King James Bible Dictionary

A grain much cultivated in Egypt (Exodus 9:31) and in Palestine (Leviticus 27:16; Deuteronomy 8:8). It was usually the food of horses (1 Kings 4:28). Barley bread was used by the poorer people (Judges 7:13; 2 Kings 4:42). Barley of the first crop was ready for the harvest by the time of the Passover, in the middle of April (Ruth 1:22; 2 Samuel 21:9). Mention is made of barley-meal (Numbers 5:15). Our Lord fed five thousand with "five barley loaves and two small fishes" (John 6:9).

A product of Egypt
Exodus 9:31

A product of Palestine
Deuteronomy 8:8; 1 Chronicles 11:13; Jeremiah 41:8

Fed to horses
1 Kings 4:28

Used in offerings
Numbers 5:15; Ezekiel 45:15

Traffic in
2 Chronicles 2:10; Hosea 3:2

Tribute in
2 Chronicles 27:5

Priests estimated value of
Leviticus 27:16; 2 Kings 7:1; Revelation 6:6

Absalom burns Joab's field of
2 Samuel 14:30

Loaves of
John 6:9; John 6:13

is one of the most important of the cereal grains, and the most hardy of them all. It was grown by the Hebrews, (Leviticus 27:16; 8:8; Ruth 2:17) etc., who used it for baking into bread chiefly among the poor, (Judges 7:13; 2 Kings 4:42; John 6:9,13) and as fodder for horses. (1 Kings 4:28) The barley harvest, (Ruth 1:22; 2:23; 2 Samuel 21:9;10) takes place in Palestine in March and April, and in the hilly district as late as May. It always precedes the wheat harvest, in some places by a week, in others by fully three weeks. In Egypt the barley is about a month earlier than the wheat; whence its total destruction by the hail storm. (Exodus 9:31)

B'ARLEY, noun [Latin far; Heb. bar, corn.] A species of valuable grain, used especially for making malt, from which are distilled liquors of extensive use, as beer, ale and porter. It is of the genus hordeum, consisting of several species. Those principally cultivated in England, are the common spring barley the long eared barley the winter or square barley by some called big, and the sprat or battledore barley This grain is used in medicine, as possessing emollient, diluent, and expectorant qualities.

B'ARLEY-BRAKE, noun A rural play; a trial of swiftness.

B'ARLEY-BROTH, noun A low word for strong beer.

B'ARLEY-CORN, noun [See Corn.] A grain of barley; ; the third part of an inch in length; hence originated our measure of length.

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B'ARLEY-MOW, noun A mow of barley, or the place where barley is deposited.

B'ARLEY-SUGAR, noun Sugar boiled till it is brittle, formerly with a decoction of barley.

B'ARLEY-WATER, noun A decoction of barley, which is reputed soft and lubricating, and much used in medicine.

French barley and pearl barley are used for making decoctions. These are made by separating the grain from its coat. The pearl barley is reduced to the size of a small shot.