Many species mentioned in the Bible are armed with thorns, spines or bristles starting as the part curse following of the fall in Genesis 3:17-18.
Thorns are technically modified stems. Several plants are identified just as thorns were mentioned in the Bible. Some key passages include the crown of thorns in both Matthew, 27:29 and Mark 15-18, which is identified as either Paliurus spina-christ or Zizyphus spina-christi, while the later is also mentioned in a parable of both Matthew 7:15-20 and Luke 6:43-44, while another thorn, Rhamnus palaestina, was mentioned in Psalms 58:9, Proverbs 15:19, Isaiah 7:23-25, and Hosea 2:6. The pricks in Acts 9:5 may have been thorns used to prevent draft animals from kicking thus putting the passage in context.
Spines are technically modified leaves. Examples of plants with spines mentioned in the Bible include thistles, brambles (Rubus), and briers. A notable passage on brambles is Judges 9:7-15. Despite the technical definition
the terms are often used interchangeably when referring to such plants
in general rather than specifically and considering how often thorns are mentioned in conjunction with thistles, briers, or brambles this
may have lead to minor mistranslations or misinterpretations
considering how briers or brambles are more expected in fields around
here than thorns as mentioned in the parable of the sower and its explanation in Luke 8:5-15. There are even some prophetic passages that describe abandoned cultivated land being reclaimed with thorns, briers, brambles and/or nettles Isaiah 5:6, 32:13, and 34:13, while such desolate places become habitable when the brambles and thorns are succeeded by useful forest trees Isaiah 55:13, but intermediate stages are susceptible to fire as in Isaiah 9:18, 10:17, 27:4.
Bristles are technically modified epidermis. Nettle is an example that is mentioned in Job 30:7, Proverbs 24:31, Isaiah 34:13, Hosea 9:6, and Zephaniah 2:9. Each bristle is part of a single plant cell, which acts like a hypodermic needle that releases toxins when the break. Those that I have been in contact with had just enough delay before the pain started to not immediately recognize the cause. The reaction is a whelp that itches intensely similar to a flea bite, and if you can avoid scratching it off the damage will be over within a few minutes although that may depend on your pain tolerance.
