Because Man Is a Tree of the Field – Hebrew Meaning of Deuteronomy 20:19 | Harvest of Asher

Tu B'Shvat invites deep reflection on the relationship between human life, faith, and spiritual fruit. Deuteronomy 20:19 often translated to English as “man is like a tree of the field” carries a far richer meaning. The Hebrew translation reads, "Because Man Is A Tree of the Field". This is not merely a comparison between a man and a tree, but a statement of the essence of shared life. Humanity and the tree belong to the same living order, both rooted, both dependent on hidden sources of nourishment, and both measured over time rather than in fleeting moments.

Scripture repeatedly returns to this image. “He shall be like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in its season” (Psalm 1:3). The human being, like the tree, is created to be rooted, sustained, and fruitful. Trust and connection are what keep life flowing. “Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord… he will be like a tree planted by the water, that does not fear when heat comes” (Jeremiah 17:7–8).

Seen through this lens, the believer in Yeshua is called to live like the olive tree. The olive tree is quiet, resilient, and deeply rooted. It does not seek attention, yet it carries within it enduring light. Scripture gives voice to this image: “But I am like a green olive tree in the house of God” (Psalm 52:10). Its value is not found in height or outward beauty but in the oil it produces, in the life it gives to others, and in its faithfulness to its roots even through seasons of drought.

Yeshua taught that life is revealed by its outcome. “You will recognize them by their fruits” (Matthew 7:16). The olive tree embodies this truth. Its worth is not shown through rapid growth but through patient endurance. In the same way, faith in Yeshua is not an abstract idea but a living connection. “I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever remains in me bears much fruit” (John 15:5). Growth often happens slowly and invisibly. There are seasons when nothing appears to change on the surface, yet beneath the ground the roots are deepening and storing life for the moment when fruit will appear.

The fruit of faith is never meant for the believer alone. The olive tree does not consume its own harvest but offers it to the world as nourishment, healing, and light. Scripture describes this outward expression clearly: “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness” (Galatians 5:22–23). True spiritual fruit is measured not by personal gain but by how others receive life through one’s presence. “The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life” (Proverbs 11:30).

Olive oil, the essence of the fruit, is released only through pressing. In the same way, hardship and suffering are not contradictions of faith but are often the place where faith is refined. “Suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope” (Romans 5:3–4). Scripture also speaks of light emerging from pain: “Out of the anguish of his soul he shall see light” (Isaiah 53:11). Not every struggle is chosen, but every struggle can become light when it remains rooted in the right source.

The purpose of olive oil is to give light, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105). In the same way, the light of the believer is meant to be gentle, steady, and faithful. Yeshua said, “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good works” (Matthew 5:16). This is not leadership through force or display. As the prophet declares, “Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit” (Zechariah 4:6). Like the oil that feeds the menorah in Zechariah’s vision, the olive tree supplies light quietly and continuously.

Tu B'Shvat reminds us that planting comes before fruit and trust precedes visible results. Those who remain connected to the source of life need not fear seasons of delay. The believer in Yeshua is therefore called to remain rooted, faithful to the process, and confident that even when fruit is not yet visible, it will come in its proper time. Like the olive tree, which grows slow and steadily, it is possible to live life this way. After being wounded and renewed, we reflect God's light without abandoning our roots.