for סוּף (by ellipsis of יָם); the Reed (Sea); Red Sea.
Transliteration:Çûwph
Pronunciation:soof
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H5489}}` סוּף (Çûwph) primarily refers to a specific body of water, commonly rendered as the "Reed Sea" or "Red Sea." The base definition indicates its origin, noting an ellipsis of the word יָם (yām, "sea"), suggesting that `{{H5489}}` itself, in this context, functions as the name of the sea, deriving from the word for "reed" (also סוּף, `{{H5488}}`). This dual understanding is crucial: it is not merely a color ("red") but a geographical descriptor related to the flora of the region. The "Reed Sea" interpretation points to a body of water characterized by marshy, reedy shores, a plausible feature of various inlets or lakes in the region historically associated with the Exodus route. The conventional "Red Sea" translation, while deeply ingrained in English biblical tradition, may stem from an early Greek rendering (Erythra Thalassa) or a broader geographical understanding, rather than a direct etymological link to "red" in Hebrew.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term `{{H5489}}` appears frequently in the Hebrew Bible, almost exclusively in reference to the body of water crossed by the Israelites during their Exodus from Egypt. Its most prominent occurrences are within the Pentateuch, especially in Exodus and Numbers, where it marks a pivotal geographical and theological point in Israel's journey.
* **Exodus Narrative:** The first mention is in [[Exodus 13:18]], where God leads the Israelites "by the way of the wilderness to the Red Sea." The miraculous parting and crossing of the sea, and the subsequent drowning of Pharaoh's army, are recounted in vivid detail (e.g., [[Exodus 14:21-31]], [[Exodus 15:4]], [[Exodus 15:22]]). This event establishes the `{{H5489}}` as the site of God's most dramatic act of deliverance and judgment in the early history of Israel.
* **Wilderness Wanderings:** The Red Sea also defines the initial phase of Israel's wilderness journey. After the initial crossing, the Israelites often returned to or skirted its vicinity (e.g., [[Numbers 14:25]], [[Numbers 21:4]], [[Deuteronomy 1:40]], [[Deuteronomy 2:10]]). This indicates its significance as a geographical marker for their forty years of wandering.
* **Historical and Prophetic References:** Later biblical texts recall the Red Sea crossing as a foundational act of God's power and faithfulness. Joshua reminds the Gibeonites of the event (`{{H5489}}` in [[Joshua 2:10]], [[Joshua 4:23]]), and Jephthah references it in his historical review (`{{H5489}}` in [[Judges 11:16]]). The Psalms frequently extol God's mighty deeds at the Red Sea (e.g., [[Psalm 106:7]], [[Psalm 106:9]], [[Psalm 106:22]], [[Psalm 136:13]], [[Psalm 136:15]]). Even in later periods, the Red Sea retains its significance, such as King Solomon's fleet departing from Ezion-geber "on the shore of the Red Sea" (`{{H5489}}` in [[1 Kings 9:26]]). Prophetic texts also allude to it as a place of divine judgment (e.g., [[Jeremiah 49:21]]).
Across these contexts, the `{{H5489}}` is consistently presented as a formidable natural barrier overcome by divine power, marking a transition from bondage to freedom, and serving as a perpetual reminder of God's redemptive work.
### Related Words & Concepts
The understanding of `{{H5489}}` is enriched by its relationship to several key Hebrew terms and theological concepts:
* **`{{H5488}}` סוּף (Çûwph):** The direct linguistic root, meaning "reed," "rush," or "seaweed." This connection underscores the "Reed Sea" interpretation and suggests a specific type of aquatic environment.
* **`{{H3220}}` יָם (Yām):** The generic Hebrew word for "sea," "ocean," or "large body of water." While `{{H5489}}` itself can stand for the "Reed Sea," it is often found in the construct state with יָם, forming יַם־סוּף (yam-sûph), literally "Sea of Reeds." This fuller phrase emphasizes the "sea" aspect while retaining the "reed" descriptor.
* **`{{H4325}}` מַיִם (Mayim):** The general term for "water." While broader, it is fundamental to the concept of the Red Sea as a watery barrier and the medium for God's miraculous intervention.
* **Exodus (יְצִיאָה, Yetzi'ah):** The entire narrative of Israel's departure from Egypt is inextricably linked to the Red Sea. It is the defining event of the Exodus, symbolizing liberation.
* **Divine Deliverance (יְשׁוּעָה, Yeshua):** The Red Sea crossing is the paramount example of God's salvation for His people. It demonstrates His power to save from impossible situations.
* **Covenant (בְּרִית, Berith):** The deliverance at the Red Sea is a powerful affirmation of God's faithfulness to His covenant promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, establishing Israel as His chosen nation.
* **Wilderness (מִדְבָּר, Midbar):** The Red Sea marks the boundary between Egypt and the wilderness, signifying the beginning of Israel's journey of testing and formation.
### Theological Significance
The `{{H5489}}` holds profound theological significance, serving as a multifaceted symbol of God's character and His relationship with His people:
* **Demonstration of Divine Power and Sovereignty:** The parting of the Red Sea is arguably the most dramatic display of Yahweh's omnipotence in the Old Testament. It showcases His absolute control over creation, bending natural laws to fulfill His purposes. This event firmly established God as the sovereign Lord, unmatched by any human or pagan deity.
* **Foundational Act of Salvation and Deliverance:** More than just a display of power, the Red Sea crossing is the quintessential act of salvation in Israel's history. It represents God's decisive deliverance of His people from the bondage of slavery and oppression. This event becomes the benchmark for future acts of redemption and a constant reminder that God is a liberator.
* **Judgment on Oppressors:** Simultaneously, the drowning of Pharaoh and his army in the Red Sea signifies God's righteous judgment upon those who oppose His will and oppress His people. It demonstrates that God is just and will ultimately bring down those who defy Him.
* **Covenant Faithfulness and Identity Formation:** God's intervention at the Red Sea underscores His unwavering faithfulness to His covenant with Israel. By delivering them, He solidifies their identity as His special people, chosen and redeemed. This event becomes a cornerstone of their national and religious identity.
* **A New Beginning and Spiritual Passage:** The crossing marks a definitive break from the past and a new beginning for Israel. They emerge from the waters as a liberated nation, ready to embark on their journey toward the Promised Land. In Christian theology, this event is often seen typologically as a precursor to baptism, symbolizing death to an old life and resurrection to a new life in Christ, a passage from slavery to sin to freedom in God (e.g., [[1 Corinthians 10:1-2]]).
### Summary
The Hebrew term `{{H5489}}` סוּף (Çûwph) refers to the "Reed Sea" or "Red Sea," a geographical feature intimately tied to the foundational narrative of the Exodus. Its name likely derives from the presence of reeds (`{{H5488}}`) in its waters. Biblically, the `{{H5489}}` is the site of God's miraculous deliverance of Israel from Egyptian bondage, where He demonstrated His unparalleled power by parting the waters and allowing His people to cross on dry ground, while simultaneously bringing judgment upon their oppressors. Theologically, the Red Sea crossing stands as a powerful symbol of divine sovereignty, salvation, covenant faithfulness, and the radical new beginning God orchestrates for His chosen people. It remains a central motif for understanding God's redemptive character throughout biblical history.
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