POMEGRANATE (רִמּﯴנ֒, H8232). Mentioned thirty times, often in reference to the use of the fruits for carving, or for use as decoration to the hem of a garment (see Exod 28; 39; 1 Kings 7; 2 Kings 25:17; Jer 52:22).

There is no doubt as to the identification of this tree. The towns of Rimmon and Remmon in Numbers, Joshua, and Judges obviously refer to the fact that there were pomegranate orchards there. The “Rimmon” of 2 Kings 5:18, however, must not be confused with the pomegranate, for this was a heathen god of storms and thunder, and should be rendered “Ramman.”

Pomegranate trees bear scarlet, yellow, or white flowers, followed by yellowy to bright red fruits, shaped like an orange. The rind is hard, and inside is a jelly-like pulp, massed with red seeds. This is somewhat acid to the taste. The flowers are said to be the golden bells of Exodus 28:33, which were alternated with little golden pomegranate fruits.

The pomegranate is Punica granatum, originally called Malum granatum. The juice from the fruits makes a syrup called grenadine.

The fruits are used for making sherbets and wines, as well as being eaten fresh.

The circular calyx at the end of the fruits looks like a little crown, and a tradition claims that Solomon used it as a model for the one he wore.

In 1 Samuel 14:2, Saul is described as staying under a pomegranate tree, prob. a large specimen. Most pomegranates, however, grow as low shrubs with spreading branches and reddish bark. The leaves are a shiny, dark green; the flowers coral and waxy. The petals have been used as medicine to cure dysentery.