### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
While `{{H6500}}` (פָּרָא - *pârâʼ*) is provided with the definition "a primitive root; to bear fruit; be fruitful," it is crucial to note that this specific Strong's number is not typically attested as an independent verb in standard Hebrew lexicons (e.g., BDB, HALOT) with corresponding biblical occurrences. The concept of "fruitfulness" and "bearing fruit" is overwhelmingly conveyed by the closely related and commonly occurring verb `{{H6509}}` (פָּרָה - *pārâ*). Therefore, this study will primarily explore the semantic range of "to bear fruit" and "to be fruitful" as expressed through `{{H6509}}`, which embodies the meaning attributed to `{{H6500}}`.
The core meaning encompasses:
* **Biological Productivity:** The natural capacity of living things (humans, animals, plants) to reproduce and yield offspring or produce.
* **Increase and Abundance:** Beyond mere reproduction, it signifies growth, proliferation, and a thriving state, whether in population, agricultural yield, or general prosperity.
* **Divine Blessing:** Often associated with a divine command and blessing, indicating God's design for creation to flourish and multiply.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
As noted, `{{H6500}}` (פָּרָא - *pârâʼ*) does not appear as a distinct verb in the Hebrew Bible with the meaning "to bear fruit." The concept it defines is consistently and pervasively expressed by `{{H6509}}` (פָּרָה - *pārâ*). Therefore, the following analysis will focus on the biblical usage of `{{H6509}}` to illuminate the concept of fruitfulness.
The verb `{{H6509}}` appears frequently, primarily in the Qal stem, signifying an active state of bearing fruit or being fruitful. Its usage spans various contexts:
* **Creation Mandate:** The foundational instances appear in the creation narratives, where God commands all living creatures and humanity to "be fruitful and multiply" (פְּרוּ וּרְבוּ - *pĕrû ûrĕḇû*). This is first addressed to sea creatures and birds in [[Genesis 1:22]] and then to humanity in [[Genesis 1:28]]. This establishes fruitfulness as an intrinsic part of God's original design and blessing for His creation.
* **Covenantal Promises:** Fruitfulness is a cornerstone of God's covenant promises, particularly to Abraham and his descendants. God repeatedly promises that Abraham's offspring will be exceedingly fruitful and become a multitude of nations (e.g., [[Genesis 17:6]], [[Genesis 28:3]], [[Genesis 35:11]]). This promise extends to the entire nation of Israel, linking their prosperity and numerical strength directly to God's faithfulness.
* **Agricultural Abundance:** The term is also used for the fertility of the land and the productivity of plants. For instance, God promises that if Israel obeys His commandments, their land will be fruitful, yielding abundant crops (e.g., [[Leviticus 26:4]], [[Deuteronomy 28:4]]). Conversely, barrenness or lack of fruitfulness in the land can be a sign of divine judgment.
* **Figurative Usage:** While primarily literal, the concept of fruitfulness lays groundwork for figurative extensions. For example, a righteous person is likened to a tree planted by streams of water that "yields its fruit in its season" ([[Psalm 1:3]]), symbolizing spiritual vitality and enduring prosperity.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept of fruitfulness is often intertwined with other significant Hebrew terms:
* `{{H6509}}` (פָּרָה - *pārâ*): The primary verb "to be fruitful," "to bear fruit." This is the word that actualizes the meaning provided for `{{H6500}}`.
* `{{H6508}}` (פְּרִי - *pĕrî*): The noun "fruit," "offspring," "produce." This noun is directly derived from the root and represents the tangible outcome of fruitfulness. Examples include "fruit of the womb" ([[Deuteronomy 7:13]]) or "fruit of the ground" ([[Genesis 4:3]]).
* `{{H7225}}` (רָבָה - *rāvâ*): "to be many," "to multiply," "to increase." This verb frequently accompanies `{{H6509}}` in the divine command "be fruitful and multiply" (פְּרוּ וּרְבוּ), emphasizing not just the act of reproduction but the resulting increase in number and abundance.
* `{{H3205}}` (יָלַד - *yālad*): "to bear," "to give birth." This verb specifically refers to the act of birthing offspring, complementing the broader concept of fruitfulness.
* `{{H6789}}` (צֶמַח - *tzemach*): "growth," "sprout." While not a direct synonym, it relates to the concept of natural increase and vegetation.
### Theological Significance
The concept of fruitfulness, as embodied in the Hebrew Bible, carries profound theological significance:
* **Divine Blessing and Design:** Fruitfulness is fundamentally a divine blessing and an expression of God's benevolent design for His creation. It reflects His desire for life, abundance, and the flourishing of all living things. The command to "be fruitful and multiply" is not merely a biological imperative but a theological mandate, inviting humanity to participate in God's ongoing creative work.
* **Covenantal Faithfulness:** For Israel, fruitfulness was a tangible sign of God's covenant faithfulness. A numerous offspring and a fertile land were indicators of God's blessing and His commitment to His promises. Conversely, barrenness or a desolate land could signify divine displeasure or a breach of the covenant, emphasizing the conditional nature of some blessings.
* **Hope and Perpetuation:** Fruitfulness ensures the perpetuation of life, lineage, and the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan through successive generations. It embodies hope for the future and the continuation of God's people and His kingdom.
* **Foundation for Spiritual Fruitfulness:** While the Old Testament primarily emphasizes physical and material fruitfulness, this concept lays crucial groundwork for the New Testament's emphasis on "spiritual fruit" (e.g., `{{G2590}}` - *karpos*). The idea of a life producing good outcomes, whether offspring, produce, or righteous character, finds its roots in this foundational Hebrew concept. Just as a tree is known by its fruit, so too is a life lived in obedience to God expected to bear spiritual fruit ([[Matthew 7:17-20]], [[Galatians 5:22-23]]).
### Summary
While `{{H6500}}` (פָּרָא - *pârâʼ*) is not an independently attested verb in standard Hebrew lexicons, the concept it defines—"to bear fruit; be fruitful"—is a cornerstone of biblical theology, overwhelmingly conveyed by the verb `{{H6509}}` (פָּרָה - *pārâ*). This concept signifies biological productivity, increase, and abundance, rooted in God's initial creation mandate. It serves as a profound divine blessing, a key aspect of God's covenant promises, and a tangible sign of His faithfulness and desire for His creation to flourish. From the command in Eden to the promises to the patriarchs, fruitfulness represents God's intention for life to abound, laying the essential groundwork for understanding both physical and spiritual prosperity in the biblical narrative.
TRV