### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **nôwb**, represented by `{{H5108}}`, means **produce**, and can be understood literally or figuratively as **fruit**. It is a rare term, appearing only **2 times** in **2 unique verses** within the Bible.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The two uses of `{{H5108}}` present a study in contrasts. In Isaiah, it is used figuratively to describe a positive, divine action: God declares, "I create{H1254} the **fruit**{H5108} of the lips{H8193}" [[Isaiah 57:19]]. This "fruit" is linked to a message of `peace {{H7965}}` and healing for all, both `near {{H7138}}` and `far off {{H7350}}`. Conversely, in Malachi, the word refers to literal produce that has been defiled. The priests are rebuked for saying "The `table {{H7979}}` of the LORD is `polluted {{H1351}}`; and the **fruit**{H5108} thereof, even his `meat {{H400}}`, is `contemptible {{H959}}`" [[Malachi 1:12]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words illuminate the context of `{{H5108}}`:
* `{{H1254}}` **bârâʼ** (to create): This word is paired with `{{H5108}}` in [[Isaiah 57:19]], showing that the "fruit of the lips" is not a human product alone but is brought into being by God himself.
* `{{H1351}}` **gâʼal** (to soil or (figuratively) desecrate): In [[Malachi 1:12]], the table of the Lord is described as `polluted {{H1351}}`, which directly characterizes the state of its "fruit".
* `{{H7979}}` **shulchân** (a table): This word specifies the location of the "fruit" in [[Malachi 1:12]], identifying it as the offerings placed upon the sacred "table of the LORD".
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H5108}}` is centered on the nature of what is produced for God:
* **The Fruit of Speech:** In its positive context, `{{H5108}}` elevates speech to the level of a divine creation. The "fruit of the lips" is a God-given expression that results in `peace {{H7965}}` and `healing {{H7495}}` [[Isaiah 57:19]].
* **The Fruit of Sacrifice:** In its negative context, the word represents the offerings that should be holy to God. To treat this "fruit" as `contemptible {{H959}}` is to `profane {{H2490}}` one's relationship with God and desecrate His altar [[Malachi 1:12]].
* **Accountability for Produce:** Together, the two verses show that what people "produce"—whether in words of praise or in physical offerings—is subject to divine judgment.
### Summary
In summary, while `{{H5108}}` is used infrequently, it powerfully conveys the concept of **fruit** or **produce** in both a figurative and literal sense. It contrasts the God-created "fruit of the lips" which brings peace, with the desecrated "fruit" of a polluted offering. The word underscores the principle that all produce, whether spoken or given, carries significant spiritual weight and is an expression of one's reverence or contempt for God.
TRV