5636. sirpad

Lexical Summary

sirpad: Brier, nettle

Original Word: סַרְפָד
Part of Speech: Noun Masculine
Transliteration: carpad
Pronunciation: seer-pahd
Phonetic Spelling: (sar-pawd')
KJV: brier
NASB: nettle
Word Origin: [from H5635 (סָרַף - Seraph)]

1. a nettle (as stinging like a burn)

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

brier

From caraph; a nettle (as stinging like a burn) -- brier.

see HEBREW caraph

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
of uncertain derivation
Definition
nettle (a desert plant)
NASB Translation
nettle (1).

Brown-Driver-Briggs

סִרְמַּד noun [masculine] a desert-plant, contrasted with הֲדַס, myrtle: יַעֲלֶה הֲדַס׳תַּחַת הַסּ Isaiah 55:13; not clearly identified; ᵐ5 κόνυζα, ᵑ6 , ᵑ9 urtica.

Topical Lexicon

Strong’s Hebrew 5636 סַרְפָד

Botanical Setting

The term designates a wild, uncultivated briar or thornbush typical of semi-arid hillsides in the Levant. Such growth invades neglected fields, overtakes ruined towns, and testifies to abandonment (compare Proverbs 24:31). Its stiff branches and stinging prickles deter shepherds and travelers alike, making it a ready emblem of desolation.

Canonical Context (Isaiah 55:13)

Isaiah pictures a landscape once choked by the סַרְפָד suddenly yielding “a cypress” and “a myrtle” in its place. The scene concludes the prophet’s invitation to receive the freely offered covenant mercies (Isaiah 55:1-7). The contrast between stubborn briars and fragrant evergreens dramatizes the total reversal promised to all who heed the Word that “shall not return to Me empty” (Isaiah 55:11).

Theological Significance

1. Reversal of the Curse
• Thorns first surface in Genesis 3:18 as a mark of ground cursed for Adam’s sake. Replacing them with cultivated trees signals the undoing of that penalty and anticipates the “new heavens and a new earth” (Isaiah 65:17).
2. Triumph of the Word
• The disappearance of the סַרְפָד is directly linked to the efficacy of divine revelation (Isaiah 55:11-13). What human effort cannot uproot, the spoken promise eradicates, displaying the sovereignty of grace in both creation and redemption.
3. Everlasting Memorial
• “This will stand as a testament to the LORD, an everlasting sign that will not be destroyed” (Isaiah 55:13). The transformed terrain becomes a living monument, silently preaching God’s faithfulness to every succeeding generation.

Historical Reception

Jewish commentators—from the Targum to medieval exegetes—saw here the agricultural rebirth of Israel after exile. Early Christian writers broadened the image to include Gentile inclusion and personal regeneration. Reformers cited the verse when describing societal change that follows genuine revival.

Practical Ministry Applications

• Gospel Preaching: The briar-to-myrtle exchange offers a vivid sermon illustration of conversion, reminding hearers that God does not merely prune the old life but plants an entirely new one (2 Corinthians 5:17).
• Counseling and Discipleship: Believers wrestling with entrenched sins are encouraged that the very areas of prior barrenness can become places of fruitfulness when surrendered to the Word.
• Missions and Community Renewal: Isaiah’s vision energizes church planting and social outreach; once-desolate neighborhoods can, by the Spirit, blossom into testimonies “to the praise of His glorious grace” (Ephesians 1:6).

Related Biblical Imagery

Genesis 3:18; Exodus 22:6; Numbers 33:55; Judges 9:14-15; Hosea 10:8; Matthew 7:16-19; Hebrews 6:8. Each reference employs thorns to symbolize futility, danger, or judgment—heightening the wonder of Isaiah’s promised transformation.

Typological Glimpses of Christ

The crown of thorns placed on Jesus (John 19:2) collects the curse imagery of Scripture and lays it upon the Redeemer. His resurrection, therefore, validates the hope that, in Him, the thornbush will indeed give way to trees of righteousness (Isaiah 61:3).

Summary

Though סַרְפָד appears only once, its lone occurrence anchors a sweeping biblical theme: where sin produced barrenness, the unbreakable Word brings lasting beauty, proclaiming the Lord’s power to redeem people, land, and history alike.

Forms and Transliterations

הַסִּרְפַּ֖ד הסרפד has·sir·paḏ hassirPad hassirpaḏ

Englishman's Concordance

Isaiah 55:13
HEB: (וְתַ֥חַת ק) הַסִּרְפַּ֖ד יַעֲלֶ֣ה הֲדַ֑ס
NAS: up, And instead of the nettle the myrtle
KJV: the fir tree, and instead of the brier shall come up
INT: the cypress Instead of the nettle will come the myrtle

1 Occurrence

Strong's Hebrew 5636
1 Occurrence

has·sir·paḏ — 1 Occ.