from an unused root of uncertain meaning; a garden or vineyard; vines, (increase of the) vineyard(-s), vintage. See also בֵּית הַכֶּרֶם.
Transliteration:kerem
Pronunciation:keh'-rem
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun כֶּרֶם (kerem, `{{H3754}}`) primarily denotes a "vineyard" or "garden" specifically cultivated for vines. While the base definition notes an "unused root of uncertain meaning," its consistent usage in the Hebrew Bible clearly points to a plot of land dedicated to viticulture. Beyond the physical plot, the term can semantically extend to encompass the "vines" themselves, the "increase" or produce of the vineyard, and even the "vintage" or harvest season. This rich semantic range highlights its central role in ancient Near Eastern agriculture and economy. Unlike a general "garden" (גַּן, gan, `{{H1588}}`), a *kerem* is specifically purposed for grapes, emphasizing its specialized cultivation and yield.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term כֶּרֶם (kerem, `{{H3754}}`) appears frequently throughout the Old Testament, illustrating its pervasive presence in ancient Israelite life and thought. Its first biblical appearance is in [[Genesis 9:20]], describing Noah as the first to plant a vineyard after the flood, leading to the incident with his sons. This immediate association with human frailty and the consequences of intoxication sets an early tone for the vineyard's complex symbolic potential.
In historical narratives, the vineyard often serves as a focal point for issues of justice and ownership, most notably in the account of Naboth's vineyard in [[1 Kings 21]]. King Ahab's covetous desire for Naboth's ancestral plot, leading to injustice and murder, starkly illustrates the sanctity of inherited land and the severity of violating divine law.
Poetic and wisdom literature, such as the Song of Songs, employs the vineyard as a metaphor for intimacy, beauty, and the work of love ([[Song of Solomon 1:6]], [[Song of Solomon 8:11-12]]). Here, the vineyard symbolizes a cherished possession requiring care and protection.
The prophetic books, however, reveal the most profound theological uses of *kerem*. Isaiah's "Song of the Vineyard" in [[Isaiah 5:1-7]] is a quintessential example, where God's diligent care for His "vineyard" (Israel) is contrasted with its failure to produce righteous fruit, leading to divine judgment. This imagery is echoed in [[Psalm 80:8-19]], where Israel is depicted as a vine brought out of Egypt, planted, and nurtured by God, yet now languishing. Jeremiah similarly laments the desolation of God's inheritance, describing foreign shepherds laying waste to His vineyard ([[Jeremiah 12:10]]). These passages underscore the vineyard as a powerful metaphor for God's covenant relationship with Israel, His expectations of faithfulness, and the consequences of apostasy.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept of the כֶּרֶם (kerem, `{{H3754}}`) is intrinsically linked to a cluster of related terms and agricultural practices. Key among these are:
* יַיִן (yayin, `{{H3196}}`): "wine," the primary product of the vineyard, symbolizing joy, blessing, but also potential for excess and judgment.
* עֵנָב (enab, `{{H6025}}`): "grape," the fruit of the vine.
* גַּת (gat, `{{H1660}}`): "winepress," the facility for processing grapes into wine, often located within or near the vineyard.
* The pairing of "vineyard and fig tree" (כֶּרֶם וּתְאֵנָה): This common biblical idiom ([[Micah 4:4]], [[1 Kings 4:25]]) symbolizes peace, prosperity, and security, representing the ideal state of the land and its inhabitants.
* Stewardship: The cultivation of a vineyard demanded diligent labor, protection from pests and thieves, and careful pruning, reflecting themes of human responsibility and divine expectation.
* The New Testament expands on this imagery, with Jesus identifying Himself as the "true vine" (ἄμπελος ἀληθινὴ, ampelos alēthinē, `{{G288}}` in [[John 15:1-8]]) and employing parables of the vineyard to teach about the Kingdom of God, divine judgment, and the responsibility of God's people ([[Matthew 20:1-16]], [[Matthew 21:33-46]]). While using Greek terms, these parables draw directly from the rich Old Testament understanding of *kerem*.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of כֶּרֶם (kerem, `{{H3754}}`) is profound and multifaceted.
1. **Divine Ownership and Provision:** The vineyard, like all creation, ultimately belongs to God. Its fruitfulness is a sign of divine blessing and provision for His people ([[Deuteronomy 8:8]]).
2. **Israel as God's Vineyard:** This is arguably the most potent theological metaphor associated with *kerem*. As seen in [[Isaiah 5]] and [[Psalm 80]], Israel is depicted as a vineyard meticulously planted, nurtured, and protected by God. This imagery underscores God's deep investment in His covenant people, His patient care, and His expectation of righteous fruit (justice and righteousness, [[Isaiah 5:7]]).
3. **Expectation of Fruitfulness and Judgment:** The vineyard serves as a powerful symbol of divine expectation. When the vineyard fails to produce good fruit, it faces judgment—being laid waste, its walls broken down, or its produce withheld. This illustrates the consequences of covenant disobedience and spiritual barrenness.
4. **A Place of Labor and Rest:** The vineyard represents a place of human toil and effort, yet also a place of security and peace when God's favor rests upon it. To sit under one's own vine and fig tree symbolizes a time of peace and prosperity ([[Micah 4:4]]).
5. **Redemption and Restoration:** Despite judgment, prophetic texts also envision a future restoration where the vineyards will again be planted and enjoyed, symbolizing renewed blessing and covenant faithfulness ([[Amos 9:14]], [[Jeremiah 31:5]]).
### Summary
The Hebrew word כֶּרֶם (kerem, `{{H3754}}`) denotes a vineyard, a cultivated plot for grapevines, encompassing the vines, their produce, and the vintage. Its biblical occurrences reveal its significance in ancient Israelite life, serving as a setting for narratives of justice and injustice (e.g., Naboth's vineyard), and as a motif in love poetry. Most profoundly, *kerem* functions as a central theological metaphor, particularly in the prophetic tradition, symbolizing Israel as God's chosen people, meticulously cared for yet expected to yield righteous fruit. Its failure to do so leads to divine judgment, while its future restoration signifies renewed blessing. Thus, the *kerem* stands as a powerful, enduring symbol of divine expectation, human responsibility, and the unfolding drama of God's covenant relationship with His people.
TRV