Lexical Summary botané: Plant, herb, vegetation Original Word: βοτάνη Strong's Exhaustive Concordance herb. From bosko; herbage (as if for grazing) -- herb. see GREEK bosko NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom boskó Definition grass, fodder NASB Translation vegetation (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1008: βοτάνηβοτάνη, βοτανης, ἡ (βόσκω), an herb fit for fodder, green herb, growing plant: Hebrews 6:7. (Homer, Pindar, Plato, Euripides, Diodorus, Aelian, others, the Sept. for דֶּשֶׁא, חָצִיר, עֵשֶׂב. (Metaphorically, of men, Ignatius ad Eph. 10, 3 [ET]; ad Trall. 6, 1 [ET]; ad Philad. 3, 1 [ET]).) Topical Lexicon Agricultural Imagery in Biblical Revelation Scripture repeatedly draws on the rhythms of sowing, rainfall, and harvest to illuminate divine truths. From Genesis to Revelation, vegetation signals both the Creator’s sustaining providence and the moral response He seeks from His people (Genesis 1:29-30; Revelation 22:2). Into this rich tapestry Hebrews 6:7 introduces the term rendered “vegetation” (βοτάνη), anchoring it within a pastoral warning and encouragement. Occurrence in Hebrews 6:7 Hebrews 6:7: “For land that drinks in the rain often falling on it and that produces a crop useful to those for whom it is tended receives the blessing of God.” The writer employs farmland imagery to contrast fruitful perseverance with sterile apostasy. “Vegetation” represents a visible outcome of invisible grace—the ground’s response to heaven-sent rain. Blessing attends productivity; impending judgment looms where thorns dominate (Hebrews 6:8). Old Testament Background While the New Testament uses this specific term only once, the Old Testament repeatedly couples God’s covenant faithfulness with fertile fields (Deuteronomy 11:14-15; Psalm 65:9-13; Isaiah 55:10-11). The prophets employ verdant growth to portray restored Israel (Ezekiel 34:26-29; Amos 9:13-15). This background frames Hebrews 6:7: the land, like Israel, is expected to answer divine generosity with fruitful obedience. Theological Themes 1. Grace Precedes Growth Rain “often falling” mirrors the superabundant grace extended through Christ (John 1:16). Fruitfulness is not self-generated but Spirit-enabled (Galatians 5:22-23). Just as vegetation proves the vitality of soil, good works verify authentic faith (James 2:17-18; Matthew 7:17-20). The echo of Deuteronomy 28 underscores moral urgency: blessing accompanies productivity; barrenness invites judgment (Hebrews 10:27-31). Christological and Ecclesiological Application Jesus presents Himself as the true Vine (John 15:1-8). Union with Him ensures nutrient-rich “sap” that produces lasting fruit. Congregations, viewed as cultivated fields (1 Corinthians 3:9), must yield a harvest befitting the gospel they have received (Colossians 1:5-6). Practical Ministry Implications • Preaching: Expositors should highlight both divine provision (rain) and human responsibility (yielding useful vegetation), encouraging assurance without presumption. Creation Care and Stewardship Because Scripture ties flourishing fields to God’s favor, believers steward the earth in gratitude, viewing fertile soil as a witness to divine generosity (Psalm 104:14-15). Sensible agriculture, environmental responsibility, and care for the poor who depend on the land all arise from this theological vision. Eschatological Vision Prophetic glimpses of the new creation feature luxuriant growth (Isaiah 35:1-2; Revelation 22:1-5). Present fruitfulness anticipates a consummated harvest when “the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord” (Habakkuk 2:14). Summary The solitary New Testament appearance of “vegetation” in Hebrews 6:7 distills a sweeping biblical motif: God sends life-giving rain; responsive soil brings forth a crop; blessing follows obedience, and judgment follows barrenness. Pastors, congregations, and individual believers are called to cultivate hearts that, through the Spirit, yield enduring fruit to the glory of God. Forms and Transliterations βοτάνη βοτανην βοτάνην βοτρύδια botanen botanēn botánen botánēnLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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