Lexical Summary soreq: Choice vine, choice vine stock Original Word: שׂרֵק Strong's Exhaustive Concordance choicest, noble wine Or sowreq {so-rake'}; and (feminine) soreqah {so- ray-kaw'}; from sharaq in the sense of redness (compare saruq); a vine stock (properly, one yielding purple grapes, the richest variety) -- choice(-st, noble) wine. Compare saruwq. see HEBREW sharaq see HEBREW saruq see HEBREW saruwq Brown-Driver-Briggs I. שֹׂרֵק noun [masculine] choice species of vine; — absolute ׳שׂ Isaiah 5:2, ׳שׂוֺ Jeremiah 2:21 (both in figure). שׂרֵקָה noun feminine choice vine; — Genesis 49:11. Topical Lexicon Viticulture and Cultural Setting The term שׂרֵק points to a carefully selected grapevine renowned for its superior clusters and abundant juice. Vineyards of this stature were cultivated in the lowlands and foothills of Judah, notably the Valley of Sorek west of Jerusalem, an area still famous for wine production. Ancient presses discovered there confirm that wine was a staple of Israelite economy, festal worship, and daily table fellowship (Judges 9:13). Thus, when Scripture speaks of a “choice vine,” it evokes the highest quality that diligent husbandry can yield. Occurrences in Scripture Genesis 49: 11 “He ties his donkey to the vine, and his colt to the choice vine; he washes his garments in wine and his robes in the blood of grapes.” Here the word underscores the lavish prosperity promised to Judah’s line. So fertile will Judah’s territory be that even work animals may be tethered to prized vines without fear of loss, and wine will be so plentiful it can serve as wash-water. The image anticipates the regal abundance realized partially in David and Solomon and ultimately in Messiah’s kingdom (Amos 9: 13). Isaiah 5: 2 “He dug it up, cleared it of stones, and planted it with the choicest vines.” The “Song of the Vineyard” details the LORD’s painstaking care for His people. Every preparatory verb—dug, cleared, built, hewed—culminates in planting שׂרֵק. Israel was endowed with perfect covenant conditions and lavish grace, so her later sour fruit is presented as willful rebellion, not failure of divine provision (Isaiah 5: 4-7). Jeremiah 2: 21 “Yet I planted you like a choice vine from completely reliable seed. How then have you turned before Me into a degenerate, wild vine?” The early ministry of Jeremiah echoes Isaiah’s parable but adds the shock of degeneration. A vine that began pure and cultivated ends “foreign” and “corrupt.” The prophet exposes covenant infidelity and warns of impending exile while still appealing to God’s original purpose. Theological Themes 1. Divine Election and Care Planting a שׂרֵק illustrates God’s initiative and generosity. Election is never random; it is unto fruitfulness (Deuteronomy 7: 6-8; Ephesians 2: 10). 2. Covenant Responsibility The best rootstock carries expectations. Fruitlessness is treated as covenant breach, inviting judgment (Isaiah 5: 5-6; Matthew 21: 40-43). 3. Degeneration through Sin Jeremiah highlights the tragedy of moral decline: a cultivated vine reverting to the wild. Sin reverses God’s creative order and corrupts what was once excellent. 4. Eschatological Restoration Prophets envision a day when vineyards will flourish again (Amos 9: 14; Isaiah 27: 6). The messianic age reverses both drought and moral barrenness. Christological Fulfillment Jesus’ claim, “I am the true vine” (John 15: 1), deliberately contrasts Himself with Israel’s failed role. Where the nation produced “worthless grapes,” Christ yields perfect fruit and invites believers to abide in Him. The Father, portrayed as vinedresser, prunes branches for greater yield, echoing Isaiah’s song yet offering grace beyond judgment. The eucharistic cup further ties His blood to the imagery of “the blood of grapes,” fulfilling the lush promise of Genesis 49: 11. Practical Ministry Applications • Discipleship: Pastors cultivate believers the way a vintner tends vines—clearing stones (hindrances), training growth (spiritual disciplines), and pruning (loving correction) so that congregations bear “much fruit” (John 15: 8). Archaeological and Historical Notes Carbonized grape seeds from Iron Age strata in Judah match cultivars still grown in modern Israeli vineyards. Ancient wine jars stamped with royal seals attest to state-sponsored viticulture from the days of Hezekiah onward. Such findings corroborate the biblical picture of vine-centered commerce and royal imagery. Summary שׂרֵק serves as a literary and theological emblem of God’s highest investment in His people—an investment demanding reciprocal fruit. From patriarchal blessing through prophetic indictment to messianic fulfillment, the “choice vine” delineates both privilege and accountability, setting the stage for the ultimate True Vine in whom abundant, enduring fruit is finally secured. Forms and Transliterations וְלַשֹּׂרֵקָ֖ה ולשרקה שֹׂרֵ֔ק שרק śō·rêq soRek śōrêq velassoreKah wə·laś·śō·rê·qāh wəlaśśōrêqāhLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Genesis 49:11 HEB: (עִירֹ֔ו ק) וְלַשֹּׂרֵקָ֖ה בְּנִ֣י אֲתֹנ֑וֹ NAS: colt to the choice vine; He washes KJV: colt unto the choice vine; he washed INT: to the vine colt to the choice colt and his donkey's Isaiah 5:2 Jeremiah 2:21 3 Occurrences |
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