from an unused root (meaning to be tender); green, i.e. a young ear of grain; hence, the name of the month Abib or Nisan; Abib, ear, green ears of corn (not maize).
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **'abiyb**, represented by `{{H24}}`, describes something "green," specifically "a young ear of grain." This term also gives its name to the month of Abib, sometimes known as Nisan. It appears 8 times across 6 unique verses in the Bible, highlighting its significance in both agricultural and calendrical contexts.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical narrative, `{{H24}}` holds a primary association with the historical event of the Exodus. It is designated as the "month Abib" [[Exodus 13:4]], the appointed time when the LORD `{{H3068}}` commanded `{{H6680}}` Israel to observe the "feast `{{H2282}}` of unleavened bread" [[Exodus 23:15]] and keep `{{H6213}}` the "passover" [[Deuteronomy 16:1]]. This is directly linked to the Israelites having "camest out" [[Exodus 34:18]] from Egypt `{{H4714}}` "by night" [[Deuteronomy 16:1]] in that very month. Beyond its calendrical use, `{{H24}}` describes a stage of plant growth, as seen when "the barley `{{H8184}}` was in the ear `{{H24}}`" [[Exodus 9:31]] during the plague of hail. Furthermore, "green ears `{{H24}}` of corn dried `{{H7033}}` by the fire `{{H784}}`" were specified as a "meat offering `{{H4503}}` of thy firstfruits `{{H1061}}`" [[Leviticus 2:14]], even "corn beaten `{{H1643}}` out of full ears `{{H3759}}`."
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words found in the provided texts expand upon the concept of `{{H24}}`:
* `{{H1061}}` **bikkûwr** (first-fruits): This term is directly linked to `{{H24}}` in the context of offerings, as seen in the "meat offering of thy firstfruits" [[Leviticus 2:14]] that includes "green ears" of grain.
* `{{H2320}}` **chôdesh** (month): As `{{H24}}` is the name of a month, this word frequently appears alongside it, specifying "the month Abib" [[Exodus 13:4]] as a temporal marker.
* `{{H8184}}` **sᵉʻôrâh** (barley): This specific grain is mentioned in direct connection with `{{H24}}` when describing the "barley was in the ear" [[Exodus 9:31]], indicating the stage of its development.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H24}}` is profound, fundamentally tying Israel's identity to divine deliverance and agricultural cycles.
* **Divine Deliverance and New Beginnings:** The month of Abib marks the exact time of the Exodus, serving as a perpetual reminder that the LORD `{{H3068}}` brought Israel out of Egypt `{{H4714}}` by His mighty hand. This established a new beginning for the nation, celebrated annually through the Passover and Feast of Unleavened Bread.
* **Dependence on Divine Provision:** The inclusion of "green ears" and "firstfruits" in offerings [[Leviticus 2:14]] emphasizes the Israelites' dependence on God `{{H430}}` for their sustenance and the fruitfulness of their land. It underscores the principle of offering the first and best to the LORD `{{H3068}}`.
* **Covenantal Obedience:** The command to "observe `{{H8104}}` the month of Abib" [[Deuteronomy 16:1]] and partake in its associated feasts is a direct instruction from God `{{H430}}`, reinforcing the covenantal requirement for His people to remember and obey His commands `{{H6680}}`, appearing "empty `{{H7387}}`" before Him `{{H6440}}` for His "time appointed `{{H4150}}`."
### Summary
In summary, **'abiyb** `{{H24}}` is a pivotal Hebrew word, dual in its meaning as both a specific **month** and the **green ear** of grain. Its significance is deeply intertwined with Israel's historical liberation from Egypt, marking a foundational event in their calendar and collective memory. Furthermore, it highlights the importance of grateful offerings and the acknowledgment of divine provision through the celebration of firstfruits during its designated time.
TRV