Lexical Summary sarig: Branch, tendril, twig Original Word: שָׂרִיג Strong's Exhaustive Concordance branch From sarag; a tendril (as entwining) -- branch. see HEBREW sarag NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom sarag Definition tendril, twig NASB Translation branches (3). Brown-Driver-Briggs [שָׂרִיג] noun masculineGenesis 40:10 tendril, twig (from interlacing; compare Arabic  palm-leaf braid, etc.; Ethiopic  net (PräBASi. 371); Aramaic סְרִיגָא,  network, lattice); — of vine, plural שָׂרִיגִם Genesis 40:10, שָׂרִגִים Genesis 40:12; of fig-tree, suffix שָׂרִיגֶיהָ Joel 1:7. Topical Lexicon Imagery and Concept The word שָׂרִיג depicts the tender, intertwining shoot of the grapevine—new growth that carries clusters destined for winepress and table. Because it is soft, green, and easily broken, the image communicates both promise and fragility. In biblical thought the vine symbolizes covenant blessing, fruitfulness, and joyful fellowship, yet also stands vulnerable to pruning or judgment. Occurrences in the Old Testament • Genesis 40:10 – “and on the vine were three branches; as it budded, its blossoms opened and its clusters ripened into grapes.” In Genesis the shoots prefigure restoration; in Joel the same shoots lie devastated, signaling divine discipline. The contrasting contexts illuminate the dual possibilities of blessing or barrenness depending on covenant faithfulness. Agricultural and Historical Setting Viticulture thrived in both Egypt and the land of Israel. In Egypt vines often trailed along trellises supported by poles, while in Canaan they climbed terraces on rocky hillsides. New shoots appeared in early spring and required vigilant care: tying to supports, pruning, and protection from insects and scorching winds. A neglected tendril quickly withered, a reality exploited by prophets and poets alike. Prophetic Significance Joel employs שָׂרִיג to portray a national calamity in locust form that “splintered” the vine, leaving branches whitened—denuded and sun-bleached. The picture warns that covenant people, though once luxuriant, can be stripped to bare shoots when they turn from the LORD. Yet Joel’s later promises of outpoured Spirit and agricultural renewal imply that new שָׂרִיג can sprout again under divine mercy (Joel 2:18-27). Theological Themes 1. Dependence: A shoot cannot exist apart from the vine; likewise Israel must cling to her covenant Source (compare Hosea 14:7). Christological Resonance John 15:1-8, though Greek, echoes the imagery: “I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser.” The tender branch points ahead to believers who abide in Christ, drawing sap from Him. The vulnerability of שָׂרִיג in Joel warns that lifeless branches are gathered and burned (John 15:6). Conversely, the budding shoots in Genesis anticipate resurrection flavor: on the third day the cupbearer is lifted up, foreshadowing the ultimate Third-Day vindication of the Son. Ministry and Devotional Applications • Shepherds of God’s people should nurture emerging shoots—new believers or ministries—with patient pruning and support. Summary שָׂרִיג stitches together dream, discipline, and destiny. It reminds readers that God tracks every tender shoot, hastening its fruit in appointed days or allowing it to be stripped when necessary. Ultimately, the True Vine secures the future of every branch that abides in Him, promising a vintage of joy for all who remain rooted in covenant faith. Forms and Transliterations הַשָּׂ֣רִגִ֔ים השרגים שָׂרִיגִ֑ם שָׂרִיגֶֽיהָ׃ שריגיה׃ שריגם haś·śā·ri·ḡîm hasSariGim haśśāriḡîm śā·rî·ḡe·hā śā·rî·ḡim śārîḡehā sariGeiha sariGim śārîḡimLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Genesis 40:10 HEB: וּבַגֶּ֖פֶן שְׁלֹשָׁ֣ה שָׂרִיגִ֑ם וְהִ֤יא כְפֹרַ֙חַת֙ NAS: [were] three branches. And as it was budding, KJV: [were] three branches: and it [was] as though it budded, INT: the vine three branches it was budding Genesis 40:12 Joel 1:7 3 Occurrences |
    |