### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word H3387, transliterated as *yârôwq* (יָרוֹק), is defined as deriving "from יָרָק; green, i.e. an herb; green thing." While the base definition suggests a broad range related to verdant plant life, its specific usage in the Hebrew Bible is notably narrow. Primarily, *yârôwq* functions as an adjective describing a "greenish" hue. Its semantic range, as demonstrated by its occurrences, is limited to a particular shade of green, often with implications of discoloration or an unhealthy appearance rather than vibrant growth.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word H3387 occurs exclusively in the book of Leviticus, specifically within the detailed laws concerning ritual purity and impurity, particularly in relation to "leprosy" (*tsara'at*).
* In [[Leviticus 13:49]], *yârôwq* describes a "greenish" spot found on a garment (whether linen or wool, or on leather). This discoloration is presented as a potential sign of a leprous disease, which would render the garment ritually unclean and necessitate a priestly examination and subsequent actions, including isolation or destruction.
* Similarly, in [[Leviticus 14:37]], the term is used to describe "greenish" depressions or streaks in the walls of a house, indicating "leprosy of the house." As with garments, this "greenish" hue signals defilement, triggering a process of inspection, potential removal of affected stones, or even demolition of the entire structure if the disease persists.
In both contexts, *yârôwq* is not associated with healthy, flourishing life. Instead, it denotes a problematic, ominous color that signals impurity and potential contagion, demanding separation and ritual cleansing or destruction. The color serves as a visual cue for discerning the clean from the unclean within the meticulous framework of the Mosaic Law.
### Related Words & Concepts
H3387 shares its linguistic root, יָרָק (yâraq), with several other Hebrew words related to "greenness," yet its specific usage distinguishes it significantly.
* The verbal root `{{H3417}}` (yâraq) means "to be green."
* The noun `{{H3418}}` (yereq) broadly denotes "greenness," "vegetation," or "herb." This is the word commonly used to describe healthy plants, food, or lush growth (e.g., [[Genesis 1:30]], [[Exodus 10:15]], [[Psalm 37:2]]).
* Another related term is `{{H3422}}` (yeraqraq), a reduplicated form meaning "greenish," "pale green," or "yellowish-green," also appearing in Leviticus to describe leprous spots, often reinforcing the idea of a sickly or unhealthy hue.
While all these words share a common etymological origin in the concept of "green," *yârôwq* (H3387) stands apart due to its exclusive and specific application within the purity laws. Unlike `{{H3418}}` which connotes vitality and provision, *yârôwq* is limited to a discolored, unhealthy "greenish" hue, highlighting how a shared root can diverge into distinct semantic fields based on contextual usage and theological implications.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of *yârôwq* is deeply embedded in the Levitical laws concerning holiness and purity.
* **Holiness and Separation:** The "greenish" hue described by *yârôwq* serves as a visible sign of defilement. It underscores God's absolute holiness and His demand for a pure people living in a pure environment. Anything that compromised this purity, even a discoloration on a garment or wall, was a matter of serious concern, necessitating separation from the community and from the sacred.
* **Divine Discernment:** The priest's role in examining and discerning the nature of the "greenish" spot emphasizes the importance of careful adherence to divine instruction and the need for spiritual discernment. The color was not merely a physical symptom but a divinely ordained indicator requiring precise ritual response.
* **Symbolism of Impurity:** While *tsara'at* (often translated "leprosy") encompassed various skin conditions and material decay, it carried profound symbolic weight for sin and impurity. The "greenish" manifestation, therefore, became a visual metaphor for something that corrupts, spreads, and separates. It speaks to the pervasive nature of impurity and the rigorous measures God instituted to maintain a holy people in His presence. The seemingly minor detail of a specific color thus points to the profound spiritual truths of God's character and His covenant relationship with Israel.
### Summary
The Hebrew word H3387, *yârôwq* (יָרוֹק), though broadly defined as "green" or "green thing," holds a precise and narrow semantic function within the biblical text. Its sole occurrences in [[Leviticus 13:49]] and [[Leviticus 14:37]] demonstrate its specific use to describe a "greenish" discoloration indicative of ritual impurity and "leprosy" in garments and houses. Unlike other Hebrew terms for "green" that signify life and vitality, *yârôwq* consistently points to defilement, requiring priestly examination and prescribed actions for purification or destruction. This distinct usage underscores the meticulous nature of God's purity laws, emphasizing His holiness and the serious consequences of anything that compromises the sacred space of His people. The "greenish" hue, in this context, stands as a solemn visual marker of the unclean, necessitating separation and a return to holiness.
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