Most people who have grown up in church have been taught that it was an apple that Eve took
the bite from. However, Jewish tradition says that it was a pomegranate. And, evidence
supports that premise in how pomegranates were used in the context of Scripture. In all
aspects of their use, they represent, and are associated with, wisdom.
On the tree:
When the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes,
and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit, and ate; and she
gave some to her husband with her, and he ate. Genesis 3:6
The symbolism here is “with knowledge comes responsibility” and also “responsibility is of
God, blame is of the devil.” What was the first thing Adam did when God questioned them?
Blame Eve. So, if a person wants knowledge without understanding, that person is on a sure
road to nowhere.
On the hem of the priest’s robe:
They also made bells of pure gold, and put the bells between the pomegranates all around on
the hem of the robe, alternating a bell and a pomegranate all around on the hem of the robe
for the service, just as the LORD had commanded Moses. Exodus 39:25-26
The symbolism here is “listen to wisdom” and be respectful to those that have it in a Godly
capacity.
On the pillars of Solomon’s temple:
And the four hundred pomegranates for the two networks; two rows of pomegranates for each
network, to cover the two bowls of the capitals that were on the pillars. 1 Kings 7:42
The symbolism here is being under the authority and leadership of one who has wisdom will
result in a blessed life.
Jewish tradition also states that there are 613 seeds in every pomegranate, corresponding to
the 613 laws given in regards to God’s instruction of how to live.
rimmon: a pomegranate
Original Word: רמּוֹן
ִ
Part of Speech: Noun Masculine
Phonetic Spelling: (rim-mone')
from ramam: exalt
Original Word: רמַם
ָ
Part of Speech: Verb
Phonetic Spelling: (raw-mam')
from a primitive root word: to rise
(literally or figuratively), to lift oneself
up, to exalt oneself, to mount oneself
up higher than others
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