The Hebrew word mᵉlîylâh, represented by H4425, specifically means a head of grain (as cut off) or ear. Derived from a root word implying cropping, its meaning is tied to the act of being cut. It appears only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the entire Bible, highlighting its very specific application within the law.
The sole use of H4425 is found in a law described in Deuteronomy 23:25. This passage outlines what is permissible when a person comes H935 into the standing corn H7054 of a neighbour H7453. The law states that one may "pluck H6998 the ears H4425 with thine hand H3027." However, it sets a clear limit by forbidding the use of a tool for a larger harvest, stating, "thou shalt not move H5130 a sickle H2770 unto thy neighbour's H7453 standing corn H7054."
Several related words from its context clarify the meaning of H4425:
- H6998 qâṭaph (to strip off; crop off, cut down (up), pluck): This is the specific action allowed to be taken upon the ears of grain. It describes a limited, manual action rather than a full harvest Deuteronomy 23:25.
- H7054 qâmâh (something that rises, i.e. a stalk of grain; (standing) corn, grown up, stalk): This refers to the entire plant from which the mᵉlîylâh is taken. It is the object of the harvest, whether by hand or sickle Deuteronomy 16:9.
- H3027 yâd (a hand): The law explicitly permits plucking the ears by hand, emphasizing a small-scale, personal act. This contrasts with the use of a tool for harvesting.
- H2770 chermêsh (a sickle): This harvesting tool is expressly forbidden in this context Deuteronomy 23:25. Its use would constitute taking from the neighbor's livelihood, rather than satisfying an immediate need.
- H7453 rêaʻ (an associate... neighbour): This term defines the social setting. The law governs conduct between members of the community, balancing personal need with respect for a neighbour's property Leviticus 19:18.
The principle behind the usage of H4425 is significant, despite its rarity.
- Provision within the Law: Its appearance in Deuteronomy 23:25 establishes a legal provision for the hungry. It allows a person to satisfy their immediate need from a neighbor's field without being considered a thief.
- Defining Boundaries: The law creates a sharp distinction between satisfying hunger and stealing. Plucking ears H4425 by hand is permitted, but using a sickle H2770—an act of harvesting—is prohibited. This protects the owner's crop.
- The Nature of the Object: The word mᵉlîylâh itself, defined as a "head of grain (as cut off)," reinforces the limited nature of the act. It refers to the small, pluckable part of the stalk, not the entire field of standing corn H7054.
In summary, H4425 mᵉlîylâh is a precise term for an ear of grain. Its single biblical appearance in Deuteronomy 23:25 is crucial for a law that balances compassion with the protection of property. The word encapsulates the specific and limited provision made for a hungry person within their community, distinguishing between taking a handful for sustenance and the unlawful act of harvesting a neighbour's field.
TRV