### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **tᵉbûwʼâh**, represented by `{{H8393}}`, is derived from the root `{{H935}}` **bôwʼ**, meaning to go or come. It signifies **income** or **produce**, whether literal or figurative. It appears **42 times** in **40 unique verses**, encompassing concepts such as **fruit**, **gain**, **increase**, and **revenue**.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{H8393}}` is frequently used in agricultural contexts to refer to the **fruit** of the land of Canaan that the Israelites ate after the manna ceased [[Joshua 5:12]]. It describes the **increase** from crops like corn, wine, oil, and honey [[2 Chronicles 31:5]]. The term is also central to laws concerning tithes, where the Israelites were commanded to tithe "all the **increase** of thy seed" [[Deuteronomy 14:22]]. Figuratively, it refers to financial **revenues** or **gain**, contrasting the "great **revenues** without right" [[Proverbs 16:8]] with the value of wisdom, whose **gain** is better than fine gold [[Proverbs 3:14]]. It can also describe the outcome of one's actions, as the **fruit** of the wicked leads to sin [[Proverbs 10:16]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related Hebrew words provide a fuller understanding of the concept of increase and produce:
* `{{H935}}` **bôwʼ** (to go or come): As the root of **tᵉbûwʼâh**, this word establishes the idea of produce as that which "comes in" from the land or from one's labor.
* `{{H2233}}` **zeraʻ** (seed; figuratively, fruit, plant, sowing-time, posterity): This term denotes the source of agricultural **increase**, often appearing in commands to tithe from the **increase** of the **seed** [[Deuteronomy 14:22]].
* `{{H6529}}` **pᵉrîy** (fruit (literally or figuratively); bough, (first-)fruit(-ful), reward): Often used in parallel with **tᵉbûwʼâh**, it refers to the yield of vineyards and fields, which produce **fruits** of **increase** [[Psalms 107:37]].
* `{{H7704}}` **sâdeh** (a field (as flat); country, field, ground, land, soil): This word identifies the location from which the **increase** is gathered, such as the "increase of the **field**" [[2 Chronicles 31:5]].
### Theological Significance
The theological application of `{{H8393}}` is significant, highlighting key principles of faith and life.
* **Divine Provision and Stewardship:** The concept of **increase** is foundational to tithing laws, where the **firstfruits** of all **increase** are to be given to honor the LORD [[Proverbs 3:9]]. The tithe of this **increase** was designated for the Levite, the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow, reflecting a system of community care rooted in God's provision [[Deuteronomy 26:12]].
* **Sign of Covenant Blessing or Cursing:** Abundant **increase** is portrayed as a direct blessing from God. He promised to command His blessing in the sixth year, which would "bring forth **fruit** for three years" [[Leviticus 25:21]]. Conversely, the failure of **revenues** is a direct consequence of the "fierce anger of the LORD" [[Jeremiah 12:13]].
* **The Nature of True Gain:** The term is used figuratively to distinguish between material wealth and spiritual value. A little with righteousness is considered better than "great **revenues** without right" [[Proverbs 16:8]]. Similarly, the **gain** from wisdom is valued more highly than gold [[Proverbs 3:14]], emphasizing that the ultimate "fruit" of one's life is determined by righteousness, not riches.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H8393}}` extends far beyond a simple term for agricultural yield. It functions as a key concept in Old Testament law and wisdom literature, defining both literal **produce** and figurative **gain**. From the crops of the field to the **revenue** of a nation or the moral **fruit** of a person's life, **tᵉbûwʼâh** illustrates the biblical principles of divine blessing, faithful stewardship, and the ultimate source of all worthwhile **increase**.
TRV