Bible Dictionary
Leaf
A leaf is the foliage of a plant or tree, but Scripture also speaks of leaves on doors and leaves or sheets of a written scroll. Green leaves symbolize flourishing and prosperity, while withered leaves suggest decay.
Definition
A leaf is the foliage of a tree or plant. In biblical usage the word may also refer to the panel of a folding door or to a fold or sheet of a book or scroll.
Biblical Usage
Fresh leaves can symbolize prosperity, flourishing, and restoration, while faded or withered leaves represent decay. Scripture mentions olive, oak, and fig leaves and also speaks of a door leaf and a leaf of a book.
Historical Background
The supplied material presents leaves in natural, architectural, and written contexts. A lattice or folding door could have leaves or panels, while a scroll could be understood as having folds or leaves.
Scripture References
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
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.