EAR OF GRAIN, שִׁבֹּ֫לֶת֮, H8673, and στάχυς, refer to the “head” or “ear” of grain (cf. Gen 41:5-7, 22-24 where Joseph interprets Pharaoh’s dream—KJV “ear of corn,” Isa 17:5; Matt 12:1). In Mark 4:28 the στάχυς is contrasted with the “full grain in the ear.”

מְלִילָה, H4884, describes an ear of wheat which is prob. rubbed or scraped (Deut 23:25). אָבִיב, H26, refers to fresh young ears of barley which could be roasted and which were included in the offering of first fruits (Lev 2:14). The first month (equal to April) was called אָבִיב, H26, because of its agricultural importance. כַּרְמֶל֩, H4152, is more properly “fresh fruit, garden growth” (2 Kings 4:42).