### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew adjective H7373 (רָטֹב, râṭôb) derives from the root רָטַב (rāṭab), which conveys the idea of being moist or fresh. As an adjective, רָטֹב specifically describes something as "moist," "fresh," or "green." Its primary semantic range pertains to the state of a plant or tree that is full of sap, vibrant, and not withered or dry. It signifies a condition of vitality and robust health, particularly in botanical contexts, implying a thriving state due to adequate moisture and internal life-giving fluids.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term H7373 (רָטֹב, râṭôb) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in the book of Ezekiel:
* **[[Ezekiel 17:24]]**: "And all the trees of the field shall know that I the LORD have brought down the high tree, have exalted the low tree, have dried up the green tree, and have made the dry tree to flourish: I the LORD have spoken and have done it."
In this profound prophetic declaration, רָטֹב is used in the phrase "the green tree" (עֵץ רָטֹב). It stands in stark antithesis to "the dry tree" (עֵץ יָבֵשׁ, `{{H3001}}`). The verse employs a powerful botanical metaphor to describe God's sovereign control over the destinies of nations and individuals. The "green tree" symbolizes a state of prosperity, strength, and flourishing, often representing a powerful kingdom or leader (e.g., Babylon or the proud house of Judah). Conversely, the "dry tree" symbolizes a state of desolation, weakness, or humility. The divine action of "drying up the green tree" signifies judgment, humbling, and the reversal of perceived power, while "making the dry tree to flourish" denotes restoration, exaltation, and renewal by God's hand. This single occurrence encapsulates a central theme of divine sovereignty and reversal of fortunes.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary linguistic relation of H7373 (רָטֹב) is to its verbal root רָטַב (rāṭab), meaning "to be moist" or "to be fresh."
Concepts and words that share a semantic field or stand in contrast include:
* **Antonym:** יָבֵשׁ (yabēsh, `{{H3001}}`): "dry," "withered." This is the direct conceptual opposite, explicitly used in [[Ezekiel 17:24]] to highlight the contrast.
* **Similar Concepts of Freshness/Vitality:**
* רַעֲנָן (raʿănān, `{{H7488}}`): "green," "flourishing," "fresh." Often used for a tree that is verdant and thriving, symbolizing prosperity or spiritual vitality (e.g., [[Psalm 92:14]]). While distinct, it carries a similar connotation of robust life.
* לַח (lach, `{{H3892}}`): "moist," "fresh," "new." Used in contexts like a fresh jawbone ([[Judges 15:15]]) or green wood ([[Numbers 19:6]]).
* **Broader Concepts:** Life, vitality, prosperity, flourishing, sap, moisture, sustenance, and the transient nature of worldly success.
### Theological Significance
The singular use of H7373 (רָטֹב) in [[Ezekiel 17:24]] carries profound theological weight.
1. **Divine Sovereignty and Reversal:** The most prominent theological implication is the assertion of God's absolute sovereignty. He is the ultimate arbiter of fortunes, capable of bringing down the mighty and exalting the humble. The "green tree" represents human power, prosperity, or self-sufficiency, which God can cause to wither. This underscores the principle that all vitality and flourishing are ultimately dependent on Him, and He can reverse any perceived state of strength or weakness according to His will.
2. **Metaphor for Judgment and Restoration:** In the prophetic context of Ezekiel, the "drying up of the green tree" serves as a vivid metaphor for divine judgment upon pride, unfaithfulness, or perceived invincibility (e.g., Judah's reliance on human alliances rather than God). Conversely, "making the dry tree to flourish" signifies God's power of restoration, renewal, and grace, often directed towards the humble remnant or a future spiritual flourishing.
3. **Contrast with Human Perception:** The imagery challenges human perspectives on what constitutes true vitality or success. What appears "green" and thriving in human eyes may be destined for judgment by God, while what seems "dry" and hopeless can be imbued with new life by His divine power. This emphasizes the spiritual reality that God's assessment transcends outward appearances and human estimations of strength or weakness.
### Summary
The Hebrew word H7373 (רָטֹב, râṭôb) signifies "moist," "fresh," or "green," specifically referring to a plant or tree that is full of sap and vitality. Its sole biblical occurrence in [[Ezekiel 17:24]] is profoundly metaphorical, portraying a "green tree" in stark contrast to a "dry tree" (`{{H3001}}`). This imagery serves as a powerful declaration of God's absolute sovereignty, illustrating His power to humble the prosperous and exalt the desolate. The "green tree" metaphorically represents a state of human strength or prosperity subject to divine judgment, while the "dry tree" symbolizes the humble or desolate, whom God can cause to flourish. Thus, רָטֹב highlights the transient nature of worldly success and the ultimate dependence of all life and fortune on the sovereign will of the Almighty.
TRV