Bible Dictionaries
Branch

Holman Bible Dictionary

Translation of many Hebrew and Greek words in the Bible. Often refers to the branches of trees or vines or to the branches of the lampstands of the tabernacle and Temple. There are, however, many metaphorical usages of “branch.” The palm branch may stand for nobility, while the reed is symbolic for the common people (Isaiah 9:14; Isaiah 19:15 ). One's “being a branch” denotes membership in the people of God (John 15:1-8; Romans 11:16-21 ). Spreading branches can symbolize fruitfulness and prosperity (Genesis 49:22; Job 8:16; Psalm 80:11 ), while withered, burnt, or cut branches symbolize destruction (Job 8:16; Isaiah 9:14; Jeremiah 11:16; Ezekiel 15:2 ). “Branch” or “shoot” is often used as a symbol for a present or coming king of Israel (Isaiah 11:1; Jeremiah 23:5; Jeremiah 33:15; Zechariah 3:8; Zechariah 6:12 ). See Messiah .