צְפִיעָה (tse.phi.ah)
tse.phi.ah
offshoot
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun tsephi’ah appears only once in the Old Testament, found in Isaiah 22:24. In this specific context, it refers to an offshoot, leaf, or shoot. The exact meaning remains a subject of scholarly discussion, as the word is rare and its precise nuance depends heavily on the surrounding imagery of hanging vessels.
Isaiah uses the term metaphorically to describe small bags or baskets hung from hooks. These containers were intended to hold the “glory” or treasures of the house of David, yet they are depicted as too fragile to bear such weight. The image suggests that relying on human power for security is as unstable as hanging heavy loads on a delicate plant shoot.
Because this is its sole occurrence, the word does not develop a broad theological range across Scripture. Its significance lies entirely in this vivid illustration of fragility. It serves as a concrete reminder within Isaiah’s prophecy that earthly strength cannot support the burdens of divine glory.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word tsephi’ah appears only once in the Old Testament, in Isaiah 22:24. It describes a delicate offshoot or shoot used metaphorically to support heavy vessels. This single occurrence paints a vivid picture of fragility, reminding us that human strength alone cannot bear the weight of divine glory.
When we face burdens that feel too heavy to carry, this image offers comfort rather than condemnation. It invites us to recognize our limitations and trust in God’s sustaining power. The prophet uses this rare word to show that earthly security is unstable, pointing instead to a hope that endures beyond human effort.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ the/ offshoot<s>1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וְ/הַ/צְּפִע֔וֹת1×
Key Verses
-
Isaiah 22:24
They will hang on him all the glory of his father’s house, the offspring and the issue, every small vessel, from the cups even to all the pitchers.
The term tsephi’ah functions as a metaphor for fragile human strength, illustrating how delicate supports cannot bear the heavy weight of divine glory or national security.