The Hebrew word ʻôlêlâh, represented by H5955, refers to gleanings, specifically the grapes left after the main harvest. Its base definition includes "gleaning-time," "gleaning (of the) grapes," and "grapegleanings." It appears 6 times across 6 unique verses, often serving as a powerful metaphor for what remains after a significant event.
In scripture, H5955 is consistently used to illustrate the concept of a remnant. It is often paired with the image of the shaking H5363 of an olive tree H2132, where only a few berries remain (Isaiah 17:6, Isaiah 24:13). The prophets use this term to describe the outcome of judgment; for instance, grapegatherers would normally leave H7604 some gleaning grapes H5955, but the impending destruction will be more thorough (Jeremiah 49:9, Obadiah 1:5). The word can also express profound sorrow and scarcity, as when Micah feels a spiritual emptiness like a harvested field with only grapegleanings H5955 left Micah 7:1. In a contrasting sense, it can signify that what is left behind can be of greater value than the initial harvest, as in the comparison of Ephraim's gleaning H5955 to the vintage H1210 of Abiezer Judges 8:2.
Several related words clarify the agricultural and thematic context of H5955:
- H1210 bâtsîyr (vintage): This term for the main grape crop provides a direct contrast to the gleanings. The gleanings are what is left after the vintage H1210 is done (Isaiah 24:13, Micah 7:1).
- H1219 bâtsar (to gather grapes): This verb describes the action of the main harvest. Its use as grapegatherers in Jeremiah 49:9 and Obadiah 1:5 sets the scene for the gleanings that are typically left behind.
- H7604 shâʼar (to leave, remain, remnant): This word is fundamentally linked to H5955, as it describes the action of leaving behind a remnant. The prophets state that grapegatherers would leave H7604 gleaning grapes Obadiah 1:5, and that a few gleaning grapes H5955 shall be left H7604 in the land after judgment Isaiah 17:6.
The theological significance of H5955 is primarily metaphorical, illustrating concepts of judgment and survival.
- The Divine Remnant: The word is a potent symbol for the small portion of people who are left H7604 after a period of divine judgment, like the few grapes remaining after a harvest (Isaiah 17:6, Isaiah 24:13).
- The Thoroughness of Judgment: The absence of gleanings signifies a total and complete destruction. Unlike human harvesters who would leave something behind, the judgment described by the prophets would be so severe that not even gleaning grapes H5955 would remain (Jeremiah 49:9, Obadiah 1:5).
- Spiritual Barrenness: It is used to convey a sense of spiritual emptiness and disappointment. Micah's lament that there are only grapegleanings H5955 reflects a society devoid of righteousness and goodness Micah 7:1.
In summary, H5955 transcends its simple agricultural definition of leftover grapes. It is a key biblical image for the remnant left after judgment, a standard by which the severity of destruction is measured, and a metaphor for spiritual scarcity. It illustrates how a common practice from the ancient world is infused with deep theological meaning, conveying complex ideas about God's judgment, mercy, and the hope found in what remains.
TRV