from an unused root meaning to cover; a bough (as covering the tree); branch.
Transliteration:ʻŏpheʼ
Pronunciation:of-eh'
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word H6073 (ʻŏpheʼ), transliterated as ʻŏpheʼ, is defined as a "bough" or "branch." Its unique etymological foundation lies in an unused root meaning "to cover." This etymological connection is crucial to understanding its specific semantic range. Unlike other generic terms for branches, ʻŏpheʼ carries the nuanced implication of a limb that provides a covering, shade, or extensive reach. It refers to a substantial branch that contributes to the canopy of a tree, thereby offering shelter or demonstrating the tree's widespread growth and influence. The core meaning thus extends beyond mere physical appendage to encompass the function of protection, expansion, or dominion inherent in a large, spreading bough.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term H6073 (ʻŏpheʼ) appears only twice in the Hebrew Bible, both instances within the prophetic book of Ezekiel, where it is used in rich arboreal metaphors to describe nations and rulers.
1. **[[Ezekiel 17:23]]**: "In the mountain of the height of Israel will I plant it: and it shall bring forth boughs, and bear fruit, and be a goodly cedar: and under it shall dwell all fowl of every wing; in the shadow of the branches thereof shall they dwell."
* Here, ʻŏpheʼ describes the "boughs" of a "goodly cedar" that God Himself pledges to plant on the "mountain of the height of Israel." This cedar symbolizes the restored Davidic kingdom or, ultimately, the Messianic reign. The significance of ʻŏpheʼ in this context is paramount: these boughs are not merely present but actively provide "shadow" for "all fowl of every wing." This imagery conveys a profound sense of universal refuge, divine protection, and expansive hospitality offered by God's righteous rule. The "covering" aspect of the boughs is central to the vision of a secure and inclusive sanctuary for all.
2. **[[Ezekiel 31:8]]**: "The cedars in the garden of God could not hide him: the fir trees were not like his boughs, and the chestnut trees were not like his branches; nor any tree in the garden of God was like unto him in his beauty."
* This verse is part of an elaborate lament over Assyria, personified as a magnificent cedar in the Garden of Eden. The use of ʻŏpheʼ (translated as "boughs") emphasizes the unparalleled grandeur, widespread growth, and dominant influence of Assyria. The comparison highlights that even other great trees could not match the expansive reach and sheer majesty of Assyria's ʻŏpheʼ. In this context, the "covering" quality of the boughs signifies the vast territorial and political dominion Assyria exerted over numerous nations, though this power is ultimately depicted as transient and subject to divine judgment.
In both occurrences, ʻŏpheʼ consistently refers to the substantial, prominent branches of a mighty tree, symbolizing either the protective and inclusive reach of God's kingdom or the extensive and imposing power of an earthly empire. The inherent sense of "covering" or "spreading" is foundational to its metaphorical application.
### Related Words & Concepts
While H6073 (ʻŏpheʼ) specifically emphasizes the "covering" aspect of a branch, it exists within a broader lexical field of Hebrew terms for parts of a tree, each with distinct nuances:
* `{{H6057}}` (ʿānāph): A common, general term for a branch or bough, often without the specific nuance of covering.
* `{{H5342}}` (nēṣer): A shoot or sprout, famously used in messianic prophecy to denote a new shoot or branch from a root, emphasizing lineage and new beginnings (e.g., [[Isaiah 11:1]]).
* `{{H3218}}` (yōneqet): A young shoot or suckling, often implying vulnerability or humble origins (e.g., [[Isaiah 53:2]]).
* `{{H2156}}` (zemōrāh): A branch, specifically associated with a vine, highlighting fruitfulness and connection to the main stock.
* `{{H6286}}` (pa'rah): A branch or foliage, often with a sense of flourishing or spreading out.
The distinctive contribution of ʻŏpheʼ lies in its inherent etymological link to "covering." While other terms focus on growth, lineage, or fruitfulness, ʻŏpheʼ draws attention to the protective, sheltering, or expansive function of a tree's limbs. It evokes the image of a widespread canopy that provides refuge or signifies a kingdom's vast dominion. This emphasis on "covering" connects it conceptually to themes of divine protection, sovereignty, and the scope of a kingdom's influence, differentiating it from more generic terms for branches.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of H6073 (ʻŏpheʼ) is profound, particularly given its limited but impactful usage in Ezekiel's prophetic metaphors. The word's inherent meaning of a "bough" that "covers" becomes a potent symbol for divine providence, the nature of God's kingdom, and the security offered by His reign.
In [[Ezekiel 17:23]], the ʻŏpheʼ of the "goodly cedar" planted by God represents the eschatological kingdom of God, often interpreted as a reference to the Messianic reign. This imagery speaks powerfully to:
1. **Divine Shelter and Refuge:** The boughs provide "shadow" for "all fowl of every wing," symbolizing God's comprehensive protection and the universal refuge found within His kingdom. It portrays a place of safety and rest, where all who seek Him will find sanctuary under His expansive and benevolent care.
2. **Messianic Sovereignty:** While a different Hebrew word is used for the "Branch" in other messianic prophecies, the concept of a righteous ruler whose influence spreads widely and provides shelter is consistent. The ʻŏpheʼ highlights the protective, inclusive, and far-reaching nature of God's ultimate dominion through His chosen King.
3. **Growth and Flourishing:** The boughs signify the healthy, vigorous growth of God's planted kingdom, reaching out to encompass many. This speaks to the expansive nature of God's redemptive plan and the ultimate triumph of His righteous rule, which offers life and shelter to all.
Conversely, in [[Ezekiel 31:8]], the ʻŏpheʼ of Assyria's magnificent cedar illustrates the vast, imposing, yet ultimately transient, power of a human empire. While it provided a "covering" for many nations, this was a dominion built on human might, destined to fall. This stark contrast underscores the difference between human, temporary dominion and God's eternal, life-giving shelter and sovereignty. Thus, ʻŏpheʼ serves as a rich symbol of the protective, expansive, and inclusive nature of God's sovereign rule, providing a safe haven for all who seek refuge under His shadow.
### Summary
The Hebrew word H6073 (ʻŏpheʼ) denotes a "bough" or "branch," deriving its unique meaning from an unused root that signifies "to cover." This etymological foundation imbues ʻŏpheʼ with the specific nuance of a branch that provides shade, shelter, or demonstrates extensive reach. Its rare appearances are confined to Ezekiel, where it is used in powerful arboreal metaphors. In [[Ezekiel 17:23]], ʻŏpheʼ describes the protective, all-encompassing boughs of God's planted "goodly cedar," symbolizing the universal refuge and expansive sovereignty of the Messianic kingdom. In contrast, [[Ezekiel 31:8]] uses ʻŏpheʼ to illustrate the vast, yet ultimately ephemeral, dominion of the Assyrian empire. Distinct from other Hebrew terms for branches, ʻŏpheʼ emphasizes the function of a widespread canopy offering shelter or signifying widespread power. Theologically, it profoundly underscores God's providential care, the inclusive and protective nature of His kingdom, and the ultimate security found under His divine "covering," offering a stark contrast to the transient shelter provided by human endeavors.
TRV