Leaf

Leaf appears frequently in biblical poetry as an image of life, impermanence, or spiritual condition. The righteous man is likened to a tree planted by streams whose leaf does not wither (Ps. 1:3), while the unfaithful are compared to a fading leaf blown by the wind (Isa. 64:6; 1:30). Jesus cursed the fig tree for bearing leaves without fruit (Matt. 21:19), a sign of outward religious profession without repentance. In Revelation's vision of the New Jerusalem, the tree of life produces leaves "for the healing of the nations" (Rev. 22:2), reversing the curse that began in the garden.