ma.lal describes withering or fading away, whether of a flower, foliage, grain, or grass.

The attested use describes withering or fading away in comparisons involving a flower, foliage, heads of grain, and grass; the forms occur in singular and plural clauses without showing a separate lexical use.

1. Withering or fading away · dominant

   In Job 14:2, the singular sequential imperfect occurs in the comparison of a person coming forth like a flower; the APB renders the clause "withers." In Job 18:16 foliage is said to wither from above, while Job 24:24 compares those brought low and gathered up to heads of grain that wither; Psalm 37:2 similarly compares them to grass that will soon languish.

   Job 14:2Job 18:16Job 24:24Psalm 37:2

In the Anselm Project Bible: The APB presents the relevant clauses with "withers" in Job 14:2, Job 18:16, and Job 24:24, and with "languish" in Psalm 37:2. These renderings confirm the verse-level imagery rather than establish distinct senses.