from כֶּרֶם; a planted field (garden, orchard, vineyard or park); by implication, garden produce; full (green) ears (of corn), fruitful field (place), plentiful (field).
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **karmel**, represented by `{{H3759}}`, refers to a **planted field** or **fruitful field**. It appears **13 times** across **11 unique verses** in the Bible. Its meaning extends from a garden, orchard, or vineyard to the produce that comes from such a place, such as "full (green) ears (of corn)." The word signifies a place of abundance and cultivation, in contrast to a wild or barren space.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H3759}}` is used to illustrate states of blessing and judgment. It represents God's provision, as when He brought Israel into a "plentiful `{{H3759}}` country" to enjoy its fruit and goodness [[Jeremiah 2:7]]. The term also describes a dramatic transformation, where a wilderness becomes a "fruitful field" through the pouring out of God's spirit [[Isaiah 32:15]]. In a literal sense, it denotes garden produce, such as the "full ears of corn" brought as an offering of firstfruits [[2 Kings 4:42]]. Conversely, the desolation of a "fruitful place" serves as a stark image of divine judgment brought on by fierce anger [[Jeremiah 4:26]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the meaning of `{{H3759}}`:
* `{{H3754}}` **kerem** (vines, (increase of the) vineyard(-s), vintage): As the root from which `karmel` is derived, this word connects it directly to cultivated vineyards. It appears alongside "plentiful field" in contexts describing the removal of joy and shouting from the harvest [[Isaiah 16:10]].
* `{{H4057}}` **midbâr** (a pasture (i.e. open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert; also speech (including its organs); desert, south, speech, wilderness): This word for wilderness is often contrasted with the "fruitful field," representing a state of barrenness that God can transform into abundance [[Isaiah 32:15]].
* `{{H1061}}` **bikkûwr** (from בָּכַר; the first-fruits of the crop; first fruit (-ripe (figuratively)), hasty fruit.): This term is linked to `karmel` in the context of offerings. "Full ears" `{{H3759}}` are presented as a "meat offering `{{H4503}}` of thy firstfruits `{{H1061}}`" to the LORD [[Leviticus 2:14]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H3759}}` is significant, symbolizing the relationship between God, His people, and the land.
* **Divine Provision and Blessing:** A "fruitful field" is a tangible sign of God's covenant favor and goodness. He provides it for His people to enjoy, but they in turn can defile this gift [[Jeremiah 2:7]].
* **Spiritual Transformation:** The change from a wilderness to a "fruitful field" symbolizes God's power to bring life and restoration, which is initiated by the pouring out of His "spirit `{{H7307}}`" from on high [[Isaiah 32:15]].
* **Judgment and Consequence:** The destruction of a "fruitful place" `{{H3759}}` into a wilderness demonstrates the severe consequences of disobedience and the LORD's "fierce `{{H2740}}` anger `{{H639}}`" [[Jeremiah 4:26]]. The removal of joy from the "plentiful field" signifies a land under judgment [[Jeremiah 48:33]].
* **The Dwelling Place of Righteousness:** In its ideal, restored state, the "fruitful field" is not just a place of physical abundance but also of moral order, where "righteousness `{{H6666}}` remain `{{H3427}}`" [[Isaiah 32:16]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H3759}}` is a rich term that moves beyond a simple agricultural description. It functions as a powerful symbol for the state of the covenant relationship between God and His people. As **karmel**, the land reflects either the blessing of God's presence, resulting in a fruitful field where righteousness dwells, or the weight of His judgment, which turns a place of abundance into a desolate wilderness.
TRV