### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʻâdâsh**, represented by `{{H5742}}`, refers to a **lentil**. It appears **4 times** in **4 unique verses**. Though its usage is infrequent, it consistently denotes a common food source, often appearing alongside other staple grains and provisions in the biblical text.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{H5742}}` is primarily shown as a food item. Its most notable appearance is in the story of Jacob and Esau, where Jacob gave Esau bread and a "pottage of **lentiles**" in exchange for his birthright [[Genesis 25:34]]. The term also appears in a military context, where Shammah, one of David's mighty men, defended a plot of ground full of **lentiles** from the Philistines [[2 Samuel 23:11]]. As a provision, **lentiles** were brought to David's men along with other foods like wheat and barley [[2 Samuel 17:28]]. The prophet Ezekiel was also instructed to make bread using **lentiles** along with other grains like wheat, barley, and beans as part of a symbolic act [[Ezekiel 4:9]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the use and context of lentils as a food source:
* `{{H5138}}` **nâzîyd** (pottage): Defined as "something boiled, i.e. soup," this word is directly associated with lentils in the account of Esau, who was given "pottage of lentiles" [[Genesis 25:34]]. This indicates a common method of preparing them.
* `{{H3899}}` **lechem** (bread): Lentils are mentioned with **bread** in multiple instances. Esau received **bread** with his lentil pottage [[Genesis 25:34]], and Ezekiel was commanded to bake various grains, including lentils, into **bread** [[Ezekiel 4:9]].
* `{{H2406}}` **chiṭṭâh** (wheat): As a primary grain, **wheat** is frequently listed with lentils, establishing lentils as a staple food. Both were brought as provisions to David's camp [[2 Samuel 17:28]] and were included in the ingredients for Ezekiel's symbolic bread [[Ezekiel 4:9]].
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{H5742}}` is tied to its role as a basic form of sustenance.
* **A Symbol of Shortsighted Desire:** The "pottage of lentiles" is forever linked to Esau's decision to trade his birthright for immediate gratification, showing how something of immense value was exchanged for a simple meal [[Genesis 25:34]].
* **A Staple for Sustenance:** Lentils are consistently presented as a fundamental foodstuff. They are included in provisions for those in need, such as for David and his followers [[2 Samuel 17:28]], and are part of the ingredients for the bread Ezekiel was to eat during the symbolic siege [[Ezekiel 4:9]].
* **A Valued Crop:** The defense of a field of **lentiles** by Shammah highlights their agricultural importance [[2 Samuel 23:11]]. The crop was valuable enough to be defended in battle, underscoring its role in the community's survival.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H5742}}` **ʻâdâsh** consistently refers to the **lentil**, a common food staple in ancient Israel. While it appears only a few times, it is depicted as a valued agricultural crop, an ingredient for pottage and bread, and a key provision for sustenance. Its most memorable use is in the narrative of Esau, where a meal of lentils becomes a powerful symbol of forfeiting a long-term inheritance for a moment of physical hunger.
TRV