from the same as עָנָף; branching; full of branches.
Transliteration:ʻânêph
Pronunciation:aw-nafe'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H6058}}` (ʻânêph), transliterated as 'ânêph, is an adjective derived from the noun `{{H6057}}` (ʻânâph), meaning "branch" or "bough." Its core meaning therefore denotes a state of being "branching" or "full of branches." It describes something characterized by the proliferation of limbs or offshoots, particularly in the context of vegetation. The semantic range extends to imply vigor, growth, and the natural expansion of a plant, suggesting a healthy and thriving state in its literal sense.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term `{{H6058}}` appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, found in the prophetic book of Ezekiel:
* **[[Ezekiel 17:6]]**: "And it grew, and became a spreading vine of low stature, whose branches turned toward him, and its roots were under him: so it became a vine, and brought forth branches, and shot forth *sprigs* (וַיַּעַשׂ עָנֵף)."
* In this passage, Ezekiel presents an intricate riddle concerning two great eagles and a vine, which serves as an allegory for the political machinations involving Judah, Babylon, and Egypt. The vine in question represents the house of Israel/Judah. The phrase "וַיַּעַשׂ עָנֵף" describes the vine's vigorous growth, indicating that it "brought forth branches" or became "full of branches." This imagery underscores the initial development and flourishing of the vine under the care of the first eagle (Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon). Despite its "low stature," it actively produces numerous branches, signifying the nation's ability to grow and expand. However, the subsequent narrative reveals that this apparent vitality is intertwined with a perilous choice to turn towards the second eagle (Pharaoh of Egypt), ultimately leading to the vine's demise. The term here highlights the organic, spreading nature of the vine, which, in the allegorical context, speaks to the dynamic, though ultimately misguided, trajectory of Judah.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the noun from which `{{H6058}}` is derived:
* **`{{H6057}}` (ʻânâph)**: This noun means "branch," "bough," or "twig." It is the concrete object that `{{H6058}}` describes as being abundant. Understanding `{{H6057}}` is essential for grasping the full meaning of `{{H6058}}`, as the latter is a descriptive adjective of the former.
Beyond its direct linguistic root, `{{H6058}}` connects to broader biblical themes and imagery:
* **Trees and Vines as Metaphors**: The Bible frequently employs the imagery of trees and vines to represent individuals, nations, or spiritual conditions. For instance, Israel is often depicted as a vine or olive tree (e.g., [[Psalm 80:8-16]], [[Isaiah 5:1-7]], [[Hosea 10:1]]). The "branching" described by `{{H6058}}` fits within this rich metaphorical landscape, symbolizing growth, lineage, and the extent of a nation's influence or prosperity.
* **Fruitfulness and Productivity**: A tree "full of branches" is often associated with the potential for fruitfulness and productivity. While `{{H6058}}` itself does not explicitly denote fruit, the abundance of branches is a prerequisite for a fruitful harvest.
* **Spreading and Expansion**: The concept of "branching" inherently implies outward expansion and proliferation, whether in terms of population, territory, or influence.
### Theological Significance
The singular occurrence of `{{H6058}}` in [[Ezekiel 17:6]] carries significant theological weight within its allegorical context.
* **Divine Observation and Sovereignty**: The detailed description of the vine's "branching" growth underscores God's meticulous observation of His people, Israel. Even the seemingly natural processes of growth and development are under His sovereign gaze and part of His overarching plan. The vine's flourishing is not unnoticed, nor are its subsequent choices.
* **The Nature of Israel's Growth and Unfaithfulness**: The vine's "branching" signifies Israel's growth and establishment as a nation. However, within Ezekiel's prophecy, this growth is juxtaposed with the nation's spiritual infidelity. The vine, though "full of branches," ultimately turns its "roots" and "branches" towards a foreign power (Egypt) rather than remaining loyal to the one who planted it (Babylon, as God's instrument, and ultimately God Himself). This highlights a crucial theological principle: outward prosperity or growth does not guarantee divine favor, especially if it is rooted in disloyalty or misdirected allegiance.
* **Judgment and Consequence**: The very vigor implied by "full of branches" sets the stage for a more dramatic fall. The more extensively the vine branches out in unfaithfulness, the more severe the judgment when its roots are finally pulled up. This demonstrates God's righteous judgment against those who betray covenants and seek security in human alliances rather than divine faithfulness.
### Summary
The Hebrew word `{{H6058}}` (ʻânêph), meaning "branching" or "full of branches," is derived from `{{H6057}}` (ʻânâph), "branch." Its sole biblical appearance is in [[Ezekiel 17:6]], where it describes the vigorous growth of a vine, allegorically representing the house of Israel. This term highlights the vine's proliferation of branches, signifying the nation's development and expansion. Theologically, its use in Ezekiel's allegory underscores God's watchful sovereignty over Israel's growth, even as that growth is tragically misdirected towards unfaithful alliances. It serves as a poignant reminder that outward flourishing does not equate to spiritual fidelity and can, in fact, set the stage for divine judgment when loyalty is misplaced.
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