### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **nâṭîyaʻ**, represented by `{{H5195}}`, translates to **a plant**. This word is exceptionally rare, appearing only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the entire Bible. Its meaning is derived from its direct use as a metaphor for youthful vitality and growth.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The single biblical appearance of `{{H5195}}` is in [[Psalms 144:12]]. In this passage, the psalmist expresses a desire for the prosperity of the next generation. The word is used in a simile, praying that "our sons may be as **plants** grown up in their youth." The imagery suggests strength, health, and being well-established and flourishing from an early age. This is contrasted with the subsequent line, which describes daughters as polished "corner stones" `{{H2106}}`.
### Related Words & Concepts
The meaning of `{{H5195}}` is illuminated by the words surrounding it in its only context [[Psalms 144:12]]:
* `{{H1121}}` **bên** (a son): This is the subject being compared to a plant. The desire is for the sons of the community to embody the qualities of a healthy, thriving plant.
* `{{H1431}}` **gâdal** (grow up): This verb, meaning to be or make large, describes the state of the plants. It emphasizes that the sons should not just exist, but be large and mature.
* `{{H5271}}` **nâʻûwr** (youth): This word specifies the timeframe for this growth, highlighting the ideal of achieving strength and maturity early in life.
* `{{H1323}}` **bath** (a daughter): Used in the parallel phrase, daughters are compared to corner stones, providing a complementary image of stability and beauty to the sons' vitality.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H5195}}` is concentrated in its single, powerful use as a metaphor.
* **A Symbol of Blessing:** The word is part of a prayer for divine blessing upon the community. A flourishing young plant is a sign of life, prosperity, and a promising future, which is the desired state for the sons.
* **Idealized Youthful Strength:** By connecting a **plant** with being "grown up in their youth" [[Psalms 144:12]], the term represents the ideal of young men who are strong, well-rooted, and mature beyond their years.
* **Complementary Generational Roles:** The image of sons as living, growing **plants** works alongside the image of daughters as foundational, polished "corner stones" `{{H2106}}` of a "palace" `{{H1964}}`. Together, they form a picture of a blessed and well-ordered society.
### Summary
In summary, while `{{H5195}}` is simply defined as a **plant**, its lone biblical usage gives it significant metaphorical weight. It stands as a symbol of the blessing of a thriving, strong, and well-established younger generation. The word illustrates how even a term used only once in scripture can convey a rich theological concept, transforming a simple botanical object into a powerful image of vitality and future hope.
TRV