יָרָק (H3419) — Hebrew Lexicon

יָרָק

𐤉𐤓𐤒

yârâq

H3419 noun

SILEX Entry

Root ירק to be green, to grow green, to be verdant

Definition

A general term for edible green plants, especially those used as food, such as vegetables and leafy greens. In biblical usage, it typically refers to green plants or herbs, especially in contexts distinguishing types of food consumed. The term emphasizes the fresh, green, and living aspect of the plant, often contrasting with grains or flesh foods. It can denote any verdant or leafy produce suitable for eating, but is not specific to any one species.

Semantic Range

green plant, leafy vegetable, edible herb, fresh produce, vegetable(s), greens

Root / Etymology

The noun יָרָק (yârâq) derives from the root ירק, which conveys the idea of greenness or growing green. The core notion is 'to be green, verdant.' The noun has taken on a more restricted meaning of 'that which is green and eaten' — hence, edible vegetable plants. The related noun יֶרֶק (yéreq) also means 'green plant' or 'herb,' showing fluidity between noun forms from the same root.

Historical & Contextual Notes

יָרָק occurs infrequently in the Hebrew Bible (notably in Daniel 1:16 and perhaps Proverbs 15:17), always in reference to foods that are simple, plant-based, and fresh, in contrast to meat or more luxurious fare. In the monarchic and exilic periods, it appears in contexts highlighting dietary choices (e.g., Daniel's choice of vegetables vs. royal food). In post-exilic literature and later rabbinic Hebrew, יָרָק becomes a general term for 'vegetable,' similar to modern usage. The distinction between יָרָק and related terms like אֵ֫שֶׂב (’éśev; 'herb, grass') is subtle: יָרָק is more narrowly focused on edible greens, while אֵ֫שֶׂב refers broadly to grass or non-woody plants. English translations as 'vegetable(s)' or 'herb(s)' capture the primary sense but can obscure the broader Hebrew emphasis on the greenness and freshness of the plant. In ancient contexts, cultivated vegetables likely included various leafy greens, legumes, and other local produce. There is no specific cultic or religious connotation to the word, nor does it denote ritual herbs.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from the same as יֶרֶק; properly, green; concretely, a vegetable; green, herbs.

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Root Family

ירק (y-r-q) — to be green, to grow green, to be verdant

Strong's	Lemma	SIBI-P1
H3387	יָרוֹק	he will grow green
H3417	יָרָק	and she spat
H3418	יֶרֶק	like green vegetation
H3420	יֵרָקוֹן	to greenish-pallor
H3422	יְרַקְרַק	sickly yellow-green

Word Forms

3 distinct forms

SIDANCE	Surface	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	Occurrences
`H3419-03`	יָרָ֗ק	yaraq	`HNcmsa`	of vegetables	he grew green	2
`H3419-02`	וִ֣/ירַק	viraq	`HC/Ncmsc`	and-green-herb	and green-produce of	2
`H3419-01`	הַ/יָּרָֽק	hayaraq	`HTd/Ncmsa`	of vegetables	the green produce	1

Occurrences in Scripture

5 occurrences

Filter by SIDANCE:

SIDANCE	Reference	Word	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1
`H3419-01`	Deuteronomy 11:10	הַ/יָּרָֽק	hayaraq	`HTd/Ncmsa`	of vegetables	the green produce
`H3419-03`	1 Kings 21:2	יָרָ֗ק	yaraq	`HNcmsa`	of vegetables	he grew green
`H3419-02`	2 Kings 19:26	וִ֣/ירַק	viraq	`HC/Ncmsc`	and-tender-grass	and green-produce of
`H3419-02`	Isaiah 37:27	וִ֣/ירַק	viraq	`HC/Ncmsc`	and-green-herb	and green-produce of
`H3419-03`	Proverbs 15:17	יָ֭רָק	yaraq	`HNcmsa`	vegetables	he grew green

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