Topical Bible: Branchbough

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Definition and Etymology:
The term "branchbough" is not directly found in the Bible; however, it can be understood as a compound word combining "branch" and "bough," both of which are used in Scripture to describe parts of a tree. In biblical literature, branches and boughs often symbolize growth, life, and connection to a source, such as a tree or vine.

Biblical Symbolism and Usage:
Branches and boughs are frequently used in the Bible to convey spiritual truths and lessons. They are often symbolic of the relationship between God and His people, as well as the growth and fruitfulness expected of believers.

1. Symbol of Israel and God's People:
In the Old Testament, Israel is often depicted as a vine or a tree, with branches representing the people of God. For example, in Isaiah 11:1 , it is prophesied, "Then a shoot will spring up from the stump of Jesse, and a Branch from his roots will bear fruit." This passage foretells the coming of the Messiah from the line of David, emphasizing the continuity and life that will spring forth from what appears to be a dead stump.

2. Jesus as the True Vine:
In the New Testament, Jesus uses the imagery of a vine and branches to describe His relationship with His followers. In John 15:5 , Jesus declares, "I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in Me, and I in him, will bear much fruit. For apart from Me you can do nothing." This metaphor highlights the necessity of remaining connected to Christ to bear spiritual fruit and live a life pleasing to God.

3. Judgment and Restoration:
Branches are also used to depict judgment and restoration. In Ezekiel 17, the allegory of the two eagles and the vine illustrates God's judgment on Israel and His promise of restoration. The imagery of branches being broken off or grafted in is further explored in Romans 11:17-24, where Paul discusses the inclusion of the Gentiles into the people of God, using the metaphor of an olive tree.

4. Feast of Tabernacles:
The use of branches and boughs is also significant in the context of the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot). Leviticus 23:40 instructs, "On the first day you are to gather the fruit of majestic trees—branches of palm trees, boughs of leafy trees, and willows of the brook—and rejoice before the LORD your God for seven days." This feast commemorates God's provision and protection during the Israelites' wilderness journey and involves the use of branches in the construction of temporary shelters.

Theological Implications:
The imagery of branches and boughs in Scripture underscores the importance of remaining connected to God as the source of life and spiritual vitality. It serves as a reminder of the believer's dependence on Christ for growth and fruitfulness. Additionally, it reflects the themes of judgment, restoration, and the inclusion of all people into the family of God through faith in Jesus Christ.

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

BRANCH;BOUGH

bransh: Represented by very many words in the Hebrew.

(1) zemorah used especially of a vine branch. The spies "cut down from thence a branch with one cluster of grapes" (Numbers 13:23). See also Ezekiel 15:2 Nahum 2:2. "They put the branch to their nose" (Ezekiel 8:17), refers to some unknown idolatrous practice, as does also Isaiah 17:10, "thou plantest pleasant plants, and settest it with strange slips," or "vine slips of a strange (god)" the Revised Version, margin.

(2) yoneqeth, literally "a sucker." "The tender branch thereof will not cease" (Job 14:7). Used figuratively of Israel, Psalm 80:11 (the Revised Version (British and American) "shoots"); Ezekiel 17:22 the King James Version; Hosea 14:6, and of the wicked, Job 8:16 (the Revised Version (British and American) "shoots"), 15:30.

(3) kippah, Job 15:32. Isaiah 9:14; Isaiah 19:15, the Revised Version (British and American) has "palm-branch," "Therefore Yahweh will cut off from Israel head and tail, palm-branch and rush, in one day" (9:14).

(4) netser (of the same Hebrew root, according to many commentators, as Nazareth), literally "a little shoot springing from the root" ("out of a shoot from her roots," Daniel 11:7), which may be planted out to grow (Isaiah 11:1; Isaiah 60:21), or may be rooted out and thrown away (Isaiah 14:19).

(5) tsemach. The "branch" of Messianic prophecy. See PROPHECY. "In that day shall the branch (m "shoot" or "sprout") of Yahweh be beautiful and glorious" (Isaiah 4:2); "a shoot out of the stock of Jesse" (Isaiah 11:1); "a righteous branch" (Jeremiah 23:5; Jeremiah 33:15): "my servant the Branch" (Zechariah 3:8); "the man whose name is the Branch" (Zechariah 6:12).

(6) qanah, is used for the "branches" of the golden candlesticks (Exodus 25:32; Exodus 37:18). Literally, qanah means a "reed." There are a number of words, less frequently used, meaning "branch":

(7) baddim (plural only used; Ezekiel 17:6; Ezekiel 19:14).

(8) dalith (plural only used; Jeremiah 11:16).

(9) maTTeh (Ezekiel 19:11).

(10) ca`iph (Isaiah 18:5; ce`appah (plural) (Ezekiel 31:6); car`appah (Ezekiel 31:5)).

(11) `anaph (Malachi 4:1 Psalm 80:11); `anaph (Daniel 4:14, 21); `eneph (Ezekiel 36:8).

(12) pu'rah, "a bough" (Isaiah 10:33); po'roth (pl. only) (Ezekiel 31:5, 8).

(13) tsammereth, "foliage" or "boughs of trees," literally "locks" or "fleece" of trees (Ezekiel 17:3; Ezekiel 31:3).

(14) qatsir (collective) (Job 14:9), "boughs" (Psalm 80:11), "branches."

(15) shibbeleth, the two olive branches of Zechariah 4:12.

(16) soqch, root meaning "to interweave" (Judges 9:49); sokhah (Judges 9:48), "boughs."

(17) sarigh (pl. only, sarighim), "branches" (of the vine) (Genesis 40:10 Joel 1:7). Represented in Greek in the New Testament:

(1) baion (John 12:13), "a palm branch."

(2) klados (Matthew 13:32; Matthew 21:8; Matthew 24:32 Mark 4:32; Mark 13:28 Luke 13:19 Romans 11:16, 17, 18, 19, 21).

(3) klema, a slip or cutting of the vine, especially one cut off to be grafted into another plant (John 15:2, 4, 5, 6).

(4) stibos (= stoibas), a "twig" or "bough" (Mark 11:8).

E. W. G. Masterman