### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **pᵉrîy**, represented by `{{H6529}}`, means **fruit**, used both literally and figuratively. It also carries the meanings of **bough** and **reward**. It appears 119 times across 107 unique verses in the Bible, signifying its importance in concepts of creation, blessing, and moral consequence.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In Scripture, `{{H6529}}` is used in several key contexts. Literally, it refers to the produce of the earth, as established in the creation narrative where God provides "every tree, in the which is the **fruit** of a tree yielding seed" for food [[Genesis 1:29]]. It was the **fruit** of a specific tree that was central to the fall of man [[Genesis 3:6]]. Figuratively, the term often refers to offspring, as seen in God's promise to bless "the **fruit** of thy body" [[Deuteronomy 28:4]]. It is also used to describe the consequences or results of one's actions, with God giving every person "according to the **fruit** of his doings" [[Jeremiah 17:10]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help to develop the concept of fruitfulness and its outcomes:
* `{{H1061}}` **bikkûwr** (the first-fruits of the crop): This word specifies the first and best of the harvest, which was to be offered to God. It is used alongside `{{H6529}}` in describing the bounty of the promised land, which included the "firstripe grapes" [[Numbers 13:20]].
* `{{H2233}}` **zeraʻ** (seed; figuratively, fruit, plant, sowing-time, posterity): As the source from which fruit comes, this word is foundational. In creation, God ordained the "**fruit** tree yielding **fruit** after his kind, whose **seed** is in itself" [[Genesis 1:11]].
* `{{H7939}}` **sâkâr** (reward): This term highlights that fruit can be a form of compensation or benefit from God. Scripture explicitly links the two concepts, stating that "the **fruit** of the womb is his **reward**" [[Psalms 127:3]].
* `{{H4611}}` **maʻălâl** (an act (good or bad)): This word connects the figurative use of fruit to human actions. The Bible repeatedly speaks of people eating "the **fruit** of their **doings**," whether for good or for ill ([[Isaiah 3:10]], [[Jeremiah 17:10]]).
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H6529}}` is significant, linking the natural world to spiritual principles.
* **Divine Provision:** From the beginning, God designed the earth to produce **fruit** as a source of life and sustenance for humanity [[Genesis 1:29]]. This establishes fruitfulness as an integral part of God's created order.
* **Sign of Blessing and Curse:** Abundant **fruit** is a tangible sign of God's blessing upon His people and their land [[Leviticus 26:4]]. Conversely, the lack of **fruit** is a mark of judgment and curse for disobedience ([[Leviticus 26:20]], [[Micah 7:13]]).
* **Moral Accountability:** The concept of **fruit** serves as a powerful metaphor for the inescapable consequences of human actions. Individuals will be judged according to the "**fruit** of their doings" [[Jeremiah 17:10]], whether it is the "**fruit** of the righteous" which is a tree of life [[Proverbs 11:30]] or the "**fruit** of lies" which is eaten by the wicked [[Hosea 10:13]].
* **Offspring as a Gift:** Children are described as the "**fruit** of the womb" `{{H990}}` and are considered a "heritage of the LORD" `{{H5159}}` and a "reward" `{{H7939}}` [[Psalms 127:3]], highlighting their value as a divine blessing.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H6529}}` is a word rich with meaning that extends far beyond simple agriculture. It is a cornerstone concept that illustrates God's role as provider, the physical evidence of His blessing or judgment, and the ultimate outcome of a person's life and actions. The term **pᵉrîy** masterfully connects the literal produce of the land with the figurative produce of the human heart.
TRV