English · KJV
H8299

שָׂרִיג

sârîyg /saw-reeg'/ Ask about this word
Rootfrom שָׂרַג
Meaninga tendril (as entwining)
KJV usagebranch.

Word Study

In depth

A plain-language study of sârîyg — the range of meaning it carries, how Scripture actually uses it, and where it points. Written for readers who don’t know the original language.

Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Hebrew word sârîyg, represented by H8299, refers to a branch or tendril. Derived from a root meaning to entwine, it appears 3 times across 3 unique verses in the Bible. Though rare, its usage highlights the tangible and symbolic nature of branches in biblical narratives, representing concepts from life and growth to desolation.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In its biblical occurrences, H8299 is used in two distinct contexts. In Genesis, it features prominently in the dream interpreted by Joseph H3130. The three branches H8299 on the vine H1612 that budded and brought forth ripe grapes were a symbol of imminent restoration Genesis 40:10. Joseph directly links the branches to a specific timeframe, stating that the three branches are three days H3117, making them a key element of prophetic interpretation H6623 Genesis 40:12. In contrast, the prophet Joel uses the term to describe judgment, where the branches of the fig tree H8384 are made white H3835 and cast away after a devastating invasion Joel 1:7.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words provide a fuller context for the role of a branch:

  • H1612 gephen (a vine (as twining), especially the grape): This is the plant from which the branches H8299 emerge in Joseph's dream, establishing the source of fruitfulness Genesis 40:10.
  • H811 'eshkôwl (a bunch of grapes or other fruit): This represents the fruit that comes from the branches H8299, signifying productivity and blessing Genesis 40:10.
  • H8384 tᵉʼên (the fig (tree or fruit)): This shows that branches H8299 are not exclusive to vines, as the branches of the fig tree are a marker of national devastation in Joel's prophecy Joel 1:7.
  • H3835 lâban (to be (or become) white): This word describes the state of the branches H8299 after judgment, stripped and left desolate Joel 1:7.

Theological Significance

The theological significance of H8299 is seen in its dual symbolism:

  • Promise of Life and Restoration: In the Genesis narrative, the budding and fruit-bearing branches are a sign of life, hope, and the fulfillment of God's plan through Joseph H3130 Genesis 40:10.
  • Symbol of Divine Judgment: In Joel, the state of the branches serves as a visible measure of God's judgment upon the land. Healthy branches indicate blessing, while stripped and whitened branches signify a nation laid waste H8047 Joel 1:7.
  • Vehicle for Prophetic Revelation: The branches function as a core symbol in a dream that requires divine interpretation H6623. Their number directly corresponds to the number of days H3117 until fulfillment, showing how God uses natural elements to communicate His timing Genesis 40:12.

Summary

In summary, H8299 is a specific botanical term that carries significant symbolic weight. While it appears only a few times, it powerfully illustrates the biblical themes of life, fruitfulness, judgment, and divine communication. Its use in both a story of personal restoration and a prophecy of national desolation demonstrates how a simple branch can represent the vast difference between divine blessing and divine discipline.

How the KJV Renders It

Translation

Strong’s lists the renderings but not their weight. These are counted from the King James text of the tagged verses — the bar under each is how often the translators actually reached for it. Select one to filter the occurrences below.

Grammatical Forms

Morphology

In the Hebrew Old Testament, this word appears as a noun across 3 occurrences, inflected in 2 grammatical forms — each row is one form, and the bar is how often it is that form. Select any form to read what each part of its name means, and to filter the occurrence list to it.

  • שָׂרִיגִם
  • שָׂרִיגֶי

Related Words

Related

Other entries the study above points to — each one is drawn from a reference it makes. Follow the trail to see how the words connect.

H3130 יוֹסֵף future of יָסַף; let him add (or perhaps simply active participle adding); Joseph, the name of seven Israelites; Joseph. H1612 גֶּפֶן from an unused root meaning to bend; a vine (as twining), especially the grape; vine, tree. H3117 יוֹם from an unused root meaning to be hot; a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one s H6623 פִּתְרוֹן or פִּתְרֹן; from פָּתַר; interpretation (of a dream); interpretation. H8384 תְּאֵן or (in the singular, feminine) תְּאֵנָה; perhaps of foreign derivation; the fig (tree or fruit); fig (tree). H3835 לָבַן a primitive root; also as denominative from לְבֵנָה; to be (or become) white; to make bricks; make brick, be (made, mak

Theographic Context

Context

The people, places, and span of history the verses containing this word touch on — drawn from the theographic tagging of Scripture. Select any name to isolate its verses in the occurrence list.

Biblical Distribution

Distribution

Appears in 3 verses across 2 of the 39 books. Most frequent in Genesis (2 verses); never once in the other 37.

2
Genesis
1
Joel

Every Occurrence

Concordance

Every verse where the word is tagged in the King James text. Filter by book, by the English word the translators chose, by grammatical form, or search within the verses.

Sources. Definition and numbering: James Strong, Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible (1890). Morphology: STEPBible / Tyndale House (CC BY). Verse tagging: the King James text keyed to Strong’s numbers. Every count on this page is computed from the tagged corpus, not estimated.