שׂוֹרֵק
𐤔𐤅𐤓𐤒
Soreq
H7796 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
An uncommon noun denoting a choice vine or a particular variety of select grapevine, especially one notable for its fine reddish grapes. In some contexts, it refers specifically to the cultivated vine used for high-quality wine production. The term is also used as a proper noun for the Valley of Sorek, a geographic region noted for its viticulture.
Semantic Range
choice vine, select cultivated grapevine, superior grape variety, by extension—the Valley of Sorek (proper noun)
Root / Etymology
Derived from the root שׂרק, whose core meaning relates to a choice grape or select vine. The specific noun form שׂוֹרֵק is used for a distinguished, cultivated vine, rather than a wild or ordinary grape. The toponymic use for the Sorek Valley in the Shephelah reflects the region’s association with viticulture.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In its nominal sense, שׂוֹרֵק appears rarely in the Hebrew Bible, most notably in Isaiah 5:2, where it signifies a carefully cultivated, superior vine, representative of the very best viticultural efforts. The high value of the 'soreq' vine suggests a distinction between common grape varieties and those specially bred for quality wine. In the toponymic sense, the 'Valley of Sorek' (Judges 16:4) was noted for its fruitful vineyards and also as the setting for events in the Samson narratives. Later translation traditions often render the proper noun as 'Sorek' and do not always preserve the agricultural connotation. It should be noted that while the KJV and subsequent translations sometimes render the word generically as 'vine', the term's unique sense is more akin to an elite or select vine, not just any grapevine. In post-biblical usage, related forms appear with connotations of selectiveness or distinction in viticulture.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
the same as שֹׂרֵק; a vine; Sorek, a valley in Palestine; Sorek.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
שׂרק (ś-r-q) — to select, to cultivate a choice grapevine
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H4957 | מַשְׂרֵקָה | from Masreqah |
| H8291 | שָׂרוּק | her choice grapevines |
| H8305 | שְׂרִיקָה | combed flax fibers |
| H8320 | שָׂרֻק | choice grapes |
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H7796-01 |
שֹׂרֵ֑ק | soreq | HNp |
of Sorek | Sorek | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H7796-01 |
Judges 16:4 | שֹׂרֵ֑ק | soreq | HNp |
of Sorek | Sorek |