### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **chórtos**, represented by `{{G5528}}`, refers to **herbage or vegetation**, commonly translated as **grass**, **blade**, or **hay**. It appears **15 times** across **13 unique verses** in the Bible. While it often describes the natural landscape, it is most frequently used as a powerful symbol for the temporary and fragile nature of human life and worldly things.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its literal sense, `{{G5528}}` sets the scene for Jesus’ miracles, such as when He commanded the multitude to sit on the **grass** to be fed ([[Matthew 14:19]]; [[Mark 6:39]]; [[John 6:10]]). The word also appears in agricultural parables, describing the initial stage of growth as the **blade** ([[Matthew 13:26]]; [[Mark 4:28]]). Theologically, it is used to illustrate the impermanence of human existence. The Apostle Peter states that "all flesh is as **grass**, and all the glory of man as the flower of **grass**" [[1 Peter 1:24]]. This theme is echoed in James, where the rich man is said to "pass away" like the "**flower** of the **grass**" [[James 1:10]], which withers under the **sun** [[James 1:11]]. In Revelation, "all green **grass**" is subject to divine judgment [[Revelation 8:7]], yet it is also protected by divine command [[Revelation 9:4]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide deeper context for the meaning of `{{G5528}}`:
* `{{G438}}` **ánthos** (a blossom): This word for **flower** is almost always paired with **chórtos** to emphasize the fleeting nature of beauty and life, which fades as quickly as the **grass** withers ([[1 Peter 1:24]]; [[James 1:10]]).
* `{{G3583}}` **xēraínō** (to desiccate; by implication, to shrivel, to mature): This verb, meaning **to wither**, is the action performed upon the **grass** to complete the metaphor of mortality and the effects of hardship or judgment ([[James 1:11]]; [[1 Peter 1:24]]).
* `{{G2562}}` **kalámē** (stubble): In his analogy of building upon a spiritual foundation, Paul lists **hay** `{{G5528}}` and **stubble** together as perishable materials that cannot withstand the fire of judgment, unlike **gold** `{{G5557}}` or **silver** `{{G696}}` [[1 Corinthians 3:12]].
* `{{G1093}}` **gē** (soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe): As the **earth** or **ground**, it is the source from which **grass** grows, often appearing as "the **grass** of the **earth**" [[Revelation 9:4]] or "**grass** of the field" [[Matthew 6:30]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G5528}}` is primarily symbolic, serving to teach key spiritual truths.
* **The Transience of Humanity:** The most prominent use of **chórtos** is as a metaphor for the temporary nature of human life and glory. Scripture reminds believers that, like **grass**, human existence is frail and short-lived ([[1 Peter 1:24]], [[James 1:10]]).
* **God’s Sovereign Care:** Jesus uses God's care for the "**grass** of the field" as an argument for His providential care over humanity. If God clothes something so temporary, He will surely provide for His children ([[Matthew 6:30]]; [[Luke 12:28]]).
* **The Worth of Spiritual Works:** Paul contrasts eternal works with perishable ones by likening the latter to **wood** `{{G3586}}`, **hay** `{{G5528}}`, and **stubble** `{{G2562}}`, which will be consumed by fire, demonstrating their lack of eternal value [[1 Corinthians 3:12]].
* **An Instrument of Divine Judgment:** In the end times, the destruction of "all green **grass**" is depicted as part of a catastrophic judgment poured out upon the **earth** `{{G1093}}` [[Revelation 8:7]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G5528}}` is a simple word for **grass** or vegetation that carries profound theological significance. It functions both literally, as the ground covering where Jesus performed miracles, and metaphorically, as the Bible's primary symbol for the fleeting nature of mortal life and worldly pursuits. From God's care for the grass of the field to its destruction in judgment, **chórtos** consistently points believers away from the temporary and toward the eternal.
TRV