BIBLE HEBREW WORD STUDY
ʿĒśeḇ — Meaning & Usage in the Bible
ʿĒśe� (עֵשֶׂב) is a Hebrew noun referring to grass or any tender green shoot, used primarily in the creation and early narratives of Genesis.
Meaning of the word
ʿĒśeḇ (עֵשֶׂב) denotes grass or any tender, green shoot. The word covers small ground-level vegetation, including herbs and sprouts that emerge from the soil.
In the context of the provided verses, the term is rendered as 'grass,' 'herb,' or 'plant.' It points to soft, edible, or sprouting vegetation rather than trees or woody growth.
The Hebrew root suggests something that sprouts or springs up from the ground, emphasizing the idea of fresh, growing plant life.
Usage in Scripture
All six occurrences of ʿēśeḇ in the provided data appear in Genesis 1–3. The word is central to God's creative command in Genesis 1:11–12, where the earth is told to bring forth ʿēśeḇ along with seed-bearing herbs and fruit trees.
In Genesis 1:29–30, ʿēśeḇ designates the green plant life given as food to humans and animals. The term then reappears in Genesis 2:5 to describe vegetation not yet grown because rain had not fallen, and in Genesis 3:18, where humanity will eat the ʿēśeḇ of the field after the fall.
The word in detail
- H6212 Hebrew noun ʿēśeḇ (עֵשֶׂב) means 'grass' or 'tender shoot.' It refers to low-growing green vegetation in contrast to trees.
Example verses
- Genesis 1:11 God commands the earth to bring forth ʿēśeḇ, marking the first appearance of plant life in the creation narrative.
- Genesis 1:12 The earth fulfills the command and produces ʿēśeḇ, and God sees that it is good.
- Genesis 3:18 After the fall, ʿēśe� of the field becomes the food of humanity amid thorns and thistles.
Common questions
What does ʿēśeḇ mean in Hebrew?
It means 'grass' or any tender green shoot, referring to low-growing vegetation rather than trees.
Where does ʿēśeḇ appear in the Bible?
The provided occurrences are all in Genesis 1–3, covering creation, provision of food, and the post-fall curse.