### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʻâleh**, represented by `{{H5929}}`, is a term for **leaf** or **foliage**. It appears 18 times in 13 unique verses. Derived from the word for "to ascend" `{{H5927}}`, ʻâleh signifies that which comes up on a tree. It is used both literally for plant life and figuratively to represent concepts of prosperity, fragility, and the spiritual condition of humanity.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical texts, `{{H5929}}` is used to illustrate spiritual truths. For the righteous, it is a symbol of enduring life and prosperity; they are like a tree whose **leaf** does not wither [[Psalms 1:3]] and remains green even in a year of drought [[Jeremiah 17:8]]. In a prophetic vision of restoration, its **leaf** is for medicine [[Ezekiel 47:12]]. Conversely, it symbolizes human sinfulness and mortality, where "we all do fade as a **leaf**" [[Isaiah 64:6]]. It also represents the fragility of the fearful, who are chased by the sound of a shaken **leaf** [[Leviticus 26:36]]. Its first mention is in Genesis, where fig **leaves** were sewed together as aprons [[Genesis 3:7]], and it later appears as a sign of hope when a dove returns with an olive **leaf** [[Genesis 8:11]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide deeper context for the meaning of leaf and foliage:
* `{{H6086}}` **ʻêts** (a tree): As the source of leaves, this word is almost always present alongside `{{H5929}}`. The state of the **leaf** reflects the health of the **tree** [[Psalms 1:3]].
* `{{H6529}}` **pᵉrîy** (fruit): Often paired with **leaf** to represent the full vitality and productivity of a plant. A healthy tree brings forth both **fruit** and a vibrant **leaf** [[Ezekiel 47:12]].
* `{{H5034}}` **nâbêl** (to wilt; generally, to fall away, fail, faint): This word is frequently used to describe the fate of the **leaf** in contexts of judgment or decay, such as when the **leaf** shall fade [[Jeremiah 8:13]].
* `{{H7488}}` **raʻănân** (verdant; by analogy, new; figuratively, prosperous): This term describes the ideal state of a **leaf**, signifying life and health. A person blessed by God has a **leaf** that shall be **green** [[Jeremiah 17:8]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H5929}}` is expressed through its powerful symbolism.
* **Righteous Vitality:** A fresh, unwithered **leaf** symbolizes a life connected to God's law and blessing. The righteous are promised to flourish like a branch [[Proverbs 11:28]] and be like a tree whose **leaf** does not wither [[Psalms 1:3]].
* **Human Frailty and Judgment:** A fading or falling **leaf** represents human mortality, sin, and the consequences of disobedience. The unrighteous are described as an oak whose **leaf** fadeth [[Isaiah 1:30]], and humanity's iniquities cause them to fade as a **leaf** [[Isaiah 64:6]].
* **Provision and Healing:** Leaves serve as a sign of divine provision and restoration. The olive **leaf** signaled the end of the flood's judgment [[Genesis 8:11]], and in the future sanctuary, the **leaf** of the trees will be for medicine [[Ezekiel 47:12]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H5929}}` is more than just a word for a leaf. It serves as a potent biblical metaphor for the condition of one's life. Drawing its meaning from the idea of "ascending" `{{H5927}}`, the **leaf** represents life that is either vibrant and prosperous when connected to God, or fragile and fading when separated from Him. From the first aprons in Eden to the healing leaves of the new sanctuary, **ʻâleh** vividly illustrates the spiritual state of humanity.
TRV