סִרְפָּד (sar.pad)
sar.pad
nettle
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun sarpad refers to a prickly desert plant, likely a nettle or brier. Its identity remains uncertain among scholars, but its function in Scripture is clear: it represents harsh, wild vegetation that contrasts sharply with cultivated beauty.
This word appears only once in the Bible, in Isaiah 55:13. Here, God promises that the thorny sarpad will be replaced by the stately myrtle tree as a lasting sign of divine favor. The image highlights a dramatic transformation from desolation to flourishing, underscoring the power of God’s word to bring order and life out of chaos.
By choosing this specific plant, the text emphasizes the completeness of restoration. Where once there was only pain and wildness, now there is enduring beauty and peace.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word sarpad describes a harsh, prickly plant found in the wild desert. It stands as a symbol of desolation and pain, contrasting sharply with the beauty of cultivated gardens. In Scripture, it reminds us that not every season of life is gentle or easy.
Isaiah 55:13 offers a powerful promise regarding this difficult vegetation. God declares that He will replace these thorny briers with stately myrtle trees. This image shows His ability to bring order and lasting peace out of chaos. It is a sign of His enduring favor and care for His people.
When you face rough patches, remember that transformation is part of God's plan. He does not leave us in the wilderness but guides us toward restoration. His word brings life where there was once only pain, offering hope and stability for the future.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- the/ nettle1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- הַ/סִּרְפַּ֖ד1×
Key Verses
-
Isaiah 55:13
Instead of the thorn the cypress tree will come up; and instead of the brier the myrtle tree will come up. It will make a name for Yahweh, for an everlasting sign that will not be cut off.”
This verse uses the word to illustrate God's promise to replace harsh desolation with enduring beauty as a sign of His favor.