from עָלָה; a leaf (as coming up on a tree); collectively, foliage; branch, leaf.
Transliteration:ʻâleh
Pronunciation:aw-leh'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term עָלֶה (ʻâleh, `{{H5929}}`) denotes a "leaf" or, collectively, "foliage." Its etymology is particularly insightful, deriving from the verb עָלָה (ʻâlâh, `{{H5927}}`), meaning "to go up" or "ascend." This etymological connection highlights the fundamental characteristic of a leaf: it is that which "comes up" or "ascends" from the branch and tree. This root meaning imbues ʻâleh with connotations of growth, vitality, and the natural emergence of life from a source. While primarily referring to a single leaf, the term can also encompass the entirety of a tree's leaves, or its "foliage," and by extension, can sometimes refer to a small "branch" that bears leaves. Thus, its semantic range covers the individual organic component, the collective expression of that component, and the immediate support structure for that component within the botanical world.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ʻâleh appears in various significant contexts throughout the Hebrew Bible, often carrying rich symbolic weight:
* **The Fall and Covering:** The first occurrence of ʻâleh is profoundly significant, found in [[Genesis 3:7]], where Adam and Eve, after their disobedience, "sewed fig leaves together and made themselves loincloths." Here, the leaf is associated with the immediate, inadequate human attempt to cover shame and nakedness resulting from sin. It underscores the futility of self-atonement.
* **Prosperity and Steadfastness:** In the wisdom literature, the ʻâleh frequently symbolizes the spiritual state of individuals. [[Psalm 1:3]] famously describes the righteous person as "like a tree planted by streams of water, that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither." This imagery powerfully conveys enduring prosperity, stability, and divine blessing for those who delight in the law of the Lord. Conversely, [[Proverbs 11:28]] contrasts this, stating that "whoever trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will flourish like a leaf," implying that the righteous, like a well-nourished leaf, will thrive.
* **Decay and Judgment:** The inverse of flourishing is also common. The withering of the ʻâleh is a potent metaphor for judgment, desolation, and spiritual decline. [[Isaiah 1:30]] warns, "For you shall be like an oak whose leaf fades, and like a garden without water." Similarly, [[Jeremiah 8:13]] laments, "no grapes on the vine, nor figs on the fig tree, and the leaf shall fade." These passages use the decaying leaf to signify the consequences of apostasy and the withdrawal of divine favor, illustrating spiritual barrenness and impending doom.
* **Restoration and Healing:** In prophetic visions of restoration, the ʻâleh takes on a renewed positive significance. [[Ezekiel 47:12]], describing the river flowing from the temple, states, "Their leaves will not wither, nor their fruit fail... and their leaves will be for healing." This eschatological vision connects the enduring leaf to life-giving divine presence and the provision of spiritual and physical restoration, echoing the Tree of Life imagery.
### Related Words & Concepts
The meaning of ʻâleh is enriched by its relationship with other Hebrew terms and theological concepts:
* **`{{H5927}}` (עָלָה, ʻâlâh):** The root verb "to go up, ascend." This connection is fundamental, emphasizing the leaf's nature as something that grows upward, indicative of life, vitality, and emergence.
* **`{{H6086}}` (עֵץ, ʻets):** "Tree, wood." The ʻâleh is an integral part of the ʻets, dependent on it for life and sustenance. This highlights the relationship between the part and the whole, and the reliance of the leaf on its source.
* **`{{H6528}}` (פְּרִי, p'ri):** "Fruit." Often mentioned alongside the leaf ([[Psalm 1:3]], [[Ezekiel 47:12]]), fruit represents the product or outcome of the tree's life, while the leaf represents its ongoing vitality and connection to the source.
* **`{{H7706}}` (שֹׁרֶשׁ, shoresh):** "Root." The root provides the unseen foundation and nourishment for the leaf's visible flourishing, paralleling the spiritual foundation required for true prosperity.
* **Concepts of Life and Death:** The leaf serves as a potent visual metaphor for the cycles of life, growth, flourishing, decay, and death, reflecting the spiritual condition of individuals or nations in relation to God.
* **Covering and Nakedness:** As seen in [[Genesis 3:7]], the leaf is intrinsically linked to the concept of covering, particularly in the context of human shame and the inadequacy of self-atonement.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ʻâleh extends beyond its literal botanical meaning, serving as a profound symbol in the biblical narrative:
* **Humanity's Inadequacy:** The initial appearance of ʻâleh in [[Genesis 3:7]] immediately establishes a theological truth: human attempts to cover sin and shame through self-effort are futile and ultimately insufficient. The fig leaves represent a superficial, temporary covering that cannot address the spiritual breach.
* **Divine Sustenance and Blessing:** The imagery of the unfading leaf ([[Psalm 1:3]], [[Ezekiel 47:12]]) powerfully illustrates God's role as the ultimate source of life, vitality, and spiritual nourishment. Just as a leaf depends on the tree's roots and water for survival, so too does humanity depend on God's grace and presence for true flourishing. It underscores the concept of divine providence and the blessedness of those who remain connected to Him.
* **Spiritual Condition and Fruitfulness:** The state of the ʻâleh often mirrors the spiritual condition of individuals or communities. A flourishing, unfading leaf signifies spiritual health, righteousness, and fruitfulness, while a withered leaf denotes spiritual decay, unrighteousness, and the absence of divine blessing, leading to judgment.
* **Eschatological Hope and Healing:** The vision in [[Ezekiel 47:12]] elevates the ʻâleh to a symbol of eschatological hope and restoration. The leaves "for healing" point to the ultimate renewal and life-giving power of God's presence in the new creation, foreshadowing the Tree of Life in [[Revelation 22:2]] whose leaves are "for the healing of the nations."
### Summary
The Hebrew word עָלֶה (ʻâleh, `{{H5929}}`), meaning "leaf" or "foliage," derives from the root "to go up" (`{{H5927}}`), emphasizing its connection to growth and vitality. Biblically, ʻâleh carries significant symbolic weight: it first appears in [[Genesis 3:7]] representing humanity's futile attempt to cover sin. Throughout the Old Testament, it serves as a powerful metaphor for spiritual states: an unfading leaf signifies the prosperity, stability, and divine blessing bestowed upon the righteous ([[Psalm 1:3]]), while a withered leaf symbolizes judgment, decay, and the consequences of disobedience ([[Isaiah 1:30]]). Crucially, in [[Ezekiel 47:12]], the enduring leaves of the tree by the river of life point to future restoration, healing, and the life-giving power of God's presence. Thus, ʻâleh encapsulates themes of human inadequacy, divine sustenance, spiritual flourishing or decay, and ultimate eschatological hope.
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