a primitive root; properly, to divide up; but used only as denominative from סָעִיף,; to disbranch (a tree); top.
Transliteration:çâʻaph
Pronunciation:saw-af'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew verb `{{H5586}}` (סָעַף, *çâʻaph*) is a primitive root, fundamentally conveying the idea of "to divide up." However, its usage in the Hebrew Bible is exclusively as a denominative verb derived from the noun `{{H5588}}` (סָעִיף, *çâʻîph*), which means "a branch" or "bough" (as something split off). Consequently, `{{H5586}}` takes on the specific meaning of acting upon branches: "to disbranch," "to lop off," "to prune," or "to cut off branches." The core semantic range thus involves the action of separating or removing parts from a larger whole, specifically in the context of arboreal imagery, implying a decisive and often destructive cutting action.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb `{{H5586}}` appears only once in the entire Masoretic Text, found in [[Isaiah 10:33]]. This singular occurrence lends immense weight to its context.
In [[Isaiah 10]], the prophet Isaiah delivers a powerful oracle concerning God's judgment upon Assyria, depicted as a proud and towering forest. The passage describes the Lord's impending action against the Assyrian army and its king, who have boasted of their might and conquests.
[[Isaiah 10:33]] states: "Behold, the Lord, the LORD of hosts, will lop off the boughs with terror; and the high ones of stature will be hewn down, and the lofty will be brought low."
Here, `{{H5586}}` (יְסָעֵף, *yᵉsâʻêph*) is used metaphorically to describe God's decisive and terrifying judgment. The "boughs" (פֻּארָה, *puʼrâh*) represent the strength, pride, and numerous leaders or warriors of Assyria. The act of "lopping off" signifies a complete and forceful removal, reducing the mighty and arrogant to nothing. This imagery is reinforced by the subsequent phrases about the "high ones of stature" being "hewn down" and the "lofty" being "brought low," culminating in [[Isaiah 10:34]] where the "thickets of the forest" are cut down and Lebanon falls by a "mighty one." The context is one of divine wrath and sovereign power exercised to humble the proud.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related word is the noun `{{H5588}}` (סָעִיף, *çâʻîph*), from which `{{H5586}}` is denominative, meaning "branch" or "bough." This connection underscores the literal action of cutting branches. Other related terms from the same root include:
* `{{H5589}}` (סְעִפָּה, *sᵉʻippâ*): Also meaning "a branch."
* `{{H5590}}` (סְעִפִּים, *sᵉʻippîm*): A plural noun that extends the concept of "division" to "divided opinions" or "wavering thoughts," as seen in [[1 Kings 18:21]] where Elijah challenges the people, "How long will you go limping between two opinions?" While this metaphorical usage is distinct from the literal "disbranching," it highlights the root's broader semantic field of splitting or dividing.
Concepts related to `{{H5586}}` in its context include: divine judgment, pruning, cutting down, destruction, humbling, divine sovereignty, the axe (as an instrument of judgment), and the downfall of nations. The imagery of a tree representing a nation or powerful entity is a common biblical motif (e.g., [[Daniel 4]], [[Ezekiel 31]]).
### Theological Significance
The singular, powerful use of `{{H5586}}` in [[Isaiah 10:33]] carries profound theological significance. It portrays Yahweh, the Lord of hosts, as the ultimate arbiter of history and the sovereign judge over all nations.
1. **Divine Judgment on Pride:** The primary theological implication is God's unwavering opposition to human pride and arrogance. Assyria, in its self-exaltation and reliance on its own strength, is depicted as a towering tree destined for divine pruning. This act of "lopping off" symbolizes the decisive and terrifying nature of God's judgment against those who resist His authority.
2. **Sovereignty and Control:** The verb underscores God's absolute control over the rise and fall of empires. He is not merely observing but actively intervening to humble the mighty and bring low the exalted, demonstrating that no human power can stand against His will.
3. **Reassurance for God's People:** For Judah, facing the Assyrian threat, this prophecy served as a powerful message of reassurance. Though God used Assyria as an instrument of discipline, He would ultimately deal with the oppressor, demonstrating His faithfulness to His covenant people.
4. **Thematic Resonance:** The imagery aligns with broader biblical themes of God as the one who "brings low and lifts up" ([[1 Samuel 2:7]]), who "cuts off the spirit of princes" ([[Psalm 76:12]]), and whose "axe is already at the root of the trees" ([[Matthew 3:10]]).
### Summary
The Hebrew verb `{{H5586}}` (סָעַף, *çâʻaph*) is a rare but potent term, primarily meaning "to lop off" or "to disbranch." Though derived from a root suggesting "to divide," its specific application is tied to the cutting of tree branches. Its sole occurrence in [[Isaiah 10:33]] is profoundly significant, serving as a vivid metaphor for God's sovereign and terrifying judgment. In this context, the Lord, the LORD of hosts, is depicted as the one who decisively "lops off" the boughs of the proud Assyrian empire, bringing low the lofty and demonstrating His ultimate control over nations. This singular usage powerfully conveys themes of divine judgment on human pride, God's absolute sovereignty, and His unwavering commitment to humble the exalted for the sake of His righteous purposes.
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