or נֵיב; from נוּב; produce, literally or figuratively; fruit.
Transliteration:nôwb
Pronunciation:nobe
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word נוֹב (nôwb, `{{H5108}}`) is a noun derived from the verb נוּב (nuwb, `{{H5107}}`), which signifies "to sprout, to flourish, to yield fruit." As such, `{{H5108}}` carries the primary meaning of "produce" or "fruit." Its semantic range extends beyond mere literal botanical yield to encompass figurative expressions of outcome, result, or utterance. It denotes that which is brought forth or generated, whether from the earth, from a living being, or from a divine source. The concept inherently carries the idea of growth and fruition, pointing to a natural or divinely ordained process culminating in a tangible or conceptual output.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The noun נוֹב (`{{H5108}}`) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in a profoundly significant context: [[Isaiah 57:19]]. The verse reads: "I create the fruit of the lips: Peace, peace to him that is far off, and to him that is near, saith the LORD; and I will heal him." Here, נוֹב is used in the construct state, "fruit of the lips" (נוֹב שְׂפָתָיִם). This is a highly figurative usage, not referring to literal produce, but to words or utterances. The divine declaration "I create the fruit of the lips" underscores God's sovereign power not only over creation but specifically over human speech and its redemptive outcome. In this context, the "fruit of the lips" is explicitly identified with "Peace, peace," suggesting that the words God creates are those that bring reconciliation, healing, and well-being. This passage highlights God's initiative in establishing peace both for those "far off" (likely Gentiles or exiles) and those "near" (Israel), through divinely inspired or empowered speech.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most immediate and crucial related word is the verbal root נוּב (`{{H5107}}`), from which נוֹב (`{{H5108}}`) is derived. This root verb, meaning "to sprout, flourish, yield fruit," reinforces the idea of growth, productivity, and the bringing forth of something tangible or beneficial. Other related terms for "fruit" in the Hebrew Bible include פְּרִי (pĕrî, `{{H6529}}`), a very common word for both literal and figurative fruit, and תְּבוּאָה (tĕbûʼâ, `{{H8393}}`), meaning "produce" or "yield." The concept of "fruit of the lips" finds parallels in other biblical expressions, such as the "sacrifice of praise" (cf. [[Hebrews 13:15]], though a different Greek word is used, the concept of verbal offering is similar). The idea of God creating peace through speech resonates with themes of divine word and covenant faithfulness.
### Theological Significance
The singular occurrence of נוֹב (`{{H5108}}`) in [[Isaiah 57:19]] carries immense theological weight. It reveals God as the ultimate Creator of all things, extending even to the "fruit of the lips." This is not merely human speech, but divinely originated utterance that brings about profound spiritual realities: "Peace, peace" and healing. This emphasizes God's active role in reconciliation and restoration. The repetition of "peace" (shalom) signifies completeness, well-being, and wholeness, underscoring the comprehensive nature of God's redemptive work. The passage highlights that genuine peace and healing are not human achievements but divine gifts, mediated through God's creative power, even through the words spoken. It foreshadows the New Testament emphasis on the power of the Gospel message to bring peace between God and humanity, and between individuals, through the divine initiative. This "fruit of the lips" can be understood as divinely inspired praise, confession, or proclamation that aligns with God's will and brings about His purposes of reconciliation and healing.
### Summary
The Hebrew word נוֹב (`{{H5108}}`), derived from the root נוּב (`{{H5107}}`) meaning "to sprout, flourish, yield fruit," signifies "produce" or "fruit." Its sole biblical appearance in [[Isaiah 57:19]] as "the fruit of the lips" illuminates a profound theological truth: God is the sovereign Creator of even human utterance, particularly when that utterance brings forth "Peace, peace" and healing. This unique usage underscores God's active role in initiating reconciliation and restoration, demonstrating that genuine peace is a divine creation, mediated through His powerful word, for both those near and far. It is a powerful testament to God's redemptive initiative and His ability to transform human speech into an instrument of His divine purposes.