Topical Encyclopedia In the Bible, leaves are often mentioned in various contexts, symbolizing life, prosperity, and sometimes judgment. The imagery of leaves is used both literally and metaphorically throughout the Scriptures, reflecting the agrarian culture of the biblical world and the spiritual truths conveyed through nature.Creation and Provision: Leaves first appear in the biblical narrative in the account of creation. In Genesis 1:29 , God provides every seed-bearing plant and tree with fruit and leaves for food, indicating His provision for humanity and all living creatures. The lushness of leaves represents the abundance and sustenance found in God's creation. The Fall: In Genesis 3:7 , after Adam and Eve eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, they realize their nakedness and sew fig leaves together to cover themselves. This act of using leaves for covering signifies the first human attempt to deal with sin and shame, albeit inadequately, highlighting the need for divine intervention and redemption. Symbol of Prosperity and Righteousness: Leaves are often associated with prosperity and righteousness. In Psalm 1:3 , the righteous man is likened to a tree planted by streams of water, "which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither." This imagery conveys the idea of spiritual vitality and the blessings that come from living in accordance with God's will. Judgment and Withering: Conversely, withering leaves symbolize judgment and the consequences of disobedience. In Isaiah 64:6 , the prophet laments, "All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind, our sins sweep us away." Here, the withered leaf represents the frailty and impermanence of human righteousness apart from God. Healing and Restoration: In the prophetic vision of Ezekiel 47:12 , the leaves of the trees growing by the river flowing from the temple are described as having healing properties: "Their fruit will serve for food and their leaves for healing." This imagery is echoed in Revelation 22:2 , where the leaves of the tree of life are "for the healing of the nations," symbolizing the ultimate restoration and healing that comes through God's redemptive plan. Fig Tree and Faith: The New Testament also uses the imagery of leaves in the context of faith and fruitfulness. In Mark 11:13-14 , Jesus curses a fig tree that has leaves but no fruit, illustrating the importance of genuine faith that produces spiritual fruit. The presence of leaves without fruit serves as a warning against hypocrisy and the appearance of godliness without true substance. Throughout the Bible, leaves serve as a powerful symbol of life, growth, and the spiritual realities of blessing and judgment. They remind believers of God's provision, the consequences of sin, and the hope of restoration through His grace. Smith's Bible Dictionary Leaves LeafThe word occurs in the Authorized Version either in singular or plural number in three different senses.
Greek 5444. phullon -- a leaf ... Word Origin a prim. word Definition a leaf NASB Word Usage leaf (1), leaves (5). leaf. From the same as phule; a sprout, ie Leaf -- leaf. see GREEK phule. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5444.htm - 6k Strong's Hebrew 5929. aleh -- leaf, leafage... Definition: leaf. Word Origin from alah Definition leaf, leafage NASB Word Usage branches (5), leaf (9), leaves (4). branch, leaf. From ... /hebrew/5929.htm - 6k 2964. tereph -- prey, food, a leaf 1817. deleth -- a door 6763. tsela -- rib, side Library Nothing but Leaves "And we all do Fade as a Leaf, and Our Iniquities, Like the Wind ... A Bibliographical Index of the Printed Editions of the Canons of ... Death to Sin's Penalty is the Way Out into a Life of Justification ... Continues the Same Subject: Explains the Prayer of Union by a ... Nothing but Leaves "All Our Righteousnesses are as Filthy Rags, and we all do Fade as ... What Sin Does to Men section 3 The Second Day in Passion-Week - the Barren Fig-Tree - the ... Resources Does the Bible indicate that, in the end times, people will not be able to recognize the different seasons? | GotQuestions.orgWhy did Jesus curse the fig tree? | GotQuestions.org Why do Muslim women have to wear a hijab? | GotQuestions.org Leaves: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |