or שׂוֹרֵק; and (feminine) שֹׂרֵקָה; from שָׁרַק in the sense of redness (compare שָׂרֻק); a vine stock (properly, one yielding purple grapes, the richest variety); choice(-st, noble) wine. Compare שָׂרוּק.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **sôrêq**, represented by `{{H8321}}`, refers to a **vine stock** of the highest quality, one that yields the richest variety of purple grapes. It is often translated as **choicest vine** or **noble vine**. Appearing just **3 times** in **3 unique verses**, its significance lies in its powerful metaphorical use rather than its frequency.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical appearances, `{{H8321}}` serves as a potent symbol. In a prophetic blessing, Judah's prosperity is depicted by him binding his foal to a **choice vine** [[Genesis 49:11]], signifying an abundance so great that even prized vines are used as hitching posts. Isaiah uses the term in a parable where God meticulously plants a vineyard with the **choicest vine** `{{H8321}}`, only for it to yield worthless **wild grapes** `{{H891}}` instead of the expected grapes `{{H6025}}` [[Isaiah 5:2]]. Similarly, Jeremiah recounts how God planted Israel as a **noble vine** `{{H8321}}` from a "right seed" `{{H2233}}`, but they **turned** `{{H2015}}` into the "degenerate plant of a strange vine" [[Jeremiah 2:21]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the meaning and context of `{{H8321}}`:
* `{{H1612}}` **gephen** (vine): This is the general term for a **vine**. The distinction is highlighted in [[Jeremiah 2:21]], where the **noble vine** `{{H8321}}` degenerates into a common, strange **vine** `{{H1612}}`.
* `{{H5193}}` **nâṭaʻ** (to plant): This verb describes the deliberate action of establishing the vine. Both Isaiah and Jeremiah state that God personally **planted** `{{H5193}}` this choice vine, emphasizing His initial care and intention ([[Isaiah 5:2]], [[Jeremiah 2:21]]).
* `{{H891}}` **bᵉʼushîym** (wild grapes): These "poison-berries" are the antithesis of the fruit expected from a **choicest vine**. Their appearance represents failure and corruption, a direct contrast to God's careful work [[Isaiah 5:2]].
* `{{H5494}}` **çûwr** (degenerate plant): This term describes the result of the noble vine's transformation in Jeremiah's prophecy, indicating a corrupted and deteriorated state [[Jeremiah 2:21]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H8321}}` is centered on its use as a divine metaphor.
* **Symbol of Divine Election:** The **choicest vine** represents Israel, chosen by God and planted with great care and expectation. He prepared the ground, removed obstacles, and provided protection ([[Isaiah 5:2]], [[Jeremiah 2:21]]).
* **Representation of Potential vs. Reality:** The vine was planted to produce the best fruit, symbolizing the righteousness God expected from His people. The tragic outcome of **wild grapes** `{{H891}}` or a **degenerate plant** `{{H5494}}` illustrates the theme of apostasy and the failure to live up to a holy calling.
* **Image of Messianic Abundance:** In contrast to the prophetic warnings, its use in Genesis points to the promised blessing and prosperity of the messianic line of Judah, where the **choice vine** is a marker of unparalleled peace and wealth [[Genesis 49:11]].
### Summary
In summary, **sôrêq** `{{H8321}}` is far more than a botanical term. It is a deeply symbolic word that encapsulates the relationship between God and His chosen people. Though rare, its appearances powerfully convey themes of divine favor, high expectations, the tragedy of spiritual decay, and the promise of future abundance. It illustrates how a carefully chosen plant becomes a metaphor for a chosen people and their destiny.
TRV