The Hebrew word mᵉlêʼâh, represented by H4395, is a term for abundance or fulness, particularly of produce. It appears 3 times across 3 unique verses in the Bible. Its definition describes something that is fulfilled, such as the "first of ripe" fruit or the general abundance of a harvest.
In the biblical narrative, H4395 is used in specific agricultural and legal contexts. It is commanded as a required offering to God, with the instruction, "Thou shalt not delay to offer the first of thy ripe fruits" Exodus 22:29. It also appears in a law prohibiting the mixing of seeds in a vineyard, warning that the "fruit" of the seed would be defiled Deuteronomy 22:9. Finally, it is used to characterize the value of an offering, which is to be reckoned "as the fulness of the winepress" Numbers 18:27.
Several related words help clarify the agricultural and religious context of abundance:
- H309 ʼâchar (to loiter... delay, hinder, be late): This verb is used to command against procrastinating in the offering of mᵉlêʼâh, highlighting the urgency and importance of giving the firstfruits to God promptly Exodus 22:29.
- H1831 demaʻ (a tear; figuratively, juice; liquor): This term for liquid offerings appears directly with mᵉlêʼâh in Exodus 22:29, specifying that both the solid "ripe fruits" and the liquid "liquors" from the harvest must be offered.
- H1715 dâgân (increase, i.e. grain; corn): Used in parallel with mᵉlêʼâh, this word for grain helps illustrate the completeness of an offering, which is compared to both the corn of the threshingfloor and the fulness of the winepress Numbers 18:27.
The theological weight of H4395 centers on the principles of offering and consecration.
- The Law of Firstfruits: The use of mᵉlêʼâh in Exodus 22:29 establishes the principle of giving the first and best of God's provision back to Him without delay. It represents the acknowledgment that all abundance comes from God.
- Agricultural Purity: In Deuteronomy 22:9, the "fruit" of the field is subject to laws of purity. The potential for the mᵉlêʼâh to be defiled connects the physical harvest to the spiritual concept of holiness and separation.
- Symbolic Abundance: The term is used to establish the value of a heave offering, which is counted "as" the fulness of the winepress Numbers 18:27. This shows that a dedicated portion can symbolically represent the entirety of the harvest's blessing.
In summary, H4395 signifies more than just a plentiful harvest. It is a cornerstone of the Old Testament sacrificial system, defining the believer's responsibility to honor God with the first and best of their increase. It illustrates how a word for agricultural abundance can convey deep theological concepts of priority, purity, and the symbolic nature of giving.
TRV