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.
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.
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".
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.
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