שֹׂרֵק (so.req)
so.req
vine
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew word sōreq refers to a specific, high-quality variety of grapevine or vine. It appears in only three verses of the Old Testament, most notably in Genesis 49:11 within Jacob’s blessing of Judah.
Lexical sources consistently translate it as a "choice species" or "fine vine," distinguishing it from common wild growth. This specificity highlights the richness and abundance associated with the tribe of Judah, linking their future prosperity to fertile land capable of producing superior crops.
Its limited usage underscores its descriptive precision rather than broad theological application. By singling out this particular type of vine, the text emphasizes excellence and divine favor in the context of agricultural blessing.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word sōreq points to a specific, high-quality variety of grapevine, distinct from common wild growth. In Genesis 49:11, Jacob uses this term when blessing Judah, describing a future where the tribe’s prosperity is marked by abundance and divine favor. This imagery connects physical fertility with spiritual richness, suggesting that God’s blessings are not merely adequate but excellent.
When we encounter this word in Scripture, it reminds us that God cares about the quality of what He provides. It is not just any vine, but a choice one, reflecting His desire to give His people the best. This assurance can bring comfort during seasons of uncertainty, knowing that our Creator values excellence and intends for our lives to bear fruit that is both meaningful and lasting.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- a choice vine2×
- and/ to the/ choice vine1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- שֹׂרֵ֔ק2×
- וְ/לַ/שֹּׂרֵקָ֖ה1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 49:11
Binding his foal to the vine, his donkey’s colt to the choice vine, he has washed his garments in wine, his robes in the blood of grapes.
This verse uses sōreq to depict the abundance and royal prosperity promised to Judah, linking the choice vine to messianic hope.
-
Isaiah 5:2
He dug it up, gathered out its stones, planted it with the choicest vine, built a tower in the middle of it, and also cut out a wine press in it. He looked for it to yield grapes, but it yielded wild grapes.
Here, the choicest vine represents Israel itself, highlighting God’s careful preparation and the tragedy of their failure to produce good fruit.
-
Jeremiah 2:21
Yet I had planted you a noble vine, a pure and faithful seed. How then have you turned into the degenerate branches of a foreign vine to me?
God recalls planting a noble vine in Israel, emphasizing the contrast between His faithful care and their subsequent spiritual unfaithfulness.