Boyd’s Bible Dictionary:
No less than eighteen Hebrew words embrace the thistle, thorn, brier, and bramble species, which is prolific in Palestine
(Gen. 3:18). Figurative for desolation (Prov. 24:31; Isa. 5:6; Hos. 2:6); providential visitation (Num. 33:55; Judg. 2:3; 2 Cor. 12:7); hindrance (Prov. 15:19); troubles (Prov. 22:5). “Crown of thorns,” both punishment and derision (Matt. 27:29).
“Thistles” From Concise Bible Dictionary:
See THORNS.
“Thorns, Thistles” From Concise Bible Dictionary:
There are about a dozen different words translated “thorns,” and “thistles,” showing how, plentiful these results of the curse are in this sin-stained world. The different species cannot be identified with most of the Hebrew words. The thistle is used to signify a worthless person in the parable of Jehoash, king of Israel (2 Kings 14:9). Thorns are often mentioned as growing up in places given to desolation.
The Hebrew word atad, translated “thorns” in Psalm 58:9, and “bramble” in Judges 9:14-15, has been identified with the Lycium Europaeum, this and the L. afrum are both found in Palestine. Its identification seems to be confirmed by the Arabs calling the plant atad, but it is also known by the name of ausej.
In the millennium, “instead of the thorn shall come up the myrtle tree” (Gen. 3:18; Isa. 32:13; Isa. 55:13). See CROWN OF THORNS.
Lycium Europaeum
Strong’s Dictionary of Hebrew Words:
Meaning:
of uncertain derivation; a thorn