### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **châtsîyr**, represented by `{{H2682}}`, primarily refers to **grass**. According to its usage statistics, it appears **21 times** across **20 unique verses**. While its base definition includes grass, hay, and herb, it is also uniquely translated as **leek**. The term is used both literally for vegetation and figuratively to represent frailty.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its literal sense, `{{H2682}}` denotes vegetation for sustenance. It is sought by King Ahab as **grass** to keep his horses and mules alive [[1 Kings 18:5]] and is what God causes to grow for cattle [[Psalms 104:14]]. The powerful behemoth is described as one who eats **grass** like an ox [[Job 40:15]]. In a unique instance, it refers to the **leeks** the Israelites longed for after leaving Egypt [[Numbers 11:5]]. Figuratively, it is often used to symbolize the fleeting nature of human life and power, as when the inhabitants of a defeated city are described as **grass** on the housetops [[2 Kings 19:26]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the meaning and context of `{{H2682}}`:
* `{{H3001}}` **yâbêsh** (to dry up, wither): This verb is frequently paired with **châtsîyr** to emphasize its transient quality. The statement "The **grass** withereth" is a central theme in passages discussing the brevity of life ([[Isaiah 40:8]], [[Psalms 129:6]]).
* `{{H6731}}` **tsîyts** (flower): Often used alongside **grass** to create a parallel image of fragility and temporary beauty. The phrase "The **grass** withereth, the **flower** fadeth" powerfully illustrates this connection [[Isaiah 40:8]].
* `{{H1877}}` **desheʼ** (grass, herb): This term for tender grass or herb appears with `{{H2682}}` to describe different types of vegetation. In a prophecy of desolation, the **hay** `{{H2682}}` withers and the **grass** `{{H1877}}` fails [[Isaiah 15:6]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H2682}}` is most profound when used metaphorically to teach about mortality and eternity.
* **The Brevity of Human Life:** Scripture repeatedly uses **châtsîyr** to illustrate that human existence is temporary. Isaiah states, "All flesh is **grass**" [[Isaiah 40:6]], and the psalmist notes that man's days "are as **grass**" [[Psalms 103:15]].
* **The Frailty of the Wicked:** The wicked are promised a swift end, to be "cut down like the **grass**" and to wither away [[Psalms 37:2]]. Their power is as fleeting as **grass** on a roof, which withers before it can grow up [[Psalms 129:6]].
* **Contrast with God's Permanence:** The most significant theological use of `{{H2682}}` is to contrast human frailty with God's eternal word. The declaration that "The **grass** withereth... but the word of our God shall stand for ever" serves as a foundational statement of divine reliability [[Isaiah 40:8]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H2682}}` is a versatile word that carries both a simple, agricultural meaning and a deep, symbolic one. It represents God's provision in the natural world as **grass** for animals, but it is more often used as a powerful metaphor for the transient nature of humanity. Its ultimate significance is found in the sharp contrast drawn between the fading **grass** and the enduring, eternal word of God.
TRV