### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʻeseb**, represented by `{{H6212}}`, is a term for **grass** or **herb**. It appears **33 times** across **32 unique verses** in the Bible. Originating from a root meaning to glisten or be green, it refers to tender shoots and vegetation, serving as a foundational element in the created world for both sustenance and as a powerful metaphor.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H6212}}` is used in several key contexts. In the creation account, God commands the earth to bring forth the **herb** yielding seed as a provision of food for both humanity and all living creatures ([[Genesis 1:11]], [[Genesis 1:29-30]]). This provision is re-established after the flood, where every green **herb** is given for meat [[Genesis 9:3]]. After the fall, man is told he will eat the **herb** of the field as part of his toil [[Genesis 3:18]]. Its presence is a sign of blessing, as the LORD gives rain for **grass** to grow in the field ([[Deuteronomy 11:15]], [[Zechariah 10:1]]), while its absence signifies judgment, as when locusts eat every **herb** in Egypt [[Exodus 10:12]] or when a cursed land bears no **grass** [[Deuteronomy 29:23]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the scope of vegetation in scripture:
* `{{H1877}}` **desheʼ** (grass, green, herb): Often used in parallel with ʻeseb, this word refers to a sprout or tender grass. The earth is commanded to bring forth **grass** (desheʼ) and the **herb** (ʻeseb) in the creation story [[Genesis 1:11]].
* `{{H2682}}` **châtsîyr** (grass, hay, herb, leek): This term also translates to grass or herb and is used to describe God causing **grass** to grow for cattle [[Psalms 104:14]].
* `{{H2233}}` **zeraʻ** (seed): As the source of propagation, **seed** is fundamentally linked to ʻeseb, which is frequently described as the "herb yielding **seed**" ([[Genesis 1:11]], [[Genesis 1:29]]).
* `{{H6529}}` **pᵉrîy** (fruit): This word represents another form of divine provision from the plant kingdom, often mentioned alongside ʻeseb in the context of food given by God [[Genesis 1:29]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H6212}}` is demonstrated through its consistent use as a symbol of divine action and human frailty.
* **Divine Provision:** From the beginning, God establishes His role as sustainer by creating the **herb** for food (`{{H402}}`) for man (`{{H120}}`) and beast (`{{H929}}`) alike ([[Genesis 1:29]], [[Psalms 104:14]]).
* **Symbol of Transience:** The short life of **grass** serves as a potent metaphor for the temporary nature of humanity and the wicked. People are described as being "as the **grass** of the field" [[2 Kings 19:26]], and the psalmist laments withering "like **grass**" ([[Psalms 102:4]], [[Psalms 102:11]]). The wicked may "spring as the **grass**," but they will be destroyed forever [[Psalms 92:7]].
* **Indicator of Blessing and Curse:** The flourishing or withering of **grass** is tied to God's covenantal relationship with His people. His favor is like "dew upon the **grass**" [[Proverbs 19:12]], but in judgment, the land mourns and the **herbs** of the field wither [[Jeremiah 12:4]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H6212}}` is a word that carries significance far beyond simple vegetation. It is a symbol of God's foundational provision for all life, a poignant metaphor for the fleeting existence of humanity, and a tangible measure of divine blessing or judgment. From the fields of creation to the symbolic withering of the human heart, **ʻeseb** illustrates the deep connection between the natural world and spiritual realities in scripture.
TRV