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.
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.
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.
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.
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