### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **yârôwq**, represented by `{{H3387}}`, means **green thing** or herb. It appears just **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the Bible. Derived from a root word for green, its sole use in scripture describes the vegetation that wild animals seek for sustenance.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The single occurrence of `{{H3387}}` is found in the book of Job, which describes the life of a wild animal. The verse states, "The range of the mountains is his pasture, and he searcheth after every **green thing**" [[Job 39:8]]. In this context, **yârôwq** refers to the general plant life or herbage that serves as food, highlighting the animal's diligent search for nourishment in its natural habitat.
### Related Words & Concepts
The context of `{{H3387}}` is enriched by the words surrounding it in its only verse:
* `{{H3491}}` **yâthûwr** (range): This word, defined as a gleaning or **range**, sets the scene of a vast, mountainous area for foraging [[Job 39:8]].
* `{{H2022}}` **har** (mountains): This word for a **mountain** or range of hills provides the physical setting for the search for food, a place also used figuratively in scripture to represent steadfastness or divine presence [[Isaiah 55:12]].
* `{{H4829}}` **mirʻeh** (pasture): This term signifies a **pasture** or feeding place. While used in Job for a wild animal's haunt, it is also used to describe the good **pasture** God provides for His people [[Ezekiel 34:14]].
* `{{H1875}}` **dârash** (searcheth): This word means to **seek** or search. In Job, it describes an animal's physical quest for food, but it is frequently used to describe humanity's spiritual quest to **seek** the LORD [[Isaiah 55:6]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H3387}}` emerges not from the word itself, but from its context and the related terms. It serves as a starting point to contrast different kinds of "seeking."
* **Natural Provision:** In its literal context, the "green thing" `{{H3387}}` represents the basic, physical provision God supplies in creation, which an animal must actively search for [[Job 39:8]].
* **Spiritual Seeking:** The verb "searcheth" `{{H1875}}` elevates this concept. While the animal seeks a "green thing," humans are called to seek a higher spiritual nourishment. This is seen in exhortations to "seek the LORD" [[Isaiah 55:6]] and to search for Him with one's whole heart [[Jeremiah 29:13]].
* **God's Dwelling and Provision:** The setting of the "mountains" `{{H2022}}` and "pasture" `{{H4829}}` is also given deeper meaning elsewhere. The mountains are where God's house is established [[Micah 4:1]], and He promises to lead His flock to a "good pasture" on the mountains of Israel [[Ezekiel 34:14]], transforming a natural landscape into a place of divine care.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H3387}}` is a rare word whose singular appearance in scripture is focused on the natural world. While **yârôwq** itself simply denotes vegetation, its placement in [[Job 39:8]], alongside words for **range** `{{H3491}}`, **mountains** `{{H2022}}`, **pasture** `{{H4829}}`, and **searcheth** `{{H1875}}`, provides a powerful illustration. It anchors the physical act of seeking food in creation, which in turn serves as a metaphor for the deeper, spiritual human quest to seek God and receive His ultimate provision.
TRV