Leaf

Leaf [EBD]

of a tree. The olive-leaf mentioned Gen. 8:11. The barren fig-tree had nothing but leaves (Matt. 21:19; Mark 11:13). The oak-leaf is mentioned Isa. 1:30; 6:13. There are numerous allusions to leaves, their flourishing, their decay, and their restoration (Lev. 26:36; Isa. 34:4; Jer. 8:13; Dan. 4:12, 14, 21; Mark 11:13; 13:28). The fresh leaf is a symbol of prosperity (Ps. 1:3; Jer. 17:8; Ezek. 47:12); the faded, of decay (Job 13:25; Isa. 1:30; 64:6; Jer. 8:13).

Leaf of a door (1 Kings 6:34), the valve of a folding door.

Leaf of a book (Jer. 36:23), perhaps a fold of a roll.

LEAF; LEAVES [ISBE]

LEAF; LEAVES - lef, levz: Used in three different senses, with reference: (1) To trees (`aleh, "a coming up"), Gen 3:7; 8:11; Lev 26:36 (Tereph); Ezek 17:9; phullon. Figuratively (a) of spiritual blessings (Ezek 47:12; compare Rev 22:2) and prosperity (Ps 1:3); (b) of moral decay (Isa 64:6), and (c) of a formal, empty profession (Mt 21:19). (2) To a book (deleth), Jer 36:23 (margin "columns"; see 36:2); as the parchment was gradually unfolded the successive columns could be read. (3) To doors (tsela`, "side," qela`,"a screen," "hanging"), 1 Ki 6:34. The door of the Holy Place consisted of two halves, but each half had two leaves (compare Ezek 41:24).

M. O. Evans