### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **raʻănân**, represented by `{{H7488}}`, means **verdant** or **flourishing**. It appears 20 times across 20 unique verses. Its definition conveys a sense of being green, new, and prosperous. In scripture, it is used metaphorically to describe both the vitality of the righteous and, in sharp contrast, the settings chosen for idolatrous worship.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical narratives, `{{H7488}}` carries a dual significance. Positively, it symbolizes prosperity and spiritual health. The one who trusts in God is like a tree whose leaf shall be **green** [[Jeremiah 17:8]], and the righteous are likened to a **green** olive tree in the house of God [[Psalms 52:8]]. The term also denotes freshness, as in being anointed with **fresh** oil [[Psalms 92:10]]. Conversely, it is frequently used to describe locations of apostasy. Prophets repeatedly condemn the worship of idols "under every **green** tree," highlighting Israel's unfaithfulness on high hills and in lush groves ([[Deuteronomy 12:2]]; [[Jeremiah 2:20]]; [[Isaiah 57:5]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide deeper context for the meaning of **raʻănân**:
* `{{H6086}}` **ʻêts** (a tree): This word is frequently paired with `{{H7488}}` to describe the specific locations of pagan rituals, which were often conducted "under every **green** tree" [[1 Kings 14:23]].
* `{{H2132}}` **zayith** (an olive): When described as **green**, the olive tree becomes a powerful symbol of blessing and stability. The LORD called Israel a "**green** olive tree, fair, and of goodly fruit" [[Jeremiah 11:16]] before its judgment.
* `{{H1389}}` **gibʻâh** (a hillock): Often mentioned alongside "green tree," this term establishes the setting for idolatry on elevated places. Israel's sin is described as occurring "upon every high hill and under every **green** tree" [[Jeremiah 2:20]].
* `{{H249}}` **ʼezrâch** (a spontaneous growth, i.e. native (tree or persons)): This word is used to describe the wicked spreading himself "like a **green** bay tree," emphasizing a picture of arrogant, yet temporary, power [[Psalms 37:35]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H7488}}` is found in its contrasting applications:
* **A Sign of Righteousness:** The flourishing state of a **green** tree symbolizes the life of one who trusts in the LORD. They are promised to be fruitful, even in old age, remaining "fat and flourishing" [[Psalms 92:14]]. This vitality is a direct result of being rooted in God.
* **A Marker of Apostasy:** The consistent use of the phrase "under every **green** tree" to describe pagan worship serves as a condemnation of Israel's actions. It highlights the perversion of using a symbol of God-given life and abundance as a backdrop for idolatry and rebellion [[Ezekiel 6:13]].
* **A Metaphor for Vitality and Judgment:** Beyond trees, the word describes the "fresh" oil of anointing [[Psalms 92:10]] and a **green** bed in a love poem [[Song of Solomon 1:16]], both connoting life and newness. In judgment, however, the branch of the wicked "shall not be **green**" [[Job 15:32]], indicating a loss of life and prosperity.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H7488}}` is a rich term that signifies more than a simple color. It represents a state of being—vibrant, prosperous, and full of life. This vitality can be a blessing for the righteous who are like a **green** leaf that does not wither [[Jeremiah 17:8]], or it can describe the setting of spiritual corruption where God's gift of life is profaned by idol worship [[Deuteronomy 12:2]]. The word **raʻănân** powerfully illustrates how the same image of natural abundance can symbolize either divine favor or spiritual decay.
TRV