The Hebrew word kôrêm, represented by H3755, refers specifically to a vinedresser. It appears 5 times across 5 unique verses in the Bible. The term is an active participle derived from an imaginary denominative from כֶּרֶם, describing one who actively tends to vineyards. Its usage consistently places it within the context of agriculture and land cultivation.
In the biblical narrative, H3755 is used to describe a specific and essential agricultural role. After the fall of Jerusalem, the poorest of the land were left behind by the captain of the guard to work as vinedressers and husbandmen, ensuring the land was not completely abandoned (2 Kings 25:12; Jeremiah 52:16). In a time of prosperity, King Uzziah employed vinedressers in the mountains and Carmel as part of his extensive agricultural operations, because he "loved husbandry" 2 Chronicles 26:10. The term is also used prophetically, where vinedressers are called to howl in response to a failed harvest Joel 1:11 and where foreigners are foretold to serve as Israel's vinedressers in a future time of restoration Isaiah 61:5.
Several related agricultural terms often appear alongside kôrêm, providing a fuller picture of land-based labor:
- H406 ʼikkâr (a farmer; husbandman, ploughman): This word for a general farmer or plowman is frequently paired with vinedresser to describe the workforce, as seen when the sons of the alien are prophesied to be Israel's plowmen and vinedressers Isaiah 61:5 and when both are listed among King Uzziah's laborers 2 Chronicles 26:10.
- H3009 yâgab (to dig or plow; husbandman): This term is used to describe the "husbandmen" who, along with the vinedressers, were the poor of the land left behind by the Babylonians (Jeremiah 52:16; 2 Kings 25:12).
- H1461 gûwb (a primitive root; to dig; husbandman): This word, also meaning husbandman, appears with H3009 and H3755 in the account of the remnant left in Judah to work the land 2 Kings 25:12.
The role of the H3755 vinedresser carries significant thematic weight, reflecting the state of the nation and its relationship with the land.
- Social and Economic Indicator: The vinedresser is often depicted as being from the lower class. The "poor of the land" were the ones left to become vinedressers after the conquest of Judah, indicating the humble status of this labor (2 Kings 25:12; Jeremiah 52:16).
- Symbol of Judgment and Restoration: The condition of the vinedresser serves as a barometer for divine activity. In a time of judgment, they are called to "howl" because the harvest has perished Joel 1:11. Conversely, in a prophecy of restoration, foreigners will serve as vinedressers, signifying Israel's elevated status and abundance Isaiah 61:5.
- Indicator of National Order: A well-managed kingdom is shown to have vinedressers as part of its organized labor force. King Uzziah's employment of them alongside other husbandmen reflects his love for the land and the prosperity of his reign 2 Chronicles 26:10.
In summary, H3755 kôrêm is a precise term for a vinedresser, a laborer who tends to vineyards. Though appearing only five times, its use across historical and prophetic books provides a clear picture of its role. The vinedresser is portrayed as essential to the land's cultivation, often representing the working poor, and serves as a symbol for the wider condition of the nation—whether in a state of judgment, royal prosperity, or prophetic restoration. It functions alongside other agricultural terms to ground the biblical narrative in the realities of the land and its stewardship.
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