from פָּרָה; fruit (literally or figuratively); bough, (first-)fruit(-ful), reward.
Transliteration:pᵉrîy
Pronunciation:per-ee'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word pᵉrîy (`{{H6529}}`) is derived from the verbal root pārāh (`{{H6509}}`), meaning "to be fruitful," "to bear fruit," or "to multiply." This etymological connection is crucial, as it grounds pᵉrîy in the concept of production, yield, and outcome. Its primary meaning is "fruit," which extends both literally and figuratively.
The semantic range of pᵉrîy includes:
* **Literal botanical produce:** The fruit of trees, plants, or the ground (e.g., grapes, figs, olives).
* **Offspring or progeny:** Often referred to as the "fruit of the womb" or "fruit of the loins," signifying children or descendants.
* **Results or consequences:** The inevitable outcome of actions, labor, or a particular way of life, whether good or bad. This can encompass reward, gain, or negative repercussions.
* **Figurative expressions:** Such as the "fruit of the lips" (praise, confession) or the "fruit of righteousness."
* **"Bough" or "branch":** In some contexts, referring to the part of a tree that bears fruit.
* **"First-fruit":** Implies the initial, often consecrated, yield of a harvest.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term pᵉrîy (`{{H6529}}`) appears over 100 times in the Old Testament, illustrating its pervasive significance.
* **Literal Fruit of the Earth:** From the earliest chapters of Genesis, pᵉrîy denotes the produce of creation. God provides "every tree in which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed" for food [[Genesis 1:29]]. The spies sent into Canaan return with "fruit of the land" as evidence of its richness [[Numbers 13:26]]. The promised land is described as a land of "fruit" of the vine, fig, and pomegranate [[Deuteronomy 8:8]]. The withholding or abundance of agricultural fruit often serves as a sign of divine blessing or judgment [[Deuteronomy 28:4, 18, 42]].
* **Offspring and Progeny:** A profoundly significant usage is "fruit of the womb" (פְּרִי בֶטֶן), consistently referring to children. This is seen as a direct blessing from God [[Psalm 127:3]] and a crucial aspect of the covenant promises, particularly to Abraham [[Genesis 30:2]]. Similarly, "fruit of the loins" refers to descendants, notably in the promise to David regarding his royal lineage [[2 Samuel 7:12]].
* **Figurative Results and Consequences:** pᵉrîy frequently describes the outcome of human actions or character. "The fruit of his doings" or "the fruit of their ways" illustrates the principle that individuals inevitably reap what they sow [[Proverbs 1:31]], [[Isaiah 3:10]]. Righteous living yields "the fruit of righteousness" [[Proverbs 11:30]], while wickedness produces corrupt fruit. The "fruit of the lips" in Hosea refers to praise and confession, an offering to God [[Hosea 14:2]]. Even affliction can bear "fruit" in the form of purging sin [[Isaiah 27:9]].
### Related Words & Concepts
The understanding of pᵉrîy (`{{H6529}}`) is enriched by its relationship with other Hebrew terms and theological concepts:
* **pārāh (`{{H6509}}`):** The verbal root "to be fruitful," "to multiply." This foundational connection underscores the dynamic process of growth and production inherent in pᵉrîy.
* **yᵉbuwl (`{{H2981}}`):** "Produce," "yield," often specifically referring to the produce of the ground. While similar, pᵉrîy has a broader application, including figurative and human aspects.
* **tᵉvu'ah (`{{H8393}}`):** "Produce," "increase," particularly of a field or harvest.
* **bikkuwr (`{{H1061}}`):** "Firstfruits," the initial and often consecrated produce of the harvest. This highlights the sacred dimension of fruit as a divine gift and an offering of worship.
* **Covenant Blessings and Curses:** The concept of fruitfulness (or its absence) is deeply interwoven with God's covenant relationship with Israel. Abundant fruitfulness is a sign of obedience and blessing, while barrenness and blight signify judgment for disobedience [[Leviticus 26]], [[Deuteronomy 28]].
* **Wisdom Literature:** In books like Proverbs, pᵉrîy is a key metaphor for the consequences of wise or foolish living, emphasizing moral cause and effect.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of pᵉrîy (`{{H6529}}`) is profound and multifaceted:
* **Divine Blessing and Provision:** At its core, pᵉrîy is understood as a gift from God. From the initial creation mandate to "be fruitful and multiply" [[Genesis 1:28]] to the promise of abundant harvests in the Promised Land, fruitfulness signifies God's favor, sustenance, and life-giving power. It is a tangible expression of His covenant faithfulness.
* **Moral Accountability and Justice:** The "fruit of one's doings" is a powerful theological principle embedded in pᵉrîy. It underscores divine justice, demonstrating that human actions, whether righteous or wicked, inevitably yield corresponding consequences. This concept reinforces the idea that God governs the moral order of the world.
* **Covenant Faithfulness and Response:** The presence or absence of fruitfulness (both in the land and in progeny) serves as a barometer of Israel's relationship with God. Abundance signals divine pleasure and covenant faithfulness, while barrenness or destruction of fruit indicates judgment for rebellion. This highlights the reciprocal nature of the covenant.
* **Messianic Hope:** In prophetic literature, pᵉrîy can point to messianic hope. The "fruit of the land" or "fruit of the branch" can symbolize the future restoration and blessing under a righteous ruler, often referring to the Messiah [[Isaiah 4:2]]. The "fruit of the womb" promise extends to the ultimate fulfillment in the birth of the Messiah.
* **Spiritual Production:** While primarily an Old Testament term, pᵉrîy lays crucial groundwork for New Testament concepts such as bearing "fruit for God" (e.g., [[Romans 7:4]]) and the "fruit of the Spirit" (Galatians 5:22-23). The physical fruit of the land and womb prefigures the spiritual fruit of a transformed life, demonstrating righteousness, good works, and praise as outcomes of a relationship with God.
### Summary
The Hebrew word pᵉrîy (`{{H6529}}`), derived from the root pārāh (`{{H6509}}`) "to be fruitful," is a rich and versatile term meaning "fruit" in both literal and figurative senses. It encompasses botanical produce, human offspring, and the inevitable outcomes or consequences of actions. Throughout the Old Testament, pᵉrîy consistently signifies divine blessing and provision, particularly concerning the land's abundance and the gift of children. Theologically, it serves as a powerful metaphor for moral accountability, illustrating that human choices yield specific "fruit," whether good or ill. Furthermore, pᵉrîy is intimately linked to covenant faithfulness, with fruitfulness signaling God's favor and its absence indicating judgment. Ultimately, pᵉrîy encapsulates the biblical understanding of life's inherent productivity, a concept profoundly shaped by God's sovereign hand and humanity's response to His commands.
TRV