### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **yᵉraqraq**, represented by `{{H3422}}`, describes a color that is **greenish** or **yellow**. It appears **3 times** across **3 unique verses** in the Bible. While infrequent, its usage is notable for its dual application, representing both a sign of contamination and an image of beautiful adornment.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the context of Levitical law, `{{H3422}}` is used to identify a potential sign of **leprosy** `{{H6883}}`. A **greenish** `{{H3422}}` or **reddish** `{{H125}}` **plague** `{{H5061}}` found in a **garment** `{{H899}}`, on **skin** `{{H5785}}`, or on the **walls** `{{H7023}}` of a **house** `{{H1004}}` required priestly inspection ([[Leviticus 13:49]], [[Leviticus 14:37]]). In contrast, Psalms uses the term to create a beautiful image, describing the **feathers** `{{H84}}` of a **dove** `{{H3123}}` as shining with **yellow** `{{H3422}}` **gold** `{{H2742}}` [[Psalms 68:13]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the contexts in which `{{H3422}}` is found:
* `{{H125}}` **ʼădamdâm** (reddish): This word appears directly alongside `{{H3422}}` in Leviticus to describe the colors of a leprous **plague** `{{H5061}}`, appearing as either **greenish** `{{H3422}}` or **reddish** ([[Leviticus 13:49]], [[Leviticus 14:37]]).
* `{{H5061}}` **negaʻ** (plague): This term refers to the **sore** `{{H5061}}` or **plague** `{{H5061}}` whose **greenish** `{{H3422}}` color is a key diagnostic sign for the **priest** `{{H3548}}` in determining the presence of **leprosy** [[Leviticus 13:49]].
* `{{H6883}}` **tsâraʻath** (leprosy): The appearance of a **greenish** `{{H3422}}` spot is identified as a **plague of leprosy** `{{H6883}}`, a condition of significant physical and ceremonial uncleanness [[Leviticus 13:49]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H3422}}` is tied to its contrasting applications:
* **Sign of Defilement:** In the Mosaic law, the color **greenish** `{{H3422}}` is a visual indicator of corruption or decay. Its presence in a **garment** `{{H899}}` or a **house** `{{H1004}}` is treated as a serious contamination, a physical manifestation of a **plague** `{{H5061}}` that requires purification or destruction [[Leviticus 14:37]].
* **Symbol of Divine Beauty:** Conversely, in Psalms, the color **yellow** `{{H3422}}` is associated with precious **gold** `{{H2742}}`. It illustrates a promise of transformation, where those who have "lien among the pots" will become like a **dove** `{{H3123}}` **covered** `{{H2645}}` with **silver** `{{H3701}}` and **yellow** `{{H3422}}` gold, signifying honor and divine favor [[Psalms 68:13]].
* **Visual Judgment:** The word underscores the biblical theme of appearance and discernment. A specific color can be the basis for a critical judgment by a **priest** `{{H3548}}` or a poetic symbol of God’s blessing, showing that physical sight is linked to spiritual understanding.
### Summary
In summary, **yᵉraqraq** `{{H3422}}` is a highly specific descriptive term whose meaning is defined by its context. It serves as a stark sign of **leprosy** `{{H6883}}` and uncleanness within the legal texts of Leviticus, while also functioning as a beautiful image of wealth and divine restoration in the poetry of Psalms. This demonstrates how a single word for color can convey powerful, opposing concepts of corruption and blessing.
TRV