### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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]].
### Related Words & Concepts
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]].
### Theological Significance
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]].
### Summary
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