Nettle (Heb. jârûl and qimmôsh). True nettle (genus Urtica, of which 4 species grow in Palestine) may be one of these Hebrew words. All varieties are noted for their ability to grow spontaneously in neglected fields and around abandoned buildings (the Roman nettle – Urtica pilulifera – is said to have especially strong “thorns”). Some identify jârûl with Lathyrus ochrus, and consider qimmôsh to be a term indicating weeds in general. In all the Scriptures these plants accompany poverty (Job 30:3, 7), sloth (Pro 24:31) and desolation (Isa 34:13; Hos 9:6; Zep. 2:9). See Thorns and Thistles. Caterpillar. See Lobster 5.
Source: Evangelical Bible Dictionary
plant of the urticaceae family. Like thorns and thistles, the o. it was considered a weed and was a symbol of desolation. Instead of the nettle the myrtle will grow, Is 55, 13. In the judgment against Edom, Yahweh tells them that thorns, nettles and thistles will grow in their fortresses, Is 34, 13. Orthosia, Seleucid port and frontier fortress in Phoenicia between Tripoli and the Eleutheros River. To O. was Trypho fleeing from Governor Cendebeo, 1 Mc 15, 37.
Digital Bible Dictionary, Grupo C Service & Design Ltda., Colombia, 2003
Source: Digital Bible Dictionary
type, FLOWER
vet, The Hebrew employs three words that are translated “nettle” (Jb. 30:7; Pr. 24:31; Isa. 34:13) which probably mean species of the same plant.
Source: New Illustrated Bible Dictionary
Plant with toothed leaves that are usually thickly covered with abundant stinging hair that contains an irritating liquid. When touched, the ends of the hairs break off and the sharp broken points penetrate the skin, causing fluid to enter the wound. At least four varieties of nettles are known to exist in Palestine, the most common of which is the Roman nettle (Urtica pilulifera), which can reach a height of 1.8 m. and which is mainly found among the ruins.
The Hebrew expressions cha·rulʹ (Pr 24:31; Zep 2:9) and qim·mohsch (Isa 34:13; Ho 9:6) apply to plants growing in abandoned and ruined fields. At Job 30:7 the reference to cha·rul implies tall plants. Another Hebrew word, sir padh (“bramble,” MK; “nettle,” SA; “itching nettle,” NM), contrasts with myrtle or myrtle. (Isaiah 55:13.)
At Proverbs 24:31 a form of the word qim·mohsch (“thistles”, BAS; “thorns”, CI; “weeds”, NM) appears in parallel with cha·rulʹ. Therefore, some scholars believe that qim·mohsch refers to weeds in general; others think that cha·rulʹ is a generic expression applied to chaff. Some have questioned Job 30:7’s translation of cha rul as “nettles,” saying that people would not willingly seek shelter under the nettles. However, it may be that in an arid region people sought shelter in the shade of tall nettles, or due to hunger, gathered such plants for food. So this is an appropriate translation.
Source: Dictionary of the Bible