### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **xērós**, represented by `{{G3584}}`, conveys the core meaning of **arid** or **shrunken**. Derived from the idea of scorching, it appears **7 times** across **7 unique verses** in the Bible. Its application is split between two main concepts: earth as opposed to water, or **dry land**, and the state of being **withered**.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical usage, `{{G3584}}` illustrates both natural and physical conditions. It describes the miraculous parting of the Red Sea, which the Israelites passed through "as by **dry** land" [[Hebrews 11:29]]. In a rebuke, Jesus notes that the Pharisees travel across sea and **land** to make a single convert [[Matthew 23:15]]. The term is also used to signify physical affliction, most notably in the accounts of a man with a **withered** hand whom Jesus heals on the Sabbath ([[Matthew 12:10]]; [[Luke 6:6]]). This same word appears in a list of ailments describing the multitude of "impotent folk, of blind, halt, **withered**" at the pool of Bethesda [[John 5:3]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the meaning and context of `{{G3584}}`:
* `{{G5200}}` **hygrós** (green): This word for "wet" or "sappy" is used as a direct contrast to **xērós**, as seen in the metaphor of the **green** tree versus the **dry** [[Luke 23:31]].
* `{{G5495}}` **cheír** (hand): This word is frequently used with **xērós** to describe the specific affliction of a **withered hand** that Jesus heals ([[Matthew 12:10]]; [[Luke 6:6]]).
* `{{G5560}}` **chōlós** (halt, lame): This term appears alongside **withered** in a list of ailments, situating **xērós** within a broader category of physical infirmities that were the focus of Jesus's healing ministry [[John 5:3]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G3584}}` is seen in its contextual applications.
* **Divine Power over Nature:** The description of the Red Sea crossing as "by **dry** land" [[Hebrews 11:29]] serves as a testament to God's power to intervene in the natural world for the deliverance of His people.
* **Christ's Authority over Sickness:** The healing of the man with the **withered** hand demonstrates Jesus's authority over physical decay and affliction [[Matthew 12:10]]. Its inclusion with other conditions highlights Christ's role as the healer of infirmities [[John 5:3]].
* **Metaphor for Spiritual State:** In a prophetic statement, Jesus uses the imagery of a **dry** tree to symbolize a state of spiritual barrenness and readiness for judgment, contrasting it with the vitality of a green tree [[Luke 23:31]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G3584}}` is a descriptive term that carries significant theological implications. It moves from describing a literal landscape to a shrunken, lifeless physical state. Through its use, scripture showcases God's miraculous power, Christ's restorative authority over the human body, and the critical distinction between spiritual vitality and barrenness.
TRV