalk two or three inches in diameter. The stalks are very pliable and can be very closely interwoven, as is evident from their having been used in the construction of arks. (Exodus 2:3,5) Paper was made from this plant, from which it derives its name.

BULRUSH, RUSH, a large sedge (Cypress papyrus) still found upon Lake Merom and the northern shores of the Sea of Galilee. It was formerly abundant in Egypt, but has now disappeared. Upon the upper Nile it is still found, and it is used by the modern Abyssinians for constructing boats. Ex 2:3-5; Isa 18:2. The bulrush grows in shallow water or mire. Job 8:11. It has an unbranching straight, triangular culm, terminating in a large head (umbel) of small and somewhat drooping stems, as shown in the cut, bearing the chaffy fruit on their extremities. The stalk is usually about 10 feet high and 2 or 3 inches in diameter at the base. An area of papyrus surmounted by its beautiful tufted plumes is a fine sight. From this plant paper was first made and derived its name. See Book.

Part of speech: noun (n.)

A kind of large rush, growing in wet land or in water.