from יָרָק (in the sense of vacuity of color); properly, pallor, i.e. hence, the yellowish green of young and sickly vegetation; concretely, verdure, i.e. grass or vegetation; grass, green (thing).
Transliteration:yereq
Pronunciation:yeh'-rek
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word יֶרֶק (yereq), Strong's number `{{H3418}}`, derives from the root יָרָק (yaraq), which can signify "to be green" or, in a less common but relevant sense, "to spit" or "to be pale/sickly." The base definition provided points to this dual semantic range: it denotes "properly, pallor, i.e. hence, the yellowish green of young and sickly vegetation." This aspect emphasizes a lack of vibrant color, suggesting weakness, immaturity, or impending decay. Conversely, the word also concretely refers to "verdure, i.e. grass or vegetation; grass, green (thing)." In this sense, יֶרֶק describes the general greenness of plant life, encompassing anything from tender shoots to established pasture. Thus, יֶרֶק carries the nuanced meanings of both the fresh, general green of the earth's covering and the specific, often less robust, pale green associated with fragility or early growth.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of יֶרֶק in the Hebrew Bible illustrate its diverse applications, often playing on its inherent duality of meaning. In [[Genesis 9:3]], after the flood, God declares to Noah, "Every moving thing that lives shall be food for you. And as I gave you the green plants (יֶרֶק עֵשֶׂב), I give you everything." Here, יֶרֶק clearly denotes general vegetation, provided by God as sustenance for humanity, highlighting divine provision. Similarly, in [[Numbers 22:4]], the Moabites lament, "Now this company will lick up all that is around us, as the ox licks up the grass (יֶרֶק) of the field," portraying it as a widespread, consumable resource.
However, a different connotation emerges in contexts emphasizing transience and fragility. [[2 Kings 19:26]] and its parallel in [[Isaiah 37:27]] describe the inhabitants of a defeated city as "short of strength; they were dismayed and confounded; they were as the grass (יֶרֶק) of the field and as the green herb (יֶרֶק עֵשֶׂב) on the housetops, and as grain blighted before it is grown." Here, יֶרֶק signifies vegetation that is easily withered, lacking deep roots, and therefore ephemeral. This imagery underscores human weakness and the brevity of life or strength when facing overwhelming power. [[Psalm 37:2]] echoes this sentiment: "For they will soon fade like the grass (חָצִיר) and wither like the green herb (יֶרֶק דֶּשֶׁא)," directly linking יֶרֶק to the transient nature of the wicked or human life in general. These passages leverage the "sickly yellowish-green" aspect of the word's semantic range, highlighting vulnerability and impermanence.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of יֶרֶק is enriched by its relationship with other Hebrew terms for vegetation and its underlying root.
* The root יָרָק (yaraq) itself, from which יֶרֶק is derived, holds the primary meaning "to be green." However, its less common association with "to spit" or "to be pale" lends insight into the "pallor" aspect of יֶרֶק, suggesting a connection between a discharged, pale substance and sickly coloration.
* `{{H2682}}` חָצִיר (chatsir): Often translated as "grass" or "herb," this word frequently appears alongside or in parallel with יֶרֶק, particularly in poetic contexts emphasizing the fleeting nature of life (e.g., [[Psalm 37:2]]).
* `{{H1877}}` דֶּשֶׁא (deshe'): This term refers to "tender grass," "sprouting vegetation," or "herbage." It often denotes the initial growth of plants, which can be seen as either fresh and promising or vulnerable and easily trampled, resonating with aspects of יֶרֶק.
* `{{H6212}}` עֵשֶׂב (eseb): A more general term for "herb," "grass," or "vegetation," often used in contexts of food or the general plant kingdom (e.g., [[Genesis 9:3]] uses יֶרֶק עֵשֶׂב).
The concept of the fragility of human life, often compared to the transient nature of grass or green vegetation, is a recurring biblical motif (e.g., [[Psalm 103:15-16]], [[Isaiah 40:6-8]], [[1 Peter 1:24]]). This motif is powerfully conveyed through the usage of יֶרֶק.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of יֶרֶק is multifaceted, reflecting both God's benevolent provision and the stark reality of human mortality.
1. **Divine Provision and Sustenance:** In passages like [[Genesis 9:3]], יֶרֶק represents God's gracious provision of food for humanity and all living creatures. It speaks to the Creator's ongoing care for His creation, ensuring that the earth yields sustenance. This highlights God's role as the benevolent provider who sustains life through the natural world.
2. **Human Frailty and Transience:** More profoundly, יֶרֶק serves as a potent metaphor for the ephemeral nature of human life, strength, and glory. When humans are likened to "grass of the field" or "green herb" that withers ([[2 Kings 19:26]], [[Isaiah 37:27]], [[Psalm 37:2]]), it underscores the brevity and vulnerability of mortal existence in contrast to the eternal, unchanging nature of God. This theological truth humbles humanity, reminding us of our dependence on God and the futility of trusting in our own fleeting power or achievements. It implicitly calls for reliance on the everlasting God rather than on perishable things.
3. **God's Sovereignty over Creation:** The ability of יֶרֶק to flourish or wither at God's command (or by natural processes ordained by Him) also speaks to God's ultimate sovereignty over creation. He is the one who causes the grass to grow and who can also cause it to wither, demonstrating His control over all life and its cycles.
### Summary
The Hebrew word יֶרֶק (yereq, `{{H3418}}`) presents a rich semantic range, encompassing both the vibrant, life-sustaining "green vegetation" and the fragile, "sickly yellowish-green" hue indicative of impermanence. Biblically, it functions as a descriptor for God's generous provision of food ([[Genesis 9:3]]) and as a powerful metaphor for the transient and vulnerable nature of human life and strength ([[Psalm 37:2]], [[Isaiah 37:27]]). Its usage, often in conjunction with other terms for grass and plants (e.g., `{{H2682}}` חָצִיר, `{{H1877}}` דֶּשֶׁא, `{{H6212}}` עֵשֶׂב), consistently points to fundamental theological truths: God's unfailing care for His creation and the sobering reality of human mortality in the face of divine eternity. Thus, יֶרֶק serves as a poignant reminder of both divine benevolence and human humility.
TRV