from סָעַף; a fissure (of rocks); also a bough (as subdivided); (outmost) branch, clift, top.
Transliteration:çâʻîyph
Pronunciation:saw-eef'
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word H5585 (סָעִיף, çâʻîyph) is derived from the root סָעַף (sa'aph), which carries the core meaning of "to divide" or "to split." This foundational sense informs the dual semantic range of H5585, manifesting in two distinct yet related conceptual fields:
1. **Geological Division (Fissure/Clift):** In this sense, H5585 refers to a natural split, crack, or crevice in rock formations. It denotes a deep cleft or fissure, often implying a place of concealment or natural fortification. This usage emphasizes the idea of a physical separation or division within a solid mass.
2. **Botanical Division (Branch/Bough):** Here, the word describes a part of a tree that has branched off or subdivided from the main trunk or a larger limb. It specifically refers to an "outmost branch" or "top" bough, highlighting the furthest extensions of a tree. This usage underscores the concept of subdivision and extension from a central point.
In both applications, the underlying notion of "division" or "splitting" remains central, whether it is a geological split in the earth or a botanical split from a tree's main structure.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
H5585 appears in the Hebrew Bible in both its geological and botanical senses, providing rich contextual insights:
**As Fissure/Clift (Geological):**
* **[[Judges 15:8]]**: "He came down and dwelt in the clift of the rock Etam." Here, H5585 describes Samson's hiding place, a natural stronghold that offered him refuge from his enemies. It signifies a secure, albeit isolated, dwelling.
* **[[Isaiah 2:21]]**: "To go into the clifts of the rocks, and into the tops of the ragged rocks, for fear of the LORD, and for the glory of his majesty, when he ariseth to shake terribly the earth." In this eschatological passage, H5585 depicts places where people will vainly seek refuge from the terrifying judgment of God. The deepest fissures in the earth will offer no concealment from divine wrath.
* **[[Jeremiah 49:16]]** and **[[Obadiah 1:3]]**: Both verses refer to Edom's dwelling "in the clifts of the rock," specifically Sela (Petra). This highlights Edom's pride in its seemingly impregnable natural fortresses. The "clifts" represent their perceived security and elevated status, which ultimately proves insufficient against divine judgment.
**As Branch/Bough (Botanical):**
* **[[Isaiah 17:6]]**: "Yet gleaning grapes shall be left in it, as the shaking of an olive tree, two or three berries in the top of the uppermost bough, four or five in the outmost fruitful branches thereof, saith the LORD God of Israel." Here, H5585 refers to the "uppermost bough," illustrating the concept of a small remnant left after a devastating judgment. The few remaining berries on the highest, most difficult-to-reach branches symbolize a sparse but preserved remnant of Israel.
* **[[Isaiah 27:10]]**: "For the defenced city shall be desolate, and the habitation forsaken, and left like a wilderness: there shall the calf feed, and there shall he lie down, and consume the branches thereof." In this prophetic oracle concerning the desolation of a city, "branches" (çâʻîyph) are used metaphorically to represent the city's structures, inhabitants, or prosperity, which will be broken off and consumed, leading to utter ruin.
* **[[Ezekiel 31:9]], [[Ezekiel 31:10]], [[Ezekiel 31:14]] (x2)**: These verses repeatedly use H5585 to describe the magnificent and extensive "branches" of the metaphorical cedar (representing Assyria or Egypt). The numerous and sprawling branches symbolize the empire's vast power, widespread influence, and towering pride. The repetition emphasizes its immense reach and the lofty heights to which it ascended. However, the context also foretells its inevitable downfall, illustrating that even the mightiest "branches" can be cut down by divine decree.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of H5585 is enhanced by examining its linguistic and thematic connections:
* **Root Verb:** The primary related word is its root `{{H5586}}` (sa'aph), the verb "to divide, to split, to cut off." This verbal root directly informs both the geological (fissure) and botanical (branch) meanings of H5585, emphasizing the act or result of division.
* **Synonyms for "Fissure/Cleft":** Other Hebrew words conveying similar geological features include `{{H5359}}` (niqrah), meaning "cleft" or "hole," and `{{H2309}}` (chur), referring to a "hole" or "cave." While H5585 often implies a more pronounced, deep split, these terms share the concept of natural cavities in rock.
* **Synonyms for "Branch/Bough":** The Hebrew lexicon offers several terms for tree parts, including `{{H6288}}` (anaph - branch), `{{H2150}}` (zemirah - branch, twig), `{{H5342}}` (netzer - branch, shoot, often with messianic implications), and `{{H6057}}` (ophi - bough). H5585 often specifies the "uppermost" or "outmost" branches, emphasizing their height or extent.
* **Thematic Connections:** The word H5585 is frequently associated with themes of:
* **Refuge and Security:** Both natural (clifts) and perceived (Edom's strongholds).
* **Divine Judgment:** Clifts offer no escape from God's wrath, and mighty branches are cut down.
* **Remnant:** The highest bough symbolizing preservation amidst destruction.
* **Pride and Downfall:** The lofty branches of powerful nations ultimately broken.
* **Vulnerability:** Even strong natural formations or mighty empires are ultimately subject to God's will.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of H5585 lies in its dual imagery, which powerfully illustrates God's sovereignty over creation and human affairs:
* **The Futility of Human Security Apart from God:** When H5585 refers to "clifts of the rocks," it often highlights humanity's vain attempts to find security or hide from God's judgment. While such fissures might offer refuge from human adversaries (as with Samson in [[Judges 15:8]]), they are utterly insufficient against the omnipotent God ([[Isaiah 2:21]]). The pride of Edom, relying on its natural fortifications ([[Jeremiah 49:16]]; [[Obadiah 1:3]]), serves as a stark reminder that no human-made or natural defense can withstand divine judgment. True security is found only in the Lord.
* **God's Sovereignty Over Nations and Their Pride:** The "branches" of the great cedar in Ezekiel 31, representing powerful empires like Assyria, speak to the deceptive nature of worldly might. These extensive "branches" symbolize the height of their power and influence, yet God declares that He will cut them down ([[Ezekiel 31:10]], [[Ezekiel 31:14]]). This imagery underscores that all earthly power, no matter how vast or seemingly impenetrable, is ultimately subject to God's sovereign will and judgment. Pride that exalts itself will inevitably be brought low.
* **The Doctrine of the Remnant:** The image of a few berries on the "uppermost bough" in [[Isaiah 17:6]] is a profound theological statement on God's faithfulness to His covenant people. Even amidst widespread judgment and desolation, God preserves a small, chosen remnant. This speaks to God's redemptive purpose, ensuring that His plan will continue through a faithful few, demonstrating His mercy even in wrath.
### Summary
The Hebrew word H5585 (סָעִיף, çâʻîyph) is a versatile term rooted in the concept of "division" or "splitting." It encompasses both geological "fissures" or "clifts" in rocks and botanical "branches" or "boughs" of trees. In its geological sense, H5585 depicts places of natural refuge or perceived security, often highlighting their ultimate inadequacy against divine judgment. In its botanical sense, it describes the far-reaching extensions of a tree, symbolizing the power and pride of nations, yet also their vulnerability to God's pruning. Theologically, H5585 powerfully conveys the futility of human attempts at self-security, God's absolute sovereignty over all earthly powers and their inevitable downfall, and His merciful preservation of a faithful remnant even amidst widespread judgment. It is a word that speaks to both the destructive power of divine wrath and the enduring nature of divine grace.
TRV