from עָרַב; a willow (from the use of osiers as wattles); willow.
Transliteration:ʻârâb
Pronunciation:aw-rawb'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term H6155 (ʻârâb) primarily denotes the "willow" tree. Its base definition, stemming from the root `{{H6148}}` (ʻârab), points to a connection with "interweaving" or "plaiting." This etymological link suggests that the willow was named for its pliable branches, which were historically used for making wattles, baskets, and other woven articles. The word consistently refers to the tree itself, specifically those varieties known for their affinity for water and their flexible shoots.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term H6155 appears in several significant biblical passages, each contributing to its contextual understanding:
* **[[Leviticus 23:40]]**: Here, ʻârâb is listed as one of the "four species" (arba'ah minim) commanded by God for the celebration of the Feast of Booths (Sukkot). The phrase "willows of the brook" (ʻarvei nahal) emphasizes its association with water sources and its role in ritual joy and remembrance of God's provision in the wilderness.
* **[[Job 40:22]]**: In the description of Behemoth, the text states, "the willows of the brook surround him." This passage highlights the willow as a natural feature of lush, well-watered environments, contributing to the majestic portrayal of God's creation.
* **[[Psalm 137:2]]**: This poignant lament of the Babylonian exiles declares, "Upon the willows there we hung up our lyres." In this context, the willows by the rivers of Babylon become a powerful symbol of sorrow, desolation, and the inability to praise God in a foreign land. The association with water persists, but the emotional tone is one of profound grief.
* **[[Isaiah 15:7]]**: "Therefore the abundance they acquired and stored up they carry away over the Brook of the Willows." This verse refers to a geographical location, likely a wadi or stream named for the prevalence of willow trees, forming part of a prophecy concerning the flight and desolation of Moab.
* **[[Isaiah 44:4]]**: In a prophecy of spiritual renewal and blessing, the text states, "They shall spring up among the grass, like willows by flowing streams." This simile utilizes the willow's natural tendency to flourish in well-watered places as a metaphor for the abundant spiritual growth and prosperity of God's people.
Across these occurrences, a consistent theme is the willow's association with water. However, its symbolic resonance varies widely, from ritual celebration to deep lament, and from natural beauty to spiritual flourishing.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary linguistic connection for H6155 is its root, `{{H6148}}` (ʻârab), which carries the core meaning of "to interweave" or "to plait." This directly informs the understanding of the willow as a tree whose flexible branches are suitable for weaving and wickerwork. While the root `{{H6148}}` also gives rise to words related to "surety" or "pledge" (`{{H6149}}`, `{{H6150}}`) and "evening" or "darkness" (`{{H6153}}`, `{{H6154}}`, `{{H6158}}`), these are distinct semantic branches from the botanical term.
In the context of biblical flora, ʻârâb is uniquely identified by its specific use in the Feast of Booths, distinguishing it from other significant trees like the cedar (`{{H738}}`), palm (`{{H8610}}`), or olive (`{{H2087}}`). Its inclusion as one of the "four species" (arba'ah minim) in [[Leviticus 23:40]] sets it apart as a plant with specific liturgical significance within Israelite worship.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ʻârâb is multifaceted, reflecting its diverse contextual appearances:
* **Symbol of Divine Provision and Joy:** In the Feast of Booths (Sukkot), the willow branches represent God's abundant provision and the lushness of the land He promised. Its use in the ritual evokes a sense of joy, gratitude, and remembrance of Israel's journey through the wilderness, sustained by divine grace.
* **Emblem of Lament and Exile:** The profound imagery in [[Psalm 137:2]] transforms the willow into a powerful symbol of national sorrow and the spiritual desolation of exile. Hung with silenced instruments, the willow becomes a silent witness to the pain of a people separated from their homeland and their Temple, unable to express their praise.
* **Metaphor for Spiritual Flourishing:** In the prophetic vision of [[Isaiah 44:4]], the willow thriving by flowing streams serves as a vivid metaphor for the spiritual renewal and abundant blessing that God promises His people. It signifies life, growth, and prosperity that comes from being rooted in God's sustaining presence.
* **Part of God's Creation:** In [[Job 40:22]], the willow is simply part of the natural landscape, contributing to the grandeur and complexity of God's created order, highlighting His sovereignty over all living things, even the mightiest of creatures.
Thus, the ʻârâb embodies a spectrum of theological meanings, from the celebration of God's faithfulness and provision to the depths of human suffering and the promise of future restoration.
### Summary
The Hebrew word H6155 (ʻârâb) denotes the "willow," a tree distinguished by its flexible branches and its natural habitat near water. Etymologically linked to "interweaving," its name likely reflects its utility for wickerwork. Biblically, ʻârâb holds significant symbolic weight across various texts. In [[Leviticus 23:40]], it is an essential component of the Feast of Booths, representing joy, divine provision, and the fertility of the land. Conversely, [[Psalm 137:2]] powerfully portrays the willow as a symbol of deep sorrow and exile, where the instruments of praise are silenced. Furthermore, [[Isaiah 44:4]] employs the image of the willow flourishing by streams as a metaphor for spiritual renewal and abundant blessing from God. In [[Job 40:22]], it contributes to the depiction of God's magnificent creation. Consequently, ʻârâb transcends a mere botanical term, serving as a rich and adaptable symbol within the biblical narrative, encompassing themes of divine command, natural beauty, human lament, and spiritual flourishing.
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