### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **lach**, represented by `{{H3892}}`, is a term for things that are **fresh**, **green**, or **moist**. It appears **6 times** across **6 unique verses** in the Bible. Derived from an unused root meaning to be new, its core meaning refers to something that is unused or has not been dried out.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical narratives, `{{H3892}}` is used to describe the vitality of living plants and the unused state of objects. Jacob takes rods from a **green** poplar tree to influence his flock [[Genesis 30:37]]. For the Nazirite vow, one must abstain from "**moist** grapes," in addition to wine and strong drink [[Numbers 6:3]]. The word is also central to the story of Samson, where his captors attempt to bind him with seven **green** withs that had not been dried ([[Judges 16:7]], [[Judges 16:8]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide contrast and context to the concept of moisture and life:
* `{{H3002}}` **yâbêsh** (dry): As the direct antonym of `lach`, this word is often used in parallel to create a contrast. God's judgment is described as affecting the "**green** tree" and the "**dry** tree" ([[Ezekiel 17:24]], [[Ezekiel 20:47]]), and the Nazirite vow forbids both "**moist** grapes" and "**dried**" ones [[Numbers 6:3]].
* `{{H2717}}` **chârab** (to parch... be dry up): This verb describes the action of becoming dry. The withs used to bind Samson were notable because they had not been **dried** [[Judges 16:7]]. The root can also mean to lay waste or destroy, linking dryness with desolation [[Ezekiel 6:6]].
* `{{H6086}}` **'êts** (tree): This is a primary object described with `lach`. The term is used for the "**green** tree" in God's symbolic pronouncements in Ezekiel ([[Ezekiel 17:24]], [[Ezekiel 20:47]]) and for the rods Jacob used [[Genesis 30:37]].
* `{{H6025}}` **'ênâb** (grape): The fruit described as "**moist**" in the Nazirite law [[Numbers 6:3]]. This connects `lach` directly to produce in its fresh, natural state, before fermentation into `{{H3196}}` **yayin** (wine).
### Theological Significance
The word `{{H3892}}` carries significant symbolic weight, representing states of life, strength, and consecration.
* **Symbol of Vitality and Strength:** The "green" or "moist" quality signifies life and potential. The **green** withs used against Samson were chosen for their pliancy and strength [[Judges 16:7]], and Jacob's **green** rods were living branches [[Genesis 30:37]].
* **Metaphor for Divine Sovereignty:** In Ezekiel, the "**green** tree" represents the prosperous and flourishing, while the "dry tree" represents the lowly or desolate. God proclaims His power to reverse these states, drying up the **green** tree and making the dry one flourish [[Ezekiel 17:24]].
* **Element of Consecration:** The prohibition against "**moist** grapes" for the Nazirite [[Numbers 6:3]] is part of a larger separation from products of the vine, including `{{H3196}}` **yayin** (wine) and `{{H7941}}` **shêkâr** (strong drink). Here, freshness is tied to a worldly pleasure that must be forsaken for a period of holiness.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H3892}}` is more than a simple physical descriptor. It defines a state of being—alive, fresh, and undried. This quality is used to symbolize natural strength, as with Samson's bonds, and becomes a powerful metaphor in prophecy for the flourishing whom God can humble. From a dietary restriction to a symbol of divine judgment, `lach` illustrates how the simple concept of freshness carries layers of meaning related to life, holiness, and God's ultimate power.
TRV