Lexical Summary yageb: Winepress Original Word: יָגֵב Strong's Exhaustive Concordance field From yagab; a plowed field -- field. see HEBREW yagab NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom yagab Definition a field NASB Translation fields (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs [יָגֵב] noun masculine field, כְּרָמִים וִיגֵבִים Jeremiah 39:10, but text dud., see Jeremiah 52:16 = 2 Kings 25:12; also גּוּב, II. גֵּב above יָגְּבְּהָה see below גבהּ above יִגְדַּלְיָ֫הוּ see below גדל above Topical Lexicon Name and Occupational Sense The term יָגֵב points to a cultivator of the soil—a small-scale farmer charged with turning raw earth into life-sustaining produce. While other Hebrew words speak of general field work, this noun highlights a person whose livelihood depends on the slow, seasonal disciplines of plowing, planting, and harvesting. Appearance in Scripture Jeremiah 39:10 records its single explicit occurrence: “But Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard left behind in the land of Judah some of the poor who had nothing, and on that day he gave them vineyards and fields.” (Berean Standard Bible) Here the יְגָבִים (farmers) stand alongside vinedressers as the remnant entrusted with the ruined land after Babylon’s conquest. Parallels appear in the narrative duplicates of 2 Kings 25:12 and Jeremiah 52:16, though slightly different forms of the root are used. Historical Setting 587 BC marked Judah’s collapse. The elite were deported; the temple lay in ashes. Yet Nebuzaradan purposefully left agrarian workers. Babylon’s empire required dependable food supplies from occupied territories, so turning impoverished Judeans into tenant-farmers stabilized the province and kept fields from reverting to wilderness. The decision also reflects ancient practice: conquerors often spared those whose skills directly benefited the land. Theological Themes 1. Divine preservation of a remnant Even in judgment the Lord keeps “seed” in the soil (Isaiah 6:13). The survival of the יָגֵב foreshadows later promises: “I will restore them to the land I gave their fathers” (Jeremiah 32:37). Without farmers, no such restoration could occur. 2. Reversal of fortunes The destitute gain vineyards and fields overnight, fulfilling covenant principles that the humble will be exalted (1 Samuel 2:8; James 4:10). God works through foreign officials to elevate the powerless, showing His sovereignty over nations (Proverbs 21:1). 3. Land stewardship as covenant duty Agriculture was never merely economic; it was spiritual. The land was the Lord’s (Leviticus 25:23), and faithful cultivation testified to obedience. Leaving competent farmers in Judah secured ongoing witness to God’s ownership of the soil, even under foreign rule. Related Old Testament Imagery • Leviticus 26:3-5 – productivity tied to covenant faithfulness Ministry Application 1. Value of ordinary callings The single use of יָגֵב reminds readers that God advances His redemptive plan through everyday laborers as surely as through prophets and kings (Colossians 3:23-24). 2. Hope amid judgment Modern believers facing societal upheaval can look to the farmers of Jeremiah 39:10 as proof that God plants future blessing in present ruins (Romans 8:28). 3. Stewardship and mercy Churches engaged in relief or development work mirror this biblical pattern when they equip the materially poor with resources and skills rather than mere handouts (Proverbs 19:17). Summary יָגֵב embodies the God-honoring dignity of patient, faithful labor. Though mentioned only once, the word anchors a narrative of mercy in the midst of exile, illustrating how the Lord preserves His purposes through humble stewards of the land and offering timeless lessons about hope, vocation, and covenant faithfulness. Forms and Transliterations וִֽיגֵבִ֖ים ויגבים vigeVim wî·ḡê·ḇîm wîḡêḇîmLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Jeremiah 39:10 HEB: לָהֶ֛ם כְּרָמִ֥ים וִֽיגֵבִ֖ים בַּיּ֥וֹם הַהֽוּא׃ NAS: them vineyards and fields at that time. KJV: them vineyards and fields at the same time. INT: and gave vineyards and fields time he 1 Occurrence |
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