1. Deshe appears to be a comprehensive term for things that sprout and turn green (Genesis 1:11 ), being translated grass (KJV), vegetation (NAS, NRSV, NIV), all kinds of plants (TEV), or growing things (REB). With rain it forms green pastures (Psalm 23:2 ). See Isaiah 66:14; 2 Kings 19:26 .
2. Dethe, the Aramaic equivalent of deshe, depicts the vegetation to be grazed in the field (Daniel 4:15 ,Daniel 4:15,4:23 ).
3. Yereq refers to pale yellow, green, or gold plants: the green herbs animals eat (Genesis 1:30; Genesis 9:3; Numbers 22:4 ); the green sprouts of trees (Exodus 10:15 ); God's judgment destroys the green things (Isaiah 15:6 ). Yereq can modify deshe to emphasize the green color (2 Kings 19:26; Psalm 37:2; Isaiah 37:2 ). The related term yaraq describes garden vegetables (Deuteronomy 11:10; 1 Kings 21:2; Proverbs 15:17 ).
4. Eseb are the annuals the early rains bring forth (Genesis 1:11 ,Genesis 1:11,1:29 ) as contrasted with the perennials; thus they are the herbs of the field (Genesis 1:30; Genesis 2:5; Genesis 9:3 ). Humans depend on God to make grass grow (Psalm 104:14; Micah 5:7; Zechariah 10:1 ). Grass illustrates the brevity of human life (Psalm 102:4 ,Psalms 102:4,102:11 ) but also the rich, flourishing growth (Psalm 72:16; Psalm 92:7 ) and the king's enriching flavor (Proverbs 19:12 ).
5. Chatsir is a general term for wild grass growing on roofs (2 Kings 19:26 ), mountains (Psalm 147:8 ), and even resistantly hanging on by watering places during drought (1 Kings 18:5 ). Humans in their mortality can be compared to grass in contrast to God's word (Isaiah 40:6-8; compare Isaiah 51:12; Psalm 90:5; Psalm 103:15 ). The lily (Matthew 6:28 ) is later referred to as grass (Matthew 6:30 ).