No less than eighteen Hebrew words embrace the thistle, thorn, brier, and bramble species, which is prolific in Palestine
(Gen. 3:18). Figurative for desolation (Prov. 24:31; Isa. 5:6; Hos. 2:6); providential visitation (Num. 33:55; Judg. 2:3; 2 Cor. 12:7); hindrance (Prov. 15:19); troubles (Prov. 22:5). “Crown of thorns,” both punishment and derision (Matt. 27:29).