The meaning of Gourd in the Bible
(From International Standard Bible Encyclopedia)

gord, goord (qiqayon): The Vulgate (Jerome's Latin Bible, 390-405 AD) has hedera ("ivy"), which is impossible. Philologically qiqayon appears to be connected with kiki, which was the Egyptian name for the castor oil plant (Ricinus communis). This grows plentifully all over the Orient, and under favorable conditions may reach a height of 10 to 15 ft.; its larger leaves afford a grateful shade. The requirements of the narrative in Jonah 4:6 ff. are, however, much more suitably met by the "bottle gourd" (Cucurbita lagenaria), the Arab qar'ah. This is a creeping, vinelike plant which may frequently be seen trained over the rough temporary sun-shelters erected in fields or by the roadside in Palestine and Mesopotamia.

E. W. G. Masterman

See more on the meaning of Gourd in the Bible:
Gourd {Easton's Bible Dictionary}

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