Lexical Summary shaqed: Almond Original Word: שָׁקֵד Strong's Exhaustive Concordance almond tree From shaqad; the almond (tree or nut; as being the earliest in bloom) -- almond (tree). see HEBREW shaqad NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom shaqad Definition almond (tree) NASB Translation almond tree (2), almonds (2). Brown-Driver-Briggs שָׁקֵד noun [masculine] almond (-tree) (Late Hebrew id.; so called from its early waking out of winter's sleep, according to Ki Thes LagBN 45 and others; Aramaic שִׁיגְדָּא, ![]() ![]() ![]() 1 almond, i.e. the nut, plural שְׁקֵדִים Genesis 43:11 (J; +בָּטְנִים, etc.), Numbers 17:23 (P). 2 almond-tree Jeremiah 1:11 and (probably) Ecclesiastes 12:5. Topical Lexicon Botanical and Natural Setting The almond tree is one of the earliest to awaken after winter, often blooming while other trees still appear dormant. Its delicate white-pink blossoms emerge before the leaves, lighting hillsides in late January and February in the Levant. The swift transition from blossom to fruit makes it a natural emblem of vigilance and rapid fulfillment. The tree thrives on well-drained slopes and terraces, and its hard-shelled drupes provide both food and trade goods. Scriptural Occurrences • Genesis 43:11 reflects the almond’s status as a prized delicacy and export of Canaan: “Put some of the best products of the land in your bags … pistachios and almonds.” The nut is listed among “the best,” underscoring its value during famine in Egypt. Symbolic Themes 1. Vigilance and Divine Watchfulness: Just as the almond is first to rouse from winter’s sleep, so God’s oversight never slumbers (compare Psalm 121:4). Jeremiah’s vision marries agricultural reality to prophetic assurance. Historical and Cultural Notes • Trade: Almonds traveled caravan routes to Egypt, Mesopotamia, and later the Mediterranean world. Their inclusion in Jacob’s gift indicates both portability and high market value. Prophetic and Messianic Connections Aaron’s rod prefigures a priest who lives by the power of an indestructible life (Hebrews 7:16). The early-blooming almond becomes a visual prophecy of the firstfruits of resurrection, realized in Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:20). Jeremiah’s almond vision accents the certainty that every Messianic word shall come to pass in due season. Ministry Applications • Pastoral Assurance: Like the LORD “watching over” His word, shepherds watch over the flock entrusted to them (Acts 20:28), confident that divine promise will bring fruit. Devotional Insight When winter of circumstance seems endless, the almond invites faith: God’s word will blossom precisely on His timetable. Just as the staff in the sanctuary testified day after day, Scripture continues to bear buds, blossoms, and fruit in the hearts of those who receive it. Forms and Transliterations הַשָּׁקֵד֙ השקד וּשְׁקֵדִֽים׃ ושקדים׃ שְׁקֵדִֽים׃ שָׁקֵ֖ד שקד שקדים׃ haš·šā·qêḏ hashshaKed haššāqêḏ šā·qêḏ šāqêḏ šə·qê·ḏîm šəqêḏîm shaKed shekeDim ū·šə·qê·ḏîm ūšəqêḏîm ushekeDimLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Genesis 43:11 HEB: וָלֹ֔ט בָּטְנִ֖ים וּשְׁקֵדִֽים׃ NAS: and myrrh, pistachio nuts and almonds. KJV: and myrrh, nuts, and almonds: INT: and myrrh pistachio and almonds Numbers 17:8 Ecclesiastes 12:5 Jeremiah 1:11 4 Occurrences |