Lexical Summary zalzal: Twig, branch, or shoot Original Word: זַלְזַל Strong's Exhaustive Concordance sprig By reduplication from zalal; tremulous, i.e. A twig -- sprig. see HEBREW zalal NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom zalal Definition ten-drils NASB Translation sprigs (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs [זַלְזַל] noun [masculine] (quivering) tendrils; — only plural tendrils of vine הַזַּלְזַלִּים Isaiah 18:5 ("" הַנְּטִישׁוֺת), in figure of Yahweh's destroying the Assyrians. Topical Lexicon Nature and Imagery זַלְזַל denotes the tender, outward-growing sprigs or tendrils of a vine—young, promising extensions that precede the full clusters of fruit. The word evokes the fragility of new growth and the gardener’s right to shape it. As such, it becomes an apt metaphor for early potential brought under sovereign control. Biblical Context in Isaiah 18:5 Isaiah 18 addresses Cush, yet the principle reaches far beyond that ancient kingdom. Verse 5 sets the scene: “For before the harvest, when the blossom is over and the flower becomes a ripening grape, He will cut off the sprigs with pruning knives and remove and discard the branches” (Isaiah 18:5). The cutting of the זַלְזַל anticipates judgment that intervenes at the very point of expected fruitfulness. The prophecy warns that human plans ripening outside the will of God are subject to His decisive pruning, even when they appear most promising. Theological Significance 1. Divine Timing: The Lord acts “before the harvest,” highlighting that His timetable overrides human expectation (Psalm 31:15). Connections to Vineyard Motif in Scripture • Israel as God’s vineyard: Isaiah 5:1-7; the same gardener who tenderly plants also decisively prunes. Practical Ministry Implications • Discernment: Leaders must recognize early growth that competes with healthy fruit (Titus 1:11). Christological and Eschatological Foreshadowing The deliberate cutting in Isaiah ultimately anticipates the Messianic work: Christ Himself, “the true vine” (John 15:1), undergoes the knife of judgment so that a purified people might abide in Him. Eschatologically, final pruning separates genuine fruit from barren profession (Matthew 13:41-43; Revelation 14:18-19). Related References for Study Isaiah 18; Isaiah 5:1-7; Leviticus 25:3-4; Psalm 80:8-16; Song of Solomon 2:15; John 15:1-8; Romans 11:17-24; Hebrews 12:5-11; Revelation 14:14-20. Forms and Transliterations הַזַּלְזַלִּים֙ הזלזלים haz·zal·zal·lîm hazzalzalLim hazzalzallîmLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Isaiah 18:5 HEB: נִצָּ֑ה וְכָרַ֤ת הַזַּלְזַלִּים֙ בַּמַּזְמֵר֔וֹת וְאֶת־ NAS: Then He will cut off the sprigs with pruning knives KJV: he shall both cut off the sprigs with pruning hooks, INT: and the flower will cut the sprigs pruning the spreading 1 Occurrence |