from סָפַח; something (spontaneously) falling off, i.e. a self-sown crop; figuratively, a freshet; (such) things as (which) grow (of themselves), which groweth of its own accord (itself).
Transliteration:çâphîyach
Pronunciation:saw-fee'-akh
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The lemma סָפִיחַ (çâphîyach, `{{H5599}}`) is derived from the root סָפַח (çâphach, `{{H5596}}`). While the root often means "to attach" or "to join," in the context of סָפִיחַ, it signifies something that "falls off" or "is spontaneously produced." Its primary meaning in the agricultural sphere is a "self-sown crop" or "aftergrowth"—grain that grows naturally from seeds dropped during a previous harvest, requiring no human labor such as plowing or sowing. This phenomenon is also known as a "volunteer crop." Figuratively, the term can also denote a "freshet," suggesting something that flows or bursts forth unbidden, like an overflow of water. The overarching emphasis of סָפִיחַ is on growth or phenomena that occur "of its own accord" or "of itself," underscoring natural, uncultivated processes or divine provision rather than human intervention.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term סָפִיחַ (çâphîyach, `{{H5599}}`) appears exclusively in two parallel passages within the prophetic and historical accounts of Sennacherib's siege against Jerusalem during King Hezekiah's reign.
* [[Isaiah 37:30]]: "And this shall be the sign for you: you shall eat this year what grows of itself (çâphîyach), and in the second year what springs from that (sāḥîš), and in the third year sow and reap, and plant vineyards and eat their fruit." This verse is part of God's direct message to Hezekiah through the prophet Isaiah, promising deliverance from the Assyrian threat. The סָפִיחַ serves as a miraculous sign of divine provision, assuring the people that despite the war's disruption to agriculture, they will be sustained by naturally growing crops. It signifies a period of immediate, unearned sustenance, leading to a subsequent year of "aftergrowth" (סָחִישׁ, `{{H5474}}`) and then a return to normal agricultural practices.
* [[2 Kings 19:29]]: This passage is an almost verbatim repetition of [[Isaiah 37:30]], reinforcing the historical veracity and divine significance of the promise. Here too, סָפִיחַ functions as a tangible assurance of God's intervention and His commitment to preserving His people and their land.
In both contexts, סָפִיחַ is a powerful symbol of divine grace and supernatural care. It demonstrates God's ability to provide sustenance even when human efforts are impossible or rendered futile by circumstances, highlighting His sovereign control over nature and His covenant faithfulness.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **Root סָפַח (çâphach, `{{H5596}}`):** As the root, סָפַח generally means "to attach," "to cling," or "to add." While seemingly distinct from "self-sown crop," the connection can be understood as seeds "attaching" to the soil or new growth "adding" itself to the field without human effort.
* **סָחִישׁ (sāḥîš, `{{H5474}}`):** This term is always paired with סָפִיחַ in the biblical text. It refers to the "aftergrowth of the aftergrowth," specifically the crop that grows in the second year from seeds dropped by the סָפִיחַ of the first year. The pairing emphasizes a sustained period of miraculous provision.
* **Sabbatical Year (שְׁמִטָּה, shmittah):** The concept of סָפִיחַ resonates strongly with the agricultural laws concerning the sabbatical year (e.g., [[Leviticus 25:5]], [[Leviticus 25:11]]). During the sabbatical year, the land was to lie fallow, and whatever grew "of itself" was permitted for consumption by all, including the poor and animals. While the סָפִיחַ in Isaiah is a special, miraculous provision in a time of crisis, it echoes the broader biblical principle of God's provision through natural growth when human cultivation ceases.
* **Manna:** The miraculous provision of manna in the wilderness ([[Exodus 16]]) offers a significant parallel. Like סָפִיחַ, manna was a direct, unearned, and spontaneous provision from God, sustaining His people in a desolate environment. Both instances underscore God's faithfulness to meet the physical needs of His people through supernatural means.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of סָפִיחַ is profound, underscoring several key aspects of God's character and relationship with His people:
* **Divine Providence and Sovereignty:** סָפִיחַ stands as a powerful testament to God's absolute providence and sovereignty over all creation. In a time of national crisis, with agricultural cycles disrupted by war, God promises to sustain His people through natural growth, demonstrating that His provision is not contingent on human labor or favorable conditions, but solely on His divine will.
* **Sign of Assurance and Hope:** For King Hezekiah and the people of Judah, the promise of סָפִיחַ was a tangible, concrete sign that God would indeed deliver them from the formidable Assyrian threat and restore their land. It offered a beacon of hope in a desperate situation, assuring them of future peace, restoration, and abundance.
* **Rest and Reliance:** The instruction to eat סָפִיחַ implied a period of forced cessation from normal agricultural work. This rest, however, was not one of deprivation but of reliance on God. It served as a spiritual lesson, teaching the people to trust in God's direct sustenance and to depend more deeply on Him rather than on their own strength, industry, or the fruit of their toil.
* **Foreshadowing of Kingdom Blessings:** In a broader theological sense, the concept of unearned abundance and effortless provision, as embodied by סָפִיחַ, can be seen as a foretaste of eschatological blessings. It hints at a future kingdom reality where God's blessings will flow freely and abundantly, transcending the toil and curse associated with the Fall, and where God's original design for creation, characterized by effortless provision, will be fully realized.
### Summary
The Hebrew word סָפִיחַ (çâphîyach, `{{H5599}}`) denotes a "self-sown crop" or "aftergrowth," referring to grain that grows naturally without human cultivation. Its primary biblical appearances in [[Isaiah 37:30]] and [[2 Kings 19:29]] position it as a miraculous sign of divine provision and assurance during the Assyrian siege of Jerusalem. This word powerfully illustrates God's absolute sovereignty over creation and His unfailing faithfulness to sustain His people, even in dire circumstances where human effort is impossible. סָפִיחַ signifies a period of forced rest and profound reliance on God's direct sustenance, echoing the principles of the sabbatical year and the miraculous provision of manna in the wilderness. Theologically, סָפִיחַ serves as a potent symbol of divine providence, unwavering hope, and the ultimate restoration of God's blessings, emphasizing that true security and sustenance are derived from God alone, independent of human labor.
TRV