Lexical Summary agmon: Reed, bulrush Original Word: אַגְמוֹן Strong's Exhaustive Concordance bulrush, caldron, hook, rush From the same as 'agam; a marshy pool (others from a different root, a kettle); by implication a rush (as growing there); collectively a rope of rushes -- bulrush, caldron, hook, rush. see HEBREW 'agam NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom the same as agam Definition a rush, bulrush NASB Translation bulrush (2), reed (1), rope (1), rushes (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs אַגְמֹן, אַגְמוֺן noun [masculine] rush, bulrush. 1 used as cord or line Job 40:26 (of twisted rushes, or spun of rush-fibre, compare Di on the passage); as fuel Job 41:12; simile of bending head Isaiah 58:5. 2 metaphor of the lowly, insignif. ("" כִּמָּה) Isaiah 9:13; Isaiah 19:15. אגן (probably circular, round, compare Arabic Topical Lexicon Hebrew Term and Imageryאַגְמוֹן evokes two everyday objects in the ancient Near East: the slender marsh reed and the thin cord braided from such plants. Whether growing in swamps or twisted into rope, the term brings together ideas of flexibility, fragility, and restraint. Occurrences in Scripture Job 41:2 presents אַגְמוֹן as the “cord” a man might vainly try to slip through the nostrils of Leviathan—an image of human inadequacy before God’s untamable creation. Job 41:20 (Hebrew v.12) repeats the idea of binding Leviathan, underscoring the same theme. Isaiah 9:14 contrasts the lofty “palm branch” with the humble “reed,” declaring, “The LORD will cut off from Israel head and tail, palm branch and reed in a single day”. Leaders and commoners alike will fall under divine judgment. Isaiah 19:15 warns Egypt that in the coming upheaval “there will be nothing the head or tail, palm branch or reed can do”, showing the universality of God’s sovereignty across nations. Isaiah 58:5 asks, “Is this the fast I have chosen: a day for a man to deny himself, to bow his head like a reed…?”. Here the reed pictures outward show without inward repentance. Symbolic Themes 1. Human Limitation. In Job, the cord that cannot restrain Leviathan exposes the limits of human power and the supremacy of the Creator. 2. Judgment on Pride. Isaiah twice uses the rush to symbolize the lowliest element in society; when even the rush is cut off, judgment is total and impartial. 3. Superficial Piety. The bowed reed of Isaiah 58:5 depicts an empty ritual divorced from justice and mercy, challenging worshippers to unite humility of posture with integrity of heart. Historical Background Reeds grew abundantly along the Nile, Jordan, and marshy inlets. They supplied matting, baskets, wicks, writing material, and—twisted together—cordage strong enough for fishing gear. A reader in Israel or Judah would picture an item both common and inexpensive, instantly grasping the prophets’ contrasts between the mighty (palm branch) and the trivial (reed). Theological Reflections The same plant that can be cut down in an instant (Isaiah 9:14) can also be woven into a line strong enough to suggest restraint (Job 41:2). Scripture thus intertwines two lessons: nothing is too small for God to employ in His purposes, yet nothing is strong enough to oppose Him. Judgment, mercy, and sovereignty meet in one humble image. Practical Ministry Applications • Humility: Like the reed, believers should remain flexible under the wind of God’s instruction, willing to bend rather than break. • Authentic Worship: Isaiah 58 warns against mere externalism. Fasting and prayer must be joined to justice, generosity, and compassion. • Leadership Accountability: From “head to tail,” all ranks answer to God. Spiritual leaders should remember that influence brings heightened responsibility. • Evangelistic Illustration: The futility of binding Leviathan offers a vivid way to contrast human self-reliance with the saving power of Christ, who alone can subdue chaos and sin. In every occurrence, אַגְמוֹן quietly insists that what seems insignificant can preach mighty truths when placed in the hands of the sovereign Lord. Forms and Transliterations אַגְמ֣וֹן אגמון וְאַגְמ֖וֹן וְאַגְמֹֽן׃ וְאַגְמֽוֹן׃ ואגמון ואגמון׃ ואגמן׃ כְּאַגְמֹ֜ן כאגמן ’aḡ·mō·wn ’aḡmōwn agMon kə’aḡmōn kə·’aḡ·mōn keagMon veagMon wə’aḡmōn wə’aḡmōwn wə·’aḡ·mō·wn wə·’aḡ·mōnLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Job 41:2 HEB: הֲתָשִׂ֣ים אַגְמ֣וֹן בְּאַפּ֑וֹ וּ֝בְח֗וֹחַ NAS: Can you put a rope in his nose KJV: Canst thou put an hook into his nose? INT: put A rope his nose bramble Job 41:20 Isaiah 9:14 Isaiah 19:15 Isaiah 58:5 5 Occurrences |
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ball of cheek & see Talmud אוֺגֶן curved rim of a vessel).