a primitive root; to germinate, i.e. (figuratively) to (causatively, make) flourish; also (of words), to utter; bring forth (fruit), make cheerful, increase.
Transliteration:nûwb
Pronunciation:noob
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew root `{{H5107}}` (נוּב, *nûwb*) is a primitive root carrying the core meaning of generation and productive output. Its most literal sense is "to germinate" or "to sprout," evoking the image of a plant bringing forth its produce. From this botanical foundation, the semantic range expands figuratively to encompass various forms of flourishing and increase. It can denote the general idea of "to flourish" or "to prosper," implying growth, abundance, and vitality, often in the context of material wealth or well-being. Causatively, it can mean "to make flourish" or "to make cheerful," suggesting an active role in promoting growth or joy. Furthermore, `{{H5107}}` is uniquely applied to the realm of speech, where it signifies "to utter" or "to bring forth" words, particularly wisdom or truth, emphasizing the productive nature of verbal expression. Thus, *nûwb* encapsulates the concept of yielding, whether it be fruit, prosperity, or profound speech.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Though relatively infrequent, the occurrences of `{{H5107}}` illuminate its diverse applications:
* **Psalm 92:14:** "They shall still `{{H5107}}` bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing." Here, *nûwb* is used in its most direct sense, referring to the continued fruitfulness of the righteous, even in advanced years. The context emphasizes God's faithfulness in sustaining His servants, enabling them to remain productive and vibrant. This speaks to both literal and spiritual fruitfulness.
* **Proverbs 10:31:** "The mouth of the righteous `{{H5107}}` brings forth wisdom, but the perverse tongue shall be cut off." This verse showcases the unique application of *nûwb* to speech. The mouth of the righteous is depicted as a source that "produces" or "utters" wisdom, highlighting the positive and life-giving nature of their words, contrasting sharply with destructive speech.
* **Psalm 62:10:** "if riches `{{H5107}}` increase, set not your heart upon them." In this context, *nûwb* describes the "increase" or "flourishing" of material wealth. The psalmist uses the term to acknowledge the possibility of prosperity but immediately issues a warning against placing one's ultimate trust or affection in such transient gains, emphasizing the deceptive nature of earthly abundance.
* **Zechariah 9:17:** "For how great is his goodness, and how great is his beauty! grain shall make the young men `{{H5107}}` flourish, and new wine the virgins." Here, *nûwb* is used causatively, indicating that the abundance of grain and new wine will "make flourish" or "produce strength" in the young people. This points to a time of divine blessing and prosperity where the land yields abundantly, leading to the vitality and well-being of the population.
These occurrences demonstrate the word's flexibility, moving from natural fruitfulness to the production of wisdom, the accumulation of wealth, and the flourishing of a community under divine favor.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of `{{H5107}}` intersects with several other Hebrew terms and concepts:
* **`{{H6509}}` (פָּרָה, *pārāh*):** "to be fruitful, multiply." This is a broader term for general fruitfulness, often associated with God's command to humanity and creation to multiply ([[Genesis 1:28]]). While *pārāh* emphasizes multiplication, *nûwb* focuses on the act of bringing forth or yielding.
* **`{{H7227}}` (רָבָה, *rābāh*):** "to be or become many, great, increase." Similar to the "increase" aspect of *nûwb*, but *rābāh* is more general for numerical or quantitative growth, whereas *nûwb* often implies a productive, qualitative yielding.
* **`{{H6789}}` (צָמַח, *tsamach*):** "to sprout, grow, spring up." This term shares the botanical imagery of *nûwb*, focusing on the initial emergence and growth of plants. *Nûwb* often describes the culmination of that growth in yielding fruit.
* **`{{H8321}}` (שָׁפַע, *shāphaʿ*):** "to flow, abound." This term describes abundance and overflowing, which can be a result or a context for the "flourishing" implied by *nûwb*.
* **Wisdom (חָכְמָה, *chokhmah*):** The connection in [[Proverbs 10:31]] highlights the concept of wisdom as a tangible output, something that is "brought forth" from a righteous heart and mouth. This links *nûwb* to the broader wisdom tradition in Israel.
* **Divine Blessing:** Many contexts of *nûwb* imply divine favor and blessing as the ultimate source of fruitfulness, whether in nature, human life, or national prosperity.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H5107}}` is profound, underscoring God's role as the ultimate source of life, fruitfulness, and prosperity.
1. **God as the Giver of Fruitfulness:** The ability of the earth to "bring forth fruit" and for individuals or communities to "flourish" is ultimately attributed to God's providential care and blessing. He is the one who enables growth and productivity, whether agricultural, material, or spiritual ([[Psalm 92:14]], [[Zechariah 9:17]]).
2. **Human Responsibility and Righteousness:** While God is the source, human righteousness and obedience are often presented as conditions for experiencing this divine enabling. The righteous "bring forth wisdom" ([[Proverbs 10:31]]), indicating that spiritual and ethical integrity are prerequisites for producing good and beneficial output in the world, particularly through speech.
3. **Warning Against Materialism:** The use of *nûwb* in the context of increasing riches ([[Psalm 62:10]]) serves as a vital theological warning. While God may allow prosperity, the word implicitly reminds believers that true flourishing is not found in the accumulation of wealth itself, but in a right relationship with God. Placing one's heart on material increase can lead to spiritual barrenness.
4. **Spiritual Productivity:** Beyond literal fruit, *nûwb* points to spiritual productivity. The righteous are expected to "bear fruit" in old age, signifying sustained faithfulness, wisdom, and a life that continues to yield blessings for others. This aligns with New Testament concepts of "fruit of the Spirit" ([[Galatians 5:22-23]]) and bearing fruit for God's glory.
### Summary
The Hebrew root `{{H5107}}` (נוּב, *nûwb*) is a rich term signifying the act of bringing forth, yielding, or flourishing. Its core meaning extends from the literal germination and fruit-bearing of plants to the figurative increase of wealth and the vital utterance of wisdom. Biblical occurrences in Psalms, Proverbs, and Zechariah demonstrate its application to the sustained fruitfulness of the righteous, the productive nature of wise speech, the increase of material possessions, and the flourishing of a community under divine blessing. Theologically, *nûwb* highlights God as the ultimate source of all fruitfulness and prosperity, calls humanity to righteous living as a condition for spiritual productivity, and issues a cautionary note against the idolatry of material gain. It encapsulates the profound biblical truth that true life is found in yielding good fruit, whether from the earth, the heart, or the mouth, all enabled by divine grace.
TRV