### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʼôwrâh**, represented by `{{H219}}`, is a feminine term that carries a dual meaning of **light** and **herb**. It appears **4 times** across **4 unique verses** in the Bible. Its definition as "luminousness" is applied figuratively to mean prosperity, but it also refers to a bright plant or herb.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word **ʼôwrâh** is used in two distinct ways. In the context of divine deliverance for the Jewish people, they are described as having **light** `{{H219}}`, gladness, joy, and honour [[Esther 8:16]]. It is also used to describe God's omniscience, to whom the darkness and the **light** are the same [[Psalms 139:12]]. In its other sense, it refers to a plant, as seen in the gathering of **herbs** from a field [[2 Kings 4:39]]. This meaning is given a powerful metaphorical role in Isaiah, where the promise of resurrection is likened to the life-giving "dew of **herbs**" [[Isaiah 26:19]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help illuminate the meaning of **ʼôwrâh**:
* `{{H215}}` **ʼôwr**: This is the primitive root for **ʼôwrâh**, meaning to be or make luminous, to shine, or to give light. It is used to describe God's face shining upon His people [[Numbers 6:25]] and His word giving light [[Psalms 119:130]].
* `{{H2822}}` **chôshek**: Meaning darkness, misery, or ignorance, this word stands in direct contrast to light. It is used alongside **ʼôwrâh** in [[Psalms 139:12]] to show that God is not limited by **darkness**.
* `{{H2421}}` **châyâh**: This word means to live, revive, or make alive. It appears in [[Isaiah 26:19]], where the "dew of herbs" `{{H219}}` is connected to the promise that the dead will **live**.
* `{{H2919}}` **ṭal**: Defined as **dew**, this word is directly associated with **ʼôwrâh** in the context of resurrection, described as "the **dew** of herbs" which brings forth life from the dust [[Isaiah 26:19]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H219}}` is expressed through its dual meanings:
* **Light as a Symbol of Joy and Deliverance:** In Esther, **light** `{{H219}}` signifies the end of a period of darkness and misery for the Jews, representing God's favor, salvation, and the restoration of joy and honour [[Esther 8:16]].
* **A Metaphor for Resurrection:** The use of **herbs** `{{H219}}` in [[Isaiah 26:19]] provides a powerful image of new life. Just as dew brings forth vibrant plants from the ground, God's power will bring the dead to life, causing the earth to "cast out the dead."
* **Divine Omnipresence:** The psalmist uses **light** `{{H219}}` to articulate that God's presence and knowledge are absolute, transcending the natural division between day and night, or light and darkness [[Psalms 139:12]].
### Summary
In summary, **ʼôwrâh** `{{H219}}` is a multifaceted word that, despite its infrequent use, carries significant weight. It simultaneously captures the concepts of light as a symbol of divine blessing and prosperity, and of a bright, dew-covered herb as a metaphor for resurrection and renewed life. Through this single term, scripture illustrates both the joy of God's deliverance and the profound hope of life after death.
TRV