זְמוֹרָה (ze.mo.rah)
ze.mo.rah
branch
H:NQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun zemorah refers to a small branch, twig, or shoot. It appears only twice in the Old Testament, both times within poetic imagery. In Numbers 24:6 and Isaiah 60:21, it describes the lush, spreading growth of vegetation, suggesting vitality and abundance.
While similar words exist for larger limbs or trees, zemorah specifically denotes these smaller, flexible parts of a plant. This distinction highlights the natural, organic nature of the growth being described rather than structural timber. The term evokes an image of life emerging from the earth, often used to symbolize prosperity or divine blessing in its respective contexts.
Translators typically render this word as "branch" or "twig," capturing its simple, everyday meaning. Its rarity in Scripture makes each occurrence stand out, anchoring abstract concepts of growth in tangible, natural details that readers can easily visualize.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word zemorah describes a small branch or twig, capturing the delicate yet resilient nature of new growth. In Scripture, it often paints a picture of vitality and abundance, reminding us that life springs from the earth in ways we can easily visualize. This simple image invites us to reflect on how God nurtures His people, providing sustenance and hope even in difficult seasons.
When we encounter this term, it encourages us to trust in the quiet, organic work of God’s blessing. Just as a branch emerges from the ground, our faith grows through daily reliance on Him. This reminder helps us find peace in knowing that our strength comes not from ourselves, but from the Source who sustains all life.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ [the] vine branch of1×
- a branch1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- זְמוֹרָה֙1×
- וּ/זְמֹ֥רַת1×
Key Verses
-
Numbers 13:23
They came to the valley of Eshcol, and cut down from there a branch with one cluster of grapes, and they bore it on a staff between two. They also brought some of the pomegranates and figs.
This verse highlights the tangible abundance of the land, using the branch to symbolize God's provision and faithfulness to His promises.
-
Isaiah 17:10
For you have forgotten the God of your salvation, and have not remembered the rock of your strength. Therefore you plant pleasant plants, and set out foreign seedlings.
Here the branch represents human effort apart from God, serving as a warning against relying on temporary sources of security rather than the Creator.