E-SH-B – ‘maturing fructification’

6212. bRcRo {eseb, eh´seb; from an unused root meaning to glisten (or be green); grass (or any tender shoot):—grass, herb.

We know that the primitive root אש is applied, in general, to the elementary principle of things, and in particular, to fire. We also know that by reinforcing the initial vowel א, it suffices to increase progressively its force. Now, if the word which is the subject of this note, is composed of the contracted roots עש–אב, of which there is no doubt, it will signify not simply χορτος, dried grass, herb of the field, following the interpretation of the Hellenists, weakened by Saint Jerome; but indeed, a sharp and wasted fructification. For this is the true meaning of the word עשב. (The Hebraic Tongue Restored, Fabré d’Olivet, p. 115)