### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **dâshâʼ**, represented by `{{H1876}}`, is a primitive root meaning to **sprout**, **bring forth**, or **spring**. It appears **2 times** across **2 unique verses** in the Bible. Though rare, this verb captures the essential act of life emerging from the ground, a direct result of divine command or promise.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H1876}}` is used in two pivotal contexts. Its first appearance is in the creation account, where God `{{H430}}` commands the earth `{{H776}}` to "**bring forth**" grass `{{H1877}}` [[Genesis 1:11]]. This establishes the word's connection to God's foundational creative power. Later, in the book of Joel, it is used to signify restoration and hope. The prophet declares that the pastures `{{H4999}}` of the wilderness `{{H4057}}` "**do spring**," signaling an end to barrenness and a return of God's provision [[Joel 2:22]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help illustrate the full scope of vegetation and growth:
* `{{H1877}}` **desheʼ** (a sprout; by analogy, grass): This noun is the direct product of the action of `{{H1876}}`. The command for the earth to "bring forth" `{{H1876}}` results in "grass" `{{H1877}}`, linking the divine word to its physical manifestation [[Genesis 1:11]].
* `{{H2233}}` **zeraʻ** (seed; figuratively, fruit, plant, sowing-time, posterity): This term represents the mechanism for continued growth. The vegetation that is brought forth is designed to yield **seed** `{{H2233}}`, establishing a self-perpetuating cycle of life initiated by God [[Genesis 1:11]].
* `{{H6529}}` **pᵉrîy** (fruit (literally or figuratively)): This word signifies the fruitful outcome of the growth process. The promise of restoration in Joel is confirmed when the tree bears its **fruit** `{{H6529}}` because the pastures have begun to spring forth [[Joel 2:22]].
* `{{H6086}}` **ʻêts** (a tree (from its firmness)): This represents a major form of plant life that is subject to the command to grow. In both occurrences of `{{H1876}}`, the subsequent blessing involves the **tree** `{{H6086}}` bearing its fruit ([[Genesis 1:11]], [[Joel 2:22]]).
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H1876}}` is tied to its specific uses in creation and redemption.
* **Divine Creative Power:** The use of **dâshâʼ** in Genesis establishes that the emergence of life from the earth is not a random occurrence but a direct response to the spoken word of God `{{H430}}` [[Genesis 1:11]].
* **Promise of Restoration:** In Joel, the word shifts from the context of original creation to one of renewal. That the pastures **spring** `{{H1876}}` serves as a tangible sign of God’s faithfulness to restore what has been destroyed and to provide for all of creation, even the "beasts of the field" `{{H929}}` [[Joel 2:22]].
* **Life from the Earth:** The word consistently links the act of sprouting to the earth `{{H776}}` itself as the God-ordained medium for bringing forth life, highlighting its role as a vessel for divine blessing.
### Summary
In summary, while **dâshâʼ** `{{H1876}}` is used only twice, its context gives it profound weight. It connects the initial act of creation with the ongoing promise of restoration. The word signifies more than just botanical growth; it represents the power of God's command to bring forth life from the ground, both at the world's beginning and in moments of redemptive renewal.
TRV