PRUNING HOOK (מַזְמֵרָה, H4661). This term is found in Isaiah 2:4; 18:5; Joel 3:10; Micah 4:3. Three of these occurrences contain the familiar phrase about beating “spears into pruning hooks” (Isa 2:4; Joel 3:10; Micah 4:3). The other Isaiah passage (18:5) refers to the practice of pruning (“he will cut off the shoots with pruning hooks”). Pruning was necessary to remove superfluous twigs and shoots that would impair proper growth and maximum productivity.

The exact shape of the pruning hook is not known. The blade apparently was not large since it could be forged from a spear-point. It was sickle-shaped and attached to a short handle. A blade found at Tell Jemmeh and dated from the 9th cent. may be from a pruning hook. Pruning and the use of the pruning hook are signs of peace and prosperity (cf. Isa 5:6, where lack of pruning describes desolation).