The meaning of “גֶּפֶן”
Understanding gephen reveals the original theological depth often simplified in translation.
vine, tree. - a vine (as twining), especially the grape 1) vine, vine tree 1a) of Israel (fig.) 1b) of stars fading at J...
גֶּפֶן
vine, tree. - a vine (as twining), especially the grape 1) vine, vine tree 1a) of Israel (fig.) 1b) of stars fading at Jehovah's judgment (metaph.) 1c) of prosperity
Occurrences in the Bible
| Reference | Text | |
|---|---|---|
| Genesis 40:10 | “And in the vine were three branches: and it was as though it budded, and her blossoms shot forth; and the clusters thereof brought forth ripe grapes:” Word: גֶּפֶן (gephen) | |
| Judges 9:13 | “And the vine said unto them, Should I leave my wine, which cheereth God and man, and go to be promoted over the trees?” Word: גֶּפֶן (gephen) | |
| Job 15:33 | “He shall shake off his unripe grape as the vine, and shall cast off his flower as the olive.” Word: גֶּפֶן (gephen) | |
| Isaiah 24:7 | “The new wine mourneth, the vine languisheth, all the merryhearted do sigh.” Word: גֶּפֶן (gephen) | |
| Hosea 10:1 | “Israel is an empty vine, he bringeth forth fruit unto himself: according to the multitude of his fruit he hath increased the altars; according to the goodness of his land they have made goodly images.” Word: גֶּפֶן (gephen) |
Usage Statistics
Related Words
Cross-referenced Strong's numbers with semantic or etymological connections.
Theological Word Study: Vine
Old Testament Usage
Meaning: Vine, grapevine
The Hebrew gephen (גֶּפֶן) means vine—symbolizing Israel as God's vineyard (Isaiah 5:1-7). The vine represented blessing and peace, and required careful cultivation to bear fruit.
New Testament Usage
Meaning: Vine
The Greek ampelos (ἄμπελος) denotes a vine. Jesus declared 'I am the true vine' (John 15:1), with believers as branches who must abide in Him to bear fruit. Apart from Christ, we can do nothing.