Easton's Bible Dictionary: M. G. Easton, M.A., D.D.
- Heb.rosh (Hos. 10:4; rendered "gall" in Dt. 29:18, 32:32; Ps. 69:21; Jer. 9:15, 23:15; "poison," Job 20:16; "venom," Dt. 32:33). "Rosh is the name of some poisonous plant which grows quickly and luxuriantly; of a bitter taste, and therefore coupled with wormwood (Dt. 29:18; Lam. 3:19). Hence it would seem to be not the hemlock cicuta, nor the colocynth or wild gourd, nor lolium darnel, but the poppy so called from its heads" (Gesenius, Lex.).
- Heb.la'anah, generally rendered "wormwood" (q.v.), Dt. 29:18, Text 17; Pr. 5:4; Jer. 9:15, 23:15. Once it is rendered "hemlock" (Amos 6:12; R.V., "wormwood"). This Hebrew word is from a root meaning "to curse," hence the accursed.