עֵנָב

עֵנָב

a grape

Definition

The Hebrew word עֵנָב (ʻênâb) refers specifically to a grape, the fruit of the vine. It denotes the ripe, edible fruit, often in clusters, as seen in the description of the spies bringing back a single cluster from Canaan (Numbers 13:23). The word can also represent grapes in a more general sense, including their use for making wine, as implied in passages about the Nazirite vow (Numbers 6:3) and gleaning laws (Deuteronomy 23:24). In poetic contexts like Genesis 49:11, it symbolizes abundance and prosperity.

Biblical Usage

The word is used 17 times, primarily in narrative and legal texts. It appears in the stories of Joseph's cupbearer (Genesis 40:10-11) and the Israelite spies (Numbers 13:20, 23). Legally, it is mentioned in laws concerning the Sabbath year (Leviticus 25:5), the Nazirite vow (Numbers 6:3), and gleaning (Deuteronomy 23:24). Its usage consistently centers on the grape as a tangible agricultural product, a sign of the land's fertility, and a regulated commodity.

Etymology

Derived from an unused root probably meaning 'to bear fruit.' It is a primary noun for the fruit of the vine. Cognates exist in related Semitic languages, like Ugaritic ʿnb and Arabic ʿinab, both meaning 'grape,' indicating a shared agricultural and linguistic heritage across the ancient Near East.

Semantic Range

The grape is a potent biblical symbol of God's blessing, covenant faithfulness, and judgment. The promised land is described as a land of vines and grapes (Numbers 13:23), signifying God's provision. In Genesis 49:11, Judah's future ruler is poetically tied to the vine, foreshadowing messianic abundance. Conversely, failed or spoiled grapes can symbolize Israel's spiritual failure (Isaiah 5:2, 4). Understanding 'grape' in its Hebrew context enriches readings of passages about the land, abundance, and divine blessing. In ancient Israel, grapes were a vital economic and dietary staple, primarily used for fresh eating, drying into raisins, and pressing into wine and vinegar. The large cluster from Eshcol (Numbers 13:23) was a tangible, miraculous proof of the land's exceptional fertility, far exceeding ordinary agricultural yield. Gleaning laws (Deuteronomy 23:24) allowed the poor to eat grapes directly from a neighbor's vineyard, reflecting community care and property rights. תִּירוֹשׁ (tîyrôsh, H8492) — specifically refers to fresh, new wine. בָּצָל (bātsâl, H1154) — refers to an onion, not a fruit; included here only as a phonetic distinction to avoid confusion with the similar-sounding 'grape' (ʻênâb).

Word Details