### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **pᵉʼôrâh**, represented by `{{H6288}}`, describes the foliage or ornamentation of a tree, translated as **bough, branch,** or **sprig**. Rooted in a word meaning "ornamentation," it evokes a sense of beautiful, bright green foliage. It appears 7 times across 7 unique verses, primarily in the prophetic books of Isaiah and Ezekiel.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{H6288}}` is consistently used in metaphors for nations and their rulers, often depicted as great trees. In Ezekiel's elaborate allegory of a magnificent tree, its long **branches** `{{H6288}}` are a result of abundant water, and they provide shelter for the beasts of the field ([[Ezekiel 31:5]], [[Ezekiel 31:6]]). The beauty of this tree, with its impressive **branches** `{{H6288}}`, is said to be unrivaled by even the trees in the garden of God [[Ezekiel 31:8]]. However, this imagery is also used to describe judgment; the Lord of hosts will "lop the **bough**" `{{H6288}}` to humble the haughty [[Isaiah 10:33]], and the great tree's broken **boughs** `{{H6288}}` signify its downfall [[Ezekiel 31:12]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several other Hebrew words for branches and boughs appear alongside `{{H6288}}`, creating a rich botanical vocabulary:
* `{{H1808}}` **dâlîyâh** (branch): Defined as something dangling, like a bough. It is used in parallel with `{{H6288}}` to describe both the growth of a vine and the felling of a great tree's limbs ([[Ezekiel 17:6]], [[Ezekiel 31:12]]).
* `{{H5589}}` **çᵉʻappâh** (bough): This word for a twig or bough is paired with `{{H6288}}` in Ezekiel's depiction of a great tree, where fowls nest in its **boughs** `{{H5589}}` and beasts live under its **branches** `{{H6288}}` [[Ezekiel 31:6]].
* `{{H5634}}` **çarʻappâh** (bough): Also meaning a twig or bough, this term is used to describe how the tree's **boughs** `{{H5634}}` multiplied while its **branches** `{{H6288}}` grew long [[Ezekiel 31:5]].
* `{{H905}}` **bad** (branch): This word, with a core meaning of separation or a part of something, is used to describe the primary **branches** `{{H905}}` from which a vine shoots forth **sprigs** `{{H6288}}` [[Ezekiel 17:6]].
### Theological Significance
The symbolic weight of `{{H6288}}` is significant in prophetic warnings. It serves to illustrate key themes of power and judgment.
* **National Glory and Pride:** The long and beautiful **branches** `{{H6288}}` of the allegorical tree in Ezekiel 31 symbolize the expansive power, wealth, and influence of a mighty empire that provides for other nations ([[Ezekiel 31:6]], [[Ezekiel 31:8]]).
* **Divine Judgment:** The splendor of the foliage becomes a symbol of arrogance that invites divine retribution. The Lord's act of lopping the **bough** `{{H6288}}` is a direct metaphor for humbling the proud and mighty [[Isaiah 10:33]]. The breaking of the **boughs** and the felling of the tree represents the complete destruction of the prideful nation [[Ezekiel 31:12]].
* **Humble Growth:** In contrast to the towering, prideful tree, the use of `{{H6288}}` as **sprigs** on a low-stature vine illustrates the concept of more humble, yet productive, growth [[Ezekiel 17:6]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H6288}}` is more than a simple descriptor for a tree's limb. It functions as a powerful and specific prophetic symbol. Used almost exclusively in Isaiah and Ezekiel, **pᵉʼôrâh** represents the ornamental glory and visible strength of nations. This splendor can signify prosperity, but it also serves as a potent image of the pride that precedes a fall, making its beautiful **branches** a target for the humbling judgment of God.
TRV