### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ṭârâph**, represented by `{{H2965}}`, means **pluckt off**. It signifies something that has been recently torn off and is therefore fresh. This specific term is remarkably rare, appearing only **1 time** in a single verse in the entire Bible, marking a unique and pivotal moment in the biblical narrative.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The single use of `{{H2965}}` is found in the account of Noah and the flood. After the rains ceased, a dove `{{H3123}}` returned to Noah `{{H5146}}` in the evening `{{H6153}}`. In its mouth `{{H6310}}` was an olive `{{H2132}}` leaf `{{H5929}}` that had been **pluckt off** `{{H2965}}`. This physical sign was the evidence Noah needed to know `{{H3045}}` that the waters `{{H4325}}` of the flood had abated `{{H7043}}` from the earth `{{H776}}`. The freshness implied by the word is crucial, as it indicated the leaf came from a living tree, not merely debris from the flood [[Genesis 8:11]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words from its sole context enrich the meaning of this event:
* `{{H2132}}` **zayith** (olive): Defined as "an olive (as yielding illuminating oil), the tree, the branch or the berry." The olive tree is often associated with life, blessing, and fruitfulness ([[Psalms 52:8]], [[Psalms 128:3]]).
* `{{H5929}}` **ʻâleh** (leaf): This word for "a leaf (as coming up on a tree)" is a symbol of vitality. A green leaf indicates a healthy, thriving plant [[Jeremiah 17:8]], while a faded leaf can represent decline [[Isaiah 64:6]].
* `{{H3123}}` **yôwnâh** (dove): A "dove (apparently from the warmth of their mating)." The dove functions not only as a messenger in this narrative but is also used elsewhere as a term of endearment and for sacred offerings ([[Song of Solomon 5:2]], [[Leviticus 5:7]]).
* `{{H3045}}` **yâdaʻ** (to know): This verb means "to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing)." It signifies the confirmation Noah received, moving from hope to certainty based on the evidence presented by the dove [[Genesis 8:11]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H2965}}` comes entirely from its singular, dramatic context.
* **Evidence of New Creation:** The state of being freshly "pluckt off" `{{H2965}}` is the critical detail. It proved to Noah `{{H5146}}` that this was not a dead leaf floating on the waters `{{H4325}}`, but that it came from a living olive `{{H2132}}` tree, signaling that life had returned to the earth `{{H776}}`.
* **A Tangible Message:** The event is the method by which Noah "knew" `{{H3045}}` that God was fulfilling His purpose. The dove `{{H3123}}` carrying the leaf in its mouth `{{H6310}}` acts as a messenger, bringing physical confirmation that the judgment had "abated" `{{H7043}}`.
* **Symbol of Hope:** The combination of a dove `{{H3123}}` and a fresh olive `{{H2132}}` leaf `{{H5929}}` establishes a profound symbol of hope. This singular act of a leaf being pluckt off marks the beginning of restoration after a global cataclysm.
### Summary
In summary, while **ṭârâph** `{{H2965}}` appears only once, its significance is immense. The term "pluckt off" transforms a simple olive leaf into a pivotal piece of evidence within the biblical narrative. It marks the moment Noah received tangible proof that the waters of judgment were receding and that life was returning to the earth, making it a powerful word signifying hope, renewal, and divine confirmation.
TRV