### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term מְלֵאָה (mᵉlêʼâh, `{{H4395}}`) is a feminine noun derived from the root מָלֵא (mālēʼ, `{{H4390}}`), which signifies "to be full," "to fill," or "to be complete." As a feminine form, mᵉlêʼâh carries the nuance of a state of fullness, completion, or abundance, often as a realized or achieved outcome. Its base definition encompasses "something fulfilled," "abundance (of produce)," "first of ripe fruit," and "fulness." The semantic range of mᵉlêʼâh therefore centers on the concept of plenitude, ripeness, and the complete yield, particularly in an agricultural context. It describes a quantity that has reached its full measure or maturity, implying a state of blessed provision and culmination.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of מְלֵאָה (mᵉlêʼâh, `{{H4395}}`) in the Hebrew Bible are few but significant, consistently pointing to the full, ripe produce of the land.
* **[[Exodus 22:29]] (MT 22:28):** "You shall not delay to offer from the fullness (מְלֵאָה) of your harvest and from the outflow of your presses." Here, mᵉlêʼâh refers to the firstfruits of the grain and the first of the wine or oil, emphasizing the prompt and complete offering of the initial, abundant yield. It underscores the divine claim on the first and best of the harvest.
* **[[Deuteronomy 22:9]]:** "You shall not sow your vineyard with two kinds of seed, lest the whole full yield (מְלֵאָה), the produce of the seed which you have sown and the fruit of the vineyard, become holy (forfeited to the sanctuary)." This passage prohibits mixing seeds in a vineyard, warning that the entire "full yield" (מְלֵאָה) would become consecrated or forfeited. The term highlights the *entirety* and *completeness* of the harvest, which, if produced in violation of God's law, would be rendered unusable for personal benefit.
* **[[Numbers 18:27]]:** "And your contribution shall be counted to you as grain from the threshing floor and as fullness (מְלֵאָה) from the winepress." In this context, mᵉlêʼâh refers to the full, complete yield of the winepress, symbolizing the abundance that the Levites' tithes represent for the priests, akin to the farmer's full harvest.
Across these occurrences, mᵉlêʼâh consistently denotes the abundant, complete, and ripe produce of the land, often in the context of offerings or divine regulations concerning agricultural practices.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary linguistic connection for מְלֵאָה (mᵉlêʼâh, `{{H4395}}`) is its root verb מָלֵא (mālēʼ, `{{H4390}}`), meaning "to be full" or "to fill." This foundational relationship highlights that mᵉlêʼâh represents the *state* or *result* of being filled or complete.
Conceptually, mᵉlêʼâh is closely related to:
* **Firstfruits (בִּכּוּרִים, bikkûrîm, `{{H1061}}`):** While mᵉlêʼâh can refer to the entire yield, its usage in [[Exodus 22:29]] explicitly links it to the initial, best portion of the harvest, which is to be offered as firstfruits. This emphasizes the quality and priority of the offering.
* **Abundance/Plenty (e.g., רֹב, rōḇ, `{{H7230}}`; שֶׁפַע, shephaʻ, `{{H8228}}`):** mᵉlêʼâh describes a specific manifestation of abundance—that which is the result of a full, mature harvest, indicative of divine blessing.
* **Harvest (קָצִיר, qāṣîr, `{{H7105}}`):** The term is intrinsically tied to the agricultural cycle and the culmination of the growing season.
* **Consecration/Holiness (קֹדֶשׁ, qōḏeš, `{{H6944}}`):** The context in [[Deuteronomy 22:9]] shows that the mᵉlêʼâh can become "holy" (forfeited to the sanctuary) if produced improperly, highlighting the sacred dimension of the harvest and the laws governing it.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of מְלֵאָה (mᵉlêʼâh, `{{H4395}}`) is multifaceted, deeply embedded in the covenant relationship between Yahweh and Israel.
1. **Divine Provision and Faithfulness:** Mᵉlêʼâh serves as a tangible symbol of God's abundant provision and unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises. The full, ripe harvest is a direct manifestation of His blessing upon the land and His people, demonstrating His power to sustain life and bring forth fruitfulness. It underscores the truth that all material blessings ultimately flow from His hand.
2. **Stewardship and Obedience:** The command to offer the mᵉlêʼâh, particularly as firstfruits, establishes a profound principle of stewardship. It reminds Israel that they are not absolute owners but stewards of God's gifts. Giving the first and best portion back to God is an act of obedience, gratitude, and trust, acknowledging His sovereignty and trusting Him for continued provision in the future. This act of offering from the mᵉlêʼâh tests the heart's allegiance and priorities.
3. **Holiness and Consecration:** The mᵉlêʼâh is not merely a quantity of produce but carries a sacred dimension. As seen in the prohibition against mixed sowing, the entire full yield could become "holy" (consecrated or forfeited) if the divine commands were violated. This highlights the holiness of God and the demand for His people to live in accordance with His holy standards, even in agricultural practices. The act of offering the mᵉlêʼâh also consecrates a portion of the harvest to God, setting it apart as sacred.
4. **Anticipation of Future Blessing:** The cyclical nature of the harvest, culminating in the mᵉlêʼâh, reinforces the hope and anticipation of future blessings. It points to a God who completes what He starts and provides in full measure, fostering a posture of hopeful dependence on His continued favor.
### Summary
The Hebrew word מְלֵאָה (mᵉlêʼâh, `{{H4395}}`) denotes the "fullness," "completeness," or "abundance" of agricultural produce, particularly the first and ripe yield. Derived from מָלֵא (mālēʼ, `{{H4390}}`) meaning "to be full," its usage in texts like [[Exodus 22:29]], [[Deuteronomy 22:9]], and [[Numbers 18:27]] consistently refers to the mature, complete harvest. Theologically, mᵉlêʼâh profoundly underscores God's generous provision and covenant faithfulness, demanding a response of grateful stewardship and obedient consecration through the offering of firstfruits. It represents a tangible sign of divine blessing, the culmination of a process brought to fruition by God's hand, and a call to honor Him with the best of His gifts.
TRV