Biblical Food and Herbs Series Part 7: Pomegranates

And beneath upon the hem of it thou shalt make pomegranates of blue, and of purple, and of scarlet, round about the hem thereof; and bells of gold between them round about: - Exodus 28:33

Pomegranates certainly deserve their place on the list of “superfruits”. Not only are they one of the best tasting fruits in the world, they are also one of the most studied. In 2011 alone, 32 clinical trials were registered with  the National Institutes of Health to examine effects of  

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pomegranate extracts or juice consumption on various conditions and diseases. They are a powerful antioxidant, with levels 3 times higher than red wine or green tea, as well as an anti-inflammatory. Their anti-tumor/anticancer effects continue to compile, especially in the areas of prostate and breast cancer. This is connected, at least in part, to their level of ellagitannins that are converted in the body to Ellagic Acid. Tests conducted at the Hollings Cancer Institute at the Medical University of South Carolina show Ellagic Acid is effective in preventing and inhibiting the growth of cancer cells, while also binding cancer-causing chemicals, making them inactive. 

Yet, Pomegranates are most well known for their cardiovascular and heart-health benefits. Many studies could be cited here but one that stands out showed how ten patients supplemented with pomegranate juice for one year experienced a 30% reduction in the narrowing of the carotid artery walls. Key vitamins and nutrients include Vitamin C, Vitamin B9 (Folic Acid), Vitamin E, Potassium, Iron and great fiber from the seeds.

Pomegranates are referred to 25 times in the scriptures, with our theme scripture above being the first. Exodus chapter 28 goes through God instructions of the priestly garments. Around the hem was to be Pomegranates of various colors between pure golden bells.

“And they made bells of pure gold, and put the bells between the pomegranates upon the hem of the robe, round about between the pomegranates; A bell and a pomegranate, a bell and a pomegranate, round about the hem of the robe to minister in; as the LORD commanded Moses.” Exodus 39: 25,26 (see picture above)

The spiritual connotations here are significant. Throughout the scriptures, pure gold refers to or typifies divinity; while, Pomegranates were a symbol of fruitfulness because of all the seeds. This priestly garment of pure gold bells (together implying divine call or announcement) being interwoven with fruitfulness, paints a picture of divine nature being made manifest from one to many. From “One God – one Son” to “One God – many sons”.

Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. – 2 Peter 2:4

For whom he (God) did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he (the Son) might be the firstborn among many brethren. – Romans 8:29

But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: - John 1:12

Now let’s take this further. How does a seed multiply to become a harvest of many? It is sown, or in other words, it dies:

Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat (seed) fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit. – John12:24

This brings us to the real spiritual beauty behind Pomegranates. Although the name Pome-granate comes from the Latin “seeded apple”, the Hebrew word used in the Bible is “Rimmone” coming from a root word translated “to rise or be lifted up.”  Note Jesus’ use of this term:

Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out. And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me. This he said, signifying what death he should die. – John 12: 31-33

The term “lifted up” became a popular phrase in Jesus day referring to one who was crucified, maybe along the lines that we might say “neck-stretched” for hanging, “juiced” for electrocuted, or “swims-with-the-fishes” for drowned. Yet, when Jesus uttered these words above, it took on a whole new meaning. This full picture points to and is discerned true in Christ. 

Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel: - 2 Timothy 2:8

Pomegranates absolutely have an extensive, wide-ranged effect on our bodies, while the Christ Jesus that it typifies can have the same over our whole spirit, soul and body. Dear reader, lose your life in this Jesus, and you will gain more life than you have ever known.

Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. – 1 Peter 1:23


Prescription for Dietary Wellness, Phyllis A. Balch
Pomegranate fruit juice for chemoprevention and chemotherapy of prostate cancer, Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2005 October 11; 102(41): 14813–14818
Strong’s Concordance, #H7416, #H7426