First referred to in Gen. 45:6, where the Authorized Version has “earing,” but the Revised Version “ploughing;” next in Ex. 34:21 and Deut. 21:4. The plough was originally drawn by oxen, but sometimes also by asses and by men. (See AGRICULTURE.)

The ploughs of ancient Egypt consisted of a share-often pointed with iron or bronze—two handles and a pole which was inserted into the base of the two handles. Ploughs in Palestine have usually but one handle with a pole joined to it near the ground and drawn by oxen, cows or camels.