Lexical Summary choter: Shoot, Branch Original Word: חֹטֵר Strong's Exhaustive Concordance rod From an unused root of uncertain signification; a twig -- rod. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom an unused word Definition branch or twig, a rod NASB Translation rod (1), shoot (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs חֹ֫טֶר noun masculine branch or twig, rod — metaphor absolute ׳ח branch, twig, Isaiah 11:1 מִגֶּזַע יִשָׁ֑י ׳ויצא ח "" (נֵצֶרׅ; construct rod, בְּפִיאֱֿוִיל חֹטֶר גַּאֲוָ֑ה Proverbs 14:3. חַטָּת see חַטָּאת below חטא. חטשׁ (√ of following; meaning unknown). Topical Lexicon Botanical Imageryחֹטֵר evokes the picture of a fresh shoot or twig that pushes forth from the trunk or roots of a tree. Ancient Near Eastern agriculture prized such growth as evidence that a seemingly dormant stump still contained life-giving sap. The term therefore became a vivid metaphor for new beginnings, hidden vitality, and divinely ordained renewal. Occurrences in Scripture Proverbs 14:3 links the “shoot” to discipline: “A fool’s proud talk invites a rod of discipline, but the lips of the wise protect them.” Here the shoot serves figuratively as the corrective instrument that meets arrogance. The same word in Isaiah 11:1 turns from chastisement to hope: “A shoot will spring up from the stump of Jesse, and a Branch from his roots will bear fruit.” Both uses share the idea of something slender yet potent—whether bringing reproof to the foolish or salvation to the faithful. Historical Background After the Babylonian exile the royal house of David appeared cut down, like a felled tree. Prophets employed arboreal language to assure the remnant that God’s covenant with David endured beneath the surface. The imagery of חֹטֵר resonated with returning exiles who had witnessed desolation yet still observed green shoots emerging from tree stumps across Judea’s hills. Messianic Expectation Isaiah’s oracle identifies the shoot as a future Davidic king endowed with the Spirit of the Lord (Isaiah 11:2-5). Jewish expectation crystallized around this figure, anticipating an ideal ruler whose humble origin contrasts with the proud rulers condemned earlier (Isaiah 10:33-34). The New Testament writers recognize Jesus of Nazareth as that promised shoot, born in obscurity yet destined to reign eternally (Matthew 2:23; Revelation 22:16). Moral Instruction Proverbs places חֹטֵר in the realm of practical wisdom. The rod that meets proud speech warns readers that unchecked arrogance invites painful consequences. By pairing the shoot with discipline, the verse teaches that God’s corrective measures, though sometimes sharp, ultimately aim to cultivate righteousness (Hebrews 12:11). Theological Significance 1. Continuity of Covenant: The shoot imagery testifies that divine promises survive apparent ruin. God preserves a remnant through whom His redemptive plan unfolds. Practical Ministry Applications • Preaching: Use the shoot motif to encourage congregations facing decline, emphasizing God’s ability to bring new life from stumps of disappointment. Summary חֹטֵר appears sparingly yet speaks powerfully: as a rod it chastens, as a shoot it promises Messiah. Together the two occurrences reveal a God who confronts pride and cultivates hope, ensuring that from the stump of human failure a fruitful Branch will emerge for the salvation of the world. Forms and Transliterations חֹ֖טֶר חֹ֣טֶר חטר Choter ḥō·ṭer ḥōṭerLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Proverbs 14:3 HEB: בְּֽפִי־ אֱ֭וִיל חֹ֣טֶר גַּאֲוָ֑ה וְשִׂפְתֵ֥י NAS: of the foolish is a rod for [his] back, KJV: of the foolish [is] a rod of pride: INT: the mouth of the foolish rod for back the lips Isaiah 11:1 2 Occurrences |
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