from the same as יֶרֶק; properly, green; concretely, a vegetable; green, herbs.
Transliteration:yârâq
Pronunciation:yaw-rawk'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term H3419, יָרָק (yârâq), derives from the same root as `{{H3418}}` (yereq), which denotes "greenness" or "verdure." Its primary semantic range encompasses both the abstract color "green" and, more concretely, "vegetable" or "herb." Properly, it refers to the greenness characteristic of plants, and by extension, to the edible plant matter itself. This dual application highlights its connection to life, freshness, and the sustenance provided by the earth's vegetation. It often functions as a collective noun for various types of edible green plants.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of H3419 in the Hebrew Bible illuminate its practical and symbolic significance:
* **Divine Provision and Dietary Shift:** In [[Genesis 9:3]], following the flood, God expands humanity's diet, stating, "Every moving thing that lives shall be food for you. And as I gave you the green herb [יָרָק], I give you everything." This verse is pivotal, as it reiterates the initial provision of plant life ([[Genesis 1:29]]) as sustenance, now alongside animal flesh. Here, yârâq signifies the foundational, divinely-provided plant-based food source.
* **Agricultural Cultivation:** [[1 Kings 21:2]] records King Ahab's covetous desire for Naboth's vineyard, proposing to turn it into a "garden of herbs [גַּן יָרָק]" because it was near his palace. This context clearly depicts yârâq as cultivated vegetables or garden produce, reflecting its use in domestic agriculture and food production.
* **Simplicity and Contentment:** The proverb in [[Proverbs 15:17]] declares, "Better is a dinner of herbs [יָרָק] where love is than a fatted ox and hatred with it." This profound statement elevates the spiritual value of love and harmony over material abundance. A simple meal of yârâq symbolizes humility, contentment, and the true source of blessing found in relationships rather than lavish fare.
* **Symbol of Desolation:** In [[Isaiah 15:6]], describing the desolation of Moab, the text laments, "For the waters of Nimrim are desolate, surely the grass is withered, the yârâq fails, there is no green thing." Here, yârâq represents the general verdure and green vegetation of the land. Its absence signifies drought, barrenness, and divine judgment, starkly contrasting with its usual association with life and sustenance.
### Related Words & Concepts
H3419 is closely related to `{{H3418}}` (yereq), which is the noun for "greenness," "verdure," or "herbage," from which yârâq is derived or with which it shares a common root. Other related terms include:
* `{{H6212}}` (ʿēśeḇ): This broader term means "herb," "grass," or "plant," often referring to vegetation in general, especially as food ([[Genesis 1:29]]). While ʿēśeḇ can encompass all plant life, yârâq often specifically denotes edible green plants or vegetables cultivated for human consumption.
* `{{H2062}}` (zēraʿ): "Seed," which is intrinsically linked to the propagation and provision of yârâq and other plant life.
The concepts associated with yârâq include divine provision, sustenance, agricultural labor, humility, simplicity, and the stark contrast between life/fertility and death/desolation.
### Theological Significance
The theological implications of H3419 are multifaceted:
* **God's Gracious Provision:** From the earliest narratives, yârâq stands as a tangible sign of God's benevolent provision for humanity's sustenance. The giving of "every green herb" ([[Genesis 9:3]]) underscores the Creator's ongoing care for His creation, ensuring the basic necessities of life.
* **Ethic of Simplicity and Love:** The wisdom literature, particularly [[Proverbs 15:17]], elevates the humble meal of yârâq as a vehicle for profound spiritual truth. It teaches that true richness is found not in material abundance but in the presence of love and harmonious relationships, encouraging a theological perspective that prioritizes spiritual well-being over worldly possessions.
* **Consequences of Disobedience and Judgment:** In prophetic texts, the withering or failure of yârâq ([[Isaiah 15:6]]) serves as a powerful metaphor for divine judgment and the resultant desolation of the land. This demonstrates the intimate connection between the spiritual state of a people and the physical flourishing of their environment, where the absence of green life signifies a withdrawal of God's blessing.
* **Stewardship of Creation:** The desire for a "garden of herbs" ([[1 Kings 21:2]]) implicitly points to humanity's role in cultivating and managing the earth's resources, reflecting the divine mandate for stewardship over creation.
### Summary
The Hebrew word H3419, יָרָק (yârâq), primarily denotes "green" and, more concretely, "vegetable" or "herb." Its biblical occurrences highlight its significance in several key areas: as a fundamental element of divine provision for human sustenance ([[Genesis 9:3]]), as a cultivated food source in agriculture ([[1 Kings 21:2]]), and as a symbol of humble living where love surpasses material wealth ([[Proverbs 15:17]]). Conversely, its absence or failure signifies desolation and divine judgment ([[Isaiah 15:6]]). Theologically, yârâq underscores God's role as a gracious provider, champions the virtues of simplicity and love, and serves as a visual indicator of blessing versus judgment in the created order. It is a humble yet profound term, reflecting basic human needs and the intricate relationship between humanity, creation, and the divine.
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