### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **'êb**, represented by `{{H3}}`, refers to a **green plant** or **greenness**, and also **fruit**. It appears 2 times across 2 unique verses in the Bible, indicating its specific application within scripture.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical usage, `{{H3}}` is found in contexts describing natural growth and its characteristics. In [[Song of Solomon 6:11]], it denotes the **fruits** of the valley, observed alongside the flourishing of vines and the budding of pomegranates. Conversely, [[Job 8:12]] uses `{{H3}}` to describe something in its **greenness** that withers quickly if not cut down, highlighting the transient nature of plant life.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide further context for the concept of natural vegetation and its states:
* `{{H1594}}` **ginnâh** (a garden): This term appears directly with `{{H3}}` in [[Song of Solomon 6:11]], setting the scene for observing green plants and fruits.
* `{{H1612}}` **gephen** (a vine): Also present in [[Song of Solomon 6:11]], the vine is described as flourishing, linking to the vitality associated with `{{H3}}`.
* `{{H2682}}` **châtsîyr** (grass, herb): In [[Job 8:12]], `{{H3}}`'s greenness is contrasted with how quickly it withers compared to other herbs, emphasizing its ephemeral quality.
* `{{H3001}}` **yâbêsh** (to dry up, wither): This word is directly connected to `{{H3}}` in [[Job 8:12]], where the greenness withers, underscoring the impermanence of plant life.
* `{{H6524}}` **pârach** (to blossom, to flourish): Found in [[Song of Solomon 6:11]], this word describes the flourishing of the vine, reinforcing the vibrant aspect of green plants and fruits.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H3}}` is primarily associated with natural imagery, reflecting themes of vitality and impermanence:
* **Natural Vitality:** The use of `{{H3}}` to describe "fruits" and "greenness" in a garden setting [[Song of Solomon 6:11]] portrays a sense of flourishing, growth, and natural abundance.
* **Fragility of Life:** The mention of 'greenness' that quickly "withereth" [[Job 8:12]] introduces a concept of the transient and delicate nature of life, which can quickly fade if not sustained.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H3}}` represents the fundamental concept of a **green plant**, its **greenness**, and **fruit**. Its usage in scripture, though limited to two verses, effectively illustrates the contrasting aspects of natural vitality and the inherent fragility of life, tying its meaning to the cycles of growth and decay observed in the natural world.
TRV