from an unused root meaning to prick; a bramble; bush.
Transliteration:çᵉneh
Pronunciation:sen-eh'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun סְנֶה (sᵊneh), Strong's `{{H5572}}`, is derived from an unused root that conveys the sense of "to prick." This etymological root strongly suggests a thorny or prickly plant. Consequently, the primary definition of סְנֶה is "bush" or "bramble," specifically referring to a shrub, likely one characterized by thorns or sharp branches. Its semantic range is quite narrow, consistently denoting this particular type of vegetation within the biblical text.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term סְנֶה appears exclusively in contexts related to the miraculous encounter between God and Moses at Mount Horeb. Its occurrences are limited to the book of Exodus and a single poetic reference in Deuteronomy:
* In [[Exodus 3:2]], the angel of the LORD appears to Moses "in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush: and he looked, and, behold, the bush burned with fire, and the bush was not consumed."
* [[Exodus 3:3]] records Moses' curiosity: "And Moses said, I will now turn aside, and see this great sight, why the bush is not burnt."
* In [[Exodus 3:4]], God calls to Moses "out of the midst of the bush," initiating the divine commission.
* Later, in [[Deuteronomy 33:16]], in Moses' blessing of the tribes, God is referred to poetically as "him that dwelt in the bush," a powerful metonym for the God of Israel, recalling this foundational event.
The consistent context highlights the extraordinary nature of a divine manifestation within an ordinary, likely thorny, desert shrub. The crucial detail is that the bush, though burning, "was not consumed" (לֹא־אֻכַּל), a paradox that signifies the holy yet preserving nature of God's presence. New Testament references to this event utilize the Greek term `{{G940}}` (batos), as seen in [[Mark 12:26]], [[Luke 20:37]], [[Acts 7:30]], and [[Acts 7:35]], reinforcing its singular biblical significance.
### Related Words & Concepts
While סְנֶה does not have frequently used direct cognates that illuminate its meaning, its etymological root connects it conceptually to words denoting sharpness or thorns. In the broader biblical flora, it contrasts with more majestic trees like the cedars of Lebanon or the "tree of life," emphasizing its humble and common nature. It is distinct from other desert plants such as the acacia (שִׁטָּה, `{{H7850}}`), though it would have been a common sight in the Sinai wilderness, much like the acacia. The Greek term `{{G940}}` (batos) serves as its direct linguistic counterpart in the Septuagint and New Testament, specifically referring to this unique plant of divine encounter.
### Theological Significance
The "burning bush" (סְנֶה) is a pivotal theological symbol, representing a profound theophany—a tangible manifestation of God's presence. God's choice of an ordinary, humble, and even prickly bush for this encounter underscores His condescension and willingness to reveal Himself in unexpected, even lowly, settings. The unconsumed nature of the סְנֶה is profoundly significant: it demonstrates God's holy, consuming presence that paradoxically does not destroy what it indwells when it is for a divine purpose. This paradox points to God's immense power and transcendence, yet also His preserving grace and redemptive intent. It is from this סְנֶה that God reveals His sacred name, YHWH (יהוה), "I AM THAT I AM" (אֶהְיֶה אֲשֶׁר אֶהְיֶה), establishing His covenant relationship with Israel and commissioning Moses as their deliverer. The סְנֶה thus becomes a symbol of divine revelation, the declaration of sacred ground (אַדְמַת־קֹדֶשׁ), and the initiation of Israel's redemption. The later reference in [[Deuteronomy 33:16]] to "him that dwelt in the bush" highlights the enduring memory and theological weight of this event, signifying God's abiding presence and special favor with His chosen people.
### Summary
The Hebrew word סְנֶה (sᵊneh), Strong's `{{H5572}}`, translates to "bush" or "bramble," likely referring to a thorny shrub, consistent with its root meaning "to prick." Despite its ordinary botanical nature, סְנֶה holds immense theological significance due to its exclusive association with the burning bush theophany in [[Exodus 3]]. This humble סְנֶה served as the locus of God's self-revelation to Moses, where the divine presence burned without consuming the plant. This miraculous event initiated Moses' commission for the liberation of Israel and marked the revelation of God's personal name. The unconsumed סְנֶה symbolizes God's powerful yet preserving presence, His condescension to meet humanity in an ordinary setting, and the hallowed ground of divine encounter. In subsequent biblical references, "him that dwelt in the bush" (`{{H5572}}`) becomes a powerful metonym for the God of Israel, recalling this foundational moment of covenant and redemption.
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