סָעַף
𐤎𐤏𐤐
çâʻaph
H5586 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To lop off branches or to disbranch, especially of a tree; to cause to be cut off, referring to the severing of boughs or large branches. In extended usage, may refer to removing or casting off parts in a figurative sense, especially in prophetic or poetic literature.
Semantic Range
to lop off branches of a tree, to disbranch a tree; to destroy, cast off, or bring low (figuratively, especially of the powerful or proud); to remove projecting parts (especially boughs or limbs)
Root / Etymology
Root/etymology: Derived from the Hebrew root סעף, which is related to the noun סָעִיף (saʿîf), meaning 'branch' or 'bough.' The verb is denominative, meaning it is derived specifically from this noun to indicate an action done to a 'branch' (i.e., severing or removing).
Historical & Contextual Notes
The verb סָעַף is rare in Biblical Hebrew and primarily occurs in poetic or prophetic contexts, such as in Isaiah 10:33, where it describes the cutting off or lopping of tree branches as a metaphor for the downfall of the mighty. The underlying imagery draws from agricultural or arboricultural practice, where lopping boughs is associated with judgment or reduction. In some translations, it is rendered with the idea of 'toppling' or 'bringing low,' but the lexical core is precise: removing large branches rather than mere leaves or twigs. The usage remains consistent across occurrences, and there is scarce evidence of significant semantic shift between time periods. The related noun סָעִיף appears in contexts denoting 'branch,' which informs the denominative verbal action of סָעַף. English versions sometimes obscure the physicality of the word by translating figurative usages abstractly.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
a primitive root; properly, to divide up; but used only as denominative from סָעִיף,; to disbranch (a tree); top.
Bantu Hebrew
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+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
סעף (s-ʿ-p̄) — lop off branches, disbranch, cut off boughs
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H5585 | סָעִיף | in split-off of |
| H5587 | סָעִף | in divided thoughts |
| H5588 | סֵעֵף | divided-minded ones |
| H5589 | סְעַפָּה | in his twigs |
| H5634 | סַרְעַפָּה | his twigs |
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H5586-01 |
מְסָעֵ֥ף | mesaef | HVprmsa |
will lop | branch-lopping one | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H5586-01 |
Isaiah 10:33 | מְסָעֵ֥ף | mesaef | HVprmsa |
will lop | branch-lopping one |