from סָרַף; a nettle (as stinging like a burn); brier.
Transliteration:çarpâd
Pronunciation:sar-pawd'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma סַרְפָּד (ṣarpāḏ), Strong's `{{H5636}}`, refers to a type of plant, specifically identified as a "nettle" or "brier." Its etymological root is linked to סָרַף (sārap̄), Strong's `{{H8313}}`, which means "to burn" or "to be burned." This derivation is crucial to understanding the core meaning, as it suggests a plant that causes a burning or stinging sensation upon contact, much like a nettle. The extended meaning of "brier" implies a thorny, prickly, or otherwise undesirable plant that hinders movement or growth, often associated with wild, uncultivated, or desolate land. Thus, the semantic range of סַרְפָּד encompasses concepts of pain, discomfort, obstruction, and desolation, all stemming from its inherent physical properties.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term סַרְפָּד (ṣarpāḏ) appears sparingly in the Hebrew Bible, found in only two distinct passages, yet each occurrence is rich in metaphorical significance:
1. **[[Isaiah 55:13]]**: "Instead of the brier (סַרְפָּד) shall come up the myrtle; and instead of the thorn shall come up the fir tree: and it shall be to the LORD for a name, for an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off."
In this prophetic passage, סַרְפָּד functions as a symbol of the desolate and cursed state, a consequence of sin and judgment. It stands in stark contrast to the myrtle, a fragrant and beautiful plant, and the fir tree, a majestic and useful tree. This verse is part of a broader prophecy of restoration and renewal, where God promises to transform the wilderness into a fruitful land, signifying spiritual flourishing and the reversal of the effects of the curse. The removal of the brier and the appearance of the myrtle beautifully illustrate God's redemptive work, bringing beauty, fruitfulness, and glory where there was once barrenness and pain.
2. **[[Ezekiel 28:24]]**: "And there shall be no more a pricking brier (סַרְפָּד) for the house of Israel, nor a painful thorn of all that are round about them, that despised them; and they shall know that I am the Lord GOD."
Here, סַרְפָּד is used metaphorically to represent the hostile and oppressive nations surrounding Israel. These nations, like "pricking briers" and "painful thorns," caused constant irritation, suffering, and hindrance to the people of Israel. The divine promise is that these sources of pain and oppression will be removed, allowing Israel to dwell in security and peace. This passage underscores God's commitment to protect His covenant people and to execute judgment upon those who despise and afflict them, ultimately leading to the recognition of His sovereignty.
In both contexts, סַרְפָּד serves as a potent image of something undesirable, painful, or hindering, which God promises to remove or transform as part of His redemptive plan for His people.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of סַרְפָּד (ṣarpāḏ) benefits from examining its relationship with other Hebrew terms for thorny or undesirable plants, as well as broader theological concepts:
* **Etymological Root:** The most direct relation is to the root סָרַף (sārap̄), Strong's `{{H8313}}`, meaning "to burn." This connection highlights the painful, stinging quality of the plant, akin to a burn.
* **Other Thorny Plants:** The Hebrew Bible frequently employs various terms for thorns, thistles, and briers, often in conjunction with סַרְפָּד or in similar metaphorical contexts:
* קוֹץ (qōṣ), Strong's `{{H6975}}`: A general term for "thorn" or "thistle," often associated with the curse upon the ground ([[Genesis 3:18]]).
* שָׁמִיר (šāmîr), Strong's `{{H8068}}`: Refers to a "brier" or "thorn," sometimes denoting something hard or sharp, even a "diamond" in some contexts.
* חֶדֶק (ḥeḏeq), Strong's `{{H2312}}`: Another term for "brier" or "thorn," used to describe oppressive elements ([[Micah 7:4]]).
* **Concepts of Desolation and Curse:** These plants are often symbolic of the wilderness, desolation, or the effects of the curse on creation due to sin ([[Genesis 3:18]], [[Isaiah 32:13]]).
* **Concepts of Obstruction and Oppression:** Like the "pricking brier" in Ezekiel, such plants represent hindrances, difficulties, and hostile forces that cause pain or prevent flourishing.
* **Concepts of Restoration and Blessing:** The removal or transformation of these plants (as in [[Isaiah 55:13]]) signifies God's promise of renewal, peace, and abundance, reversing the effects of sin and judgment.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of סַרְפָּד (ṣarpāḏ) lies in its metaphorical representation of undesirable realities that God promises to overcome. In both its biblical occurrences, the word points to a state of suffering, whether from environmental desolation or external oppression, which is ultimately subject to divine intervention and transformation.
In [[Isaiah 55:13]], סַרְפָּד symbolizes the consequences of sin and the resulting barrenness in the human and natural landscape. Its replacement by the myrtle speaks powerfully to God's redemptive power, His ability to bring beauty out of ashes, life out of desolation, and joy out of sorrow. This imagery prefigures the new creation and the spiritual flourishing that comes through God's grace and covenant faithfulness. It is a testament to the Lord's ultimate victory over the curse.
In [[Ezekiel 28:24]], the "pricking brier" represents the hostile nations that inflict pain and suffering upon God's people. The promise of their removal underscores God's justice and His unwavering commitment to protect and deliver Israel. This highlights the theme of divine sovereignty over nations and the assurance of future peace and security for God's chosen people. It also points to the ultimate establishment of God's kingdom, where all sources of oppression will be eliminated.
Collectively, the use of סַרְפָּד demonstrates God's active involvement in human history, both in judging sin and in bringing about restoration. It serves as a reminder that pain, desolation, and oppression are not God's final word, but rather temporary conditions that He will ultimately transform or remove for the glory of His name and the well-being of His people.
### Summary
The Hebrew word סַרְפָּד (ṣarpāḏ), Strong's `{{H5636}}`, transliterated as *ṣarpāḏ*, refers to a "nettle" or "brier," a plant known for its stinging or pricking nature, derived from the root meaning "to burn." Although appearing only twice in the Old Testament, its usage is deeply significant. In [[Isaiah 55:13]], סַרְפָּד symbolizes the desolation and curse that will be transformed by God's grace into flourishing and beauty, represented by the myrtle. In [[Ezekiel 28:24]], it metaphorically depicts the hostile and oppressive nations surrounding Israel, which God promises to remove, ensuring peace and security for His people. Across both contexts, סַרְפָּד consistently represents undesirable elements—whether environmental barrenness or external adversaries—that cause pain and hindrance. Its rare but potent appearances underscore a profound theological truth: God's sovereign power to overcome all forms of suffering and desolation, bringing about divine restoration, protection, and ultimate peace for His beloved creation and covenant people.
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