### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **çûwph**, represented by `{{H5488}}`, is a term of probable Egyptian origin defined as a reed, papyrus, flag, or weed. It appears 28 times across 28 unique verses in the Bible. While it can refer to aquatic plants, its most significant use is in the name for the **Red** Sea, a location of pivotal events in Israel's history.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H5488}}` is used in several distinct contexts. Most frequently, it designates the **Red** Sea as the stage for God's miraculous deliverance of Israel and judgment on Egypt. This includes God leading the people through "the way of the wilderness of the **Red** sea" [[Exodus 13:18]], the pursuit by the Egyptians [[Joshua 24:6]], and the ultimate overthrow of "Pharaoh and his host in the **Red** sea" [[Psalms 136:15]]. In the story of Moses's infancy, the word is translated as **flags**, describing the reeds in the river where his ark was placed ([[Exodus 2:3]], [[Exodus 2:5]]). It is also used as **weeds** to describe Jonah's despair in the depths, when "the **weeds** were wrapped about my head" [[Jonah 2:5]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help to form the context in which `{{H5488}}` appears:
* `{{H3220}}` **yâm** (a sea or large body of water): This word is almost always paired with **çûwph** to form the proper name "Red **Sea**." This combination appears throughout the accounts of the Exodus and the wilderness wanderings ([[Exodus 10:19]], [[Numbers 21:4]], [[Psalms 106:7]]).
* `{{H2975}}` **yᵉʼôr** (a channel... specifically the Nile): This term for a river is used in the account of the infant Moses, whose ark was seen by Pharaoh's daughter "among the **flags** `{{H5488}}`" at the side of the **river** [[Exodus 2:5]].
* `{{H2717}}` **chârab** (to parch... be dry up): This verb describes God's miraculous action upon the Red Sea. In recounting God's power, the psalmist states, "He rebuked the **Red** sea `{{H5488}}` also, and it was dried up" [[Psalms 106:9]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H5488}}` is primarily tied to God's covenant relationship with Israel.
* **Divine Deliverance and Judgment:** The "Red Sea" is the paramount Old Testament symbol of God's power to save his people and judge their enemies. He "divided the **Red** sea into parts" for Israel to pass through but "overthrew Pharaoh" in the same waters ([[Psalms 136:13]], [[Psalms 136:15]]). Pharaoh's captains "are drowned in the **Red** sea" [[Exodus 15:4]].
* **A Lasting Memorial of God's Power:** The drying of the Red Sea became a foundational story of faith, recalled for future generations. It is cited as proof of God's might to both Rahab [[Joshua 2:10]] and the Israelites preparing to cross the Jordan [[Joshua 4:23]].
* **Symbol of both Peril and Preservation:** The word **çûwph** represents both a place of rescue and of mortal danger. As "flags," it concealed the infant Moses, preserving Israel's future deliverer [[Exodus 2:3]]. As "weeds," it symbolized Jonah being utterly overwhelmed by the depths before God rescued him [[Jonah 2:5]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H5488}}` is a word with a dual identity that is rich in theological significance. It functions as a simple botanical term for reeds or weeds but is elevated to a landmark of divine history as part of the name "Red Sea." It serves as a constant reminder throughout scripture of God's sovereignty over nature, His faithfulness to deliver His people, and His power to execute judgment.
TRV