from יָבַל; produce, i.e. a crop or (figuratively) wealth; fruit, increase.
Transliteration:yᵉbûwl
Pronunciation:yeb-ool'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term יְבוּל (yᵉbûwl, `{{H2981}}`) derives from the root יָבַל (yābal, `{{H2986}}`), meaning "to bring, carry, or bear." This etymological connection immediately highlights the core semantic range of yᵉbûwl as something "brought forth" or "produced." Primarily, it refers to the "produce" or "yield" of the earth, specifically agricultural crops, fruits, and the general increase from cultivation. However, its meaning extends beyond mere botanical output to encompass the broader concept of "increase" or "wealth" as a result of labor, divine blessing, or economic activity. Thus, yᵉbûwl signifies the tangible outcome or result of growth, often carrying connotations of abundance, prosperity, and the fruit of effort, whether human or divine.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term yᵉbûwl appears approximately 20 times in the Hebrew Bible, primarily in the Pentateuch, Psalms, and prophetic books. Its usage consistently underscores its connection to divine provision and covenantal faithfulness.
In the Mosaic Law, yᵉbûwl is central to the concept of blessing and curse. For instance, [[Leviticus 26:4]] promises that if Israel obeys God's statutes, "the land shall yield her increase," and [[Leviticus 26:20]] warns that disobedience will result in the land failing to give its yᵉbûwl. Similarly, [[Deuteronomy 11:17]] links the withholding of the "earth's increase" directly to turning away from the Lord. These passages establish yᵉbûwl as a tangible sign of God's favor or judgment, directly tied to the covenant relationship.
In the Psalms, yᵉbûwl often appears in contexts of praise for God's bountiful provision. [[Psalm 67:6]] declares, "The earth has yielded its increase; God, our God, blesses us," attributing agricultural prosperity directly to divine blessing. This reinforces the understanding that yᵉbûwl is ultimately a gift from the Creator.
Prophetic literature frequently employs yᵉbûwl in discussions of restoration or judgment. [[Isaiah 30:23]] foretells a time of blessing when "He will give the rain for your seed with which you sow the ground, and bread, the produce of the ground, will be rich and plenteous." Conversely, [[Haggai 1:10]] describes a period of divine judgment where "the earth withheld its produce" due to the people's neglect of God's house. Even in dire circumstances, faith can persist despite the lack of yᵉbûwl, as seen in [[Habakkuk 3:17]]: "Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food..."
Beyond agricultural contexts, yᵉbûwl can denote general wealth or increase, as in [[Job 20:28]], where "the increase of his house" refers to the accumulated possessions or prosperity of a wicked person, which will ultimately be swept away.
### Related Words & Concepts
Yᵉbûwl (`{{H2981}}`) shares semantic overlap and conceptual connections with several other Hebrew terms:
* יָבַל (yābal, `{{H2986}}`): The verbal root, meaning "to bring, lead, carry." This highlights that yᵉbûwl is something *brought forth* or *produced*.
* פְּרִי (pᵉrî, `{{H6529}}`): "Fruit," often specifically referring to the yield of trees or vines, but also used more generally. While pᵉrî can be a subset of yᵉbûwl, yᵉbûwl typically has a broader scope, encompassing field crops and general agricultural output.
* תְּבוּאָה (tᵉbû'â, `{{H8393}}`): "Produce, yield, harvest." This word is very close in meaning to yᵉbûwl and is often used interchangeably, particularly in agricultural contexts (e.g., [[Deuteronomy 28:4, 11]]). Both terms emphasize the outcome of cultivation.
* יֶקֶב (yeqev, `{{H3342}}`): "Winepress" or "vat," often mentioned in conjunction with the produce of the vineyard, emphasizing the processing of agricultural yield.
Conceptually, yᵉbûwl is deeply intertwined with divine blessing, covenant faithfulness, judgment, sustenance, provision, and human labor. It speaks to the cycles of nature, the stewardship of the land, and the ultimate source of all prosperity.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of yᵉbûwl is profound and multifaceted:
1. **Divine Sovereignty and Provision:** Yᵉbûwl consistently points to God as the ultimate provider. The fertility of the land and the abundance of its produce are not merely natural phenomena but direct expressions of God's active involvement in creation and His care for humanity. He "gives" the increase (e.g., [[Leviticus 26:4]]), demonstrating His control over the natural world.
2. **Covenantal Blessing and Curse:** In the Old Testament, yᵉbûwl serves as a tangible barometer of Israel's covenant relationship with Yahweh. Abundant yᵉbûwl signifies divine blessing for obedience, while its withholding or failure represents divine judgment for disobedience (e.g., [[Deuteronomy 28:3-5, 15-18]]). This underscores the moral and spiritual dimensions of material prosperity.
3. **Trust and Faith:** The call to trust God even when the yᵉbûwl fails, as exemplified by Habakkuk ([[Habakkuk 3:17-18]]), highlights that true sustenance and joy are found not in material abundance but in God Himself. This elevates faith above circumstances.
4. **Stewardship and Responsibility:** While God provides the increase, human labor and diligent cultivation are implicitly required. The concept of yᵉbûwl encourages responsible stewardship of the land and resources entrusted by God.
5. **Eschatological Hope:** In prophetic visions of future restoration, abundant yᵉbûwl symbolizes a return to a state of blessedness, peace, and divine favor, where the land will yield its produce in superabundance (e.g., [[Isaiah 30:23]]). This points to a future reality where God's promises of provision are fully realized.
### Summary
The Hebrew word יְבוּל (yᵉbûwl, `{{H2981}}`) denotes "produce" or "yield," primarily referring to agricultural crops and the increase of the earth, but also extending to general wealth or prosperity. Rooted in the verb "to bring forth," it emphasizes the outcome or result of growth and labor. Biblically, yᵉbûwl is a powerful theological term, serving as a clear indicator of divine blessing and covenant faithfulness. Its presence signifies God's generous provision and His active control over creation, while its absence often signals divine judgment. The concept of yᵉbûwl underscores God's sovereignty, calls for human stewardship, and ultimately directs faith towards the Lord as the ultimate source of all true increase and sustenance, regardless of material circumstances.
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