Lexical Summary tsaphtsaphah: Willow, Poplar Original Word: צַפְצָפָה Strong's Exhaustive Concordance willow tree From tsuwph; a willow (as growing in overflowed places) -- willow tree. see HEBREW tsuwph NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom tsaphaph Definition perhaps willow NASB Translation willow (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs צַפְצָפָה noun feminine a kind of willow (? onomatopoetic, from rustling; Late Hebrew id.; Arabic  ); — Ezekiel 17:5. Topical Lexicon Setting in Ezekiel’s ParableEzekiel 17 presents a riddle of two great eagles. After the first eagle (Nebuchadnezzar) takes a top sprig from Lebanon (Jehoiachin) and plants it “in fertile soil,” he also “set it like a willow tree, beside abundant waters” (Ezekiel 17:5). The “willow” (צַפְצָפָה) represents a second planting drawn from the “seed of the land” (Zedekiah). The choice of a willow—dependent upon constant moisture—depicts a fragile monarchy whose life is sustained only through the planter’s provision. When Zedekiah later breaks covenant, the fragile shoot withers, illustrating Judah’s judgment for covenant infidelity (Ezekiel 17:9–10). Botanical and Cultural Background Identifying the exact species is difficult; possibilities include several native willows (Salix spp.) that flourish along Palestinian waterways. In Ancient Near Eastern practice, fresh cuttings of willow could be thrust into moist ground to root quickly, making the tree a ready symbol for transplantation, rapid growth, and dependence on abundant water. Such imagery would have been readily understood by exiles living in Babylon’s river plains, who had seen willows used for shade, basketry, and ritual (compare Psalm 137:2). Symbolic Themes Elsewhere in Scripture 1. Growth by watercourses – “He will be like a tree planted by streams of water” (Psalm 1:3); “They will spring up among the grass like willows by flowing streams” (Isaiah 44:4). By invoking the willow, Ezekiel weaves together themes of covenant faithfulness, divine nourishment, and the peril of misplaced trust. Historical Significance Zedekiah’s political existence mirrored a tender willow slip: outwardly secure in well-watered soil, yet utterly dependent on Babylon’s favor. When he rebelled by seeking Egypt’s help (Ezekiel 17:15), the “planted” monarchy forfeited its only means of stability. Historically, the siege of 588-586 B.C. proved Ezekiel’s riddle true—the shoot was uprooted, Jerusalem fell, and the Davidic throne was left desolate until the promised “tender sprig” (Messiah) in Ezekiel 17:22-24. Theological Reflections • Divine Sovereignty: God is the ultimate Gardener who plants and uproots kingdoms at will (Ezekiel 17:24). Ministry Applications 1. Discipleship: New believers resemble willow cuttings; they flourish when planted in the Word and watered by fellowship (compare 1 Peter 2:2). Related Biblical References for Further Study Leviticus 23:40; Job 40:22; Psalm 1:3; Psalm 137:1-2; Isaiah 15:7; Isaiah 44:3-4; Ezekiel 17:5, 9-10, 22-24. Forms and Transliterations צַפְצָפָ֖ה צפצפה ṣap̄·ṣā·p̄āh ṣap̄ṣāp̄āh tzaftzaFahLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Ezekiel 17:5 HEB: מַ֣יִם רַבִּ֔ים צַפְצָפָ֖ה שָׂמֽוֹ׃ NAS: waters; he set it [like] a willow. KJV: [and] set it [as] a willow tree. INT: waters abundant it a willow set 1 Occurrence |
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