Lexical Summary lach: Fresh, moist, green Original Word: לַח Strong's Exhaustive Concordance green, moist From an unused root meaning to be new; fresh, i.e. Unused or undried -- green, moist. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom an unused word Definition moist, fresh, new NASB Translation fresh (4), green (2). Brown-Driver-Briggs לַח adjective moist, fresh, new; — ׳ל Genesis 30:37; Ezekiel 21:3; לָ֑חEzekiel 17:24; plural לַחִים Numbers 6:3 2t.; — 1 moist, fresh, of trees, fruit, etc.; לִבְנֶה לַח Genesis 30:37 (J); ׳עֵץ ל Ezekiel 17:24; Ezekiel 21:3; grapes ׳עֲנָבִים ל Numbers 6:3. 2 new, of cords, ׳יְתָרִים ל Judges 16:7,8, probably made of fresh sinews of animal (compare Syriac Topical Lexicon Essential SenseThe Hebrew adjective לַח (lach) conveys the idea of freshness, moisture, or green vitality in natural objects such as wood, vines, or fruit. It stands in deliberate contrast to dryness or withering and therefore becomes a vivid marker of life, vigor, and recent growth whenever it appears in Scripture. Occurrences and Narrative Setting Genesis 30:37 presents Jacob selecting “fresh branches” to place before Laban’s flocks. Their newness and sap‐filled condition allowed for the peeling technique that produced the patterned rods. The adjective underscores how Jacob’s stratagem depended on living, pliable wood rather than brittle sticks. Numbers 6:3 legislates that the Nazirite must not eat grapes “fresh or dried.” The fresh fruit represents the common, enjoyable produce of the vine, set aside for a season of consecration. By pairing “fresh” with “dried,” the statute covers the full span of grape products and emphasizes wholehearted separation. Judges 16:7-8 twice specifies “seven fresh bowstrings that had not been dried.” The Philistines assume that cords still imbued with moisture will possess superior tensile strength, but the episode ultimately displays the futility of human devices against the LORD’s empowerment of Samson. Ezekiel 17:24 contrasts “the green tree” (lach) with “the dry tree,” declaring that the LORD can reverse their states at will. Within the parable of the two eagles and the cedar, the prophet announces divine sovereignty over nations and rulers: the Most High can make what appears vigorous wither and what appears withered flourish. Ezekiel 20:47 extends the same contrast: impending judgment will ignite “every green tree and every dry tree.” Freshness offers no refuge when the LORD’s consuming fire falls; His impartial judgment sweeps away all alike. Theological Themes Vitality versus Judgment Lach regularly conveys burgeoning life, yet several texts use it to heighten the impact of divine judgment: a fire that devours even the green tree is fearsome indeed. The juxtaposition shows that all created vitality is contingent upon God’s sustaining word (compare Psalm 1:3; Isaiah 40:6-8). Consecration and Holiness In the Nazirite vow, abstention from “fresh” produce of the vine depicts a temporary relinquishment of legitimate pleasures for a higher devotion. The term therefore participates in the broader biblical pattern where physical symbols instruct Israel in holiness (Leviticus 11—15; Romans 12:1). Divine Reversal Ezekiel 17:24 reveals that the LORD “makes the green tree wither.” By invoking lach, the prophet portrays seemingly secure powers as fragile before divine decree. The motif anticipates the New Testament teaching that God “brings down rulers from their thrones but exalts the humble” (Luke 1:52). Symbolic Trajectory toward Christ Jesus Christ embodies both the flourishing branch (Isaiah 11:1; Jeremiah 23:5) and the One upon whom judgment fell. In Luke 23:31 He alludes to Ezekiel’s imagery: “For if people do these things when the tree is green, what will happen when it is dry?” The allusion invites reflection on the innocent “green” One bearing the fire of God’s wrath, so that those spiritually “dry” might receive life (2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Peter 3:18). Practical Ministry Insights 1. Dependence on the Spirit: Freshness in Scripture reminds believers that spiritual vitality is not self-generated but Spirit‐born (John 6:63; Galatians 5:25). Ministries must avoid the danger of appearing green while actually withering within. 2. Urgency of Repentance: Fire consuming “every green tree” (Ezekiel 20:47) illustrates that favorable circumstances do not guarantee exemption from judgment. Pastoral exhortation should press hearers toward authentic repentance and faith. 3. Perseverance in Consecration: The Nazirite vow challenges modern disciples to consider periods of deliberate self-denial for focused service, trusting that any temporary withholding of “fresh grapes” is outweighed by deeper communion with God. Summary Lach portrays freshness, vigor, and immediacy in nature, yet Scripture employs it to proclaim consecration, highlight the sovereignty of God over life and judgment, and foreshadow the gospel drama realized in Christ. Whether illustrating Jacob’s ingenuity, Samson’s bondage, or Ezekiel’s prophetic warnings, the adjective keeps before the reader the stark reality that all human strength and greenness persist only under the gracious hand of the LORD. Forms and Transliterations לַ֖ח לַח֩ לַחִ֖ים לַחִ֥ים לָ֔ח לח לחים la·ḥîm lach laChim laḥ lāḥ laḥîmLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Genesis 30:37 HEB: מַקַּ֥ל לִבְנֶ֛ה לַ֖ח וְל֣וּז וְעֶרְמ֑וֹן NAS: Then Jacob took fresh rods of poplar KJV: him rods of green poplar, INT: rods of poplar fresh and almond and plane Numbers 6:3 Judges 16:7 Judges 16:8 Ezekiel 17:24 Ezekiel 20:47 6 Occurrences |
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