Topical Encyclopedia
In biblical literature, the term "stem" is often used metaphorically to represent growth, lineage, or the emergence of something significant from a humble beginning. The imagery of a stem is frequently associated with the prophetic and messianic expectations found in the Old Testament, particularly in relation to the lineage of David and the coming of the Messiah.
Messianic Prophecy:One of the most notable uses of the term "stem" is found in the prophecy of Isaiah, which speaks of the coming Messiah from the line of David.
Isaiah 11:1 states, "Then a shoot will spring up from the stump of Jesse, and a Branch from his roots will bear fruit." Here, the "stem" or "shoot" symbolizes the emergence of a new leader from the seemingly cut-down lineage of Jesse, the father of King David. This prophecy is understood by Christians to refer to Jesus Christ, who is believed to be the fulfillment of the Davidic covenant and the promised Messiah.
Symbolism of Growth and Renewal:The imagery of a stem also conveys themes of growth, renewal, and hope. In the context of Isaiah's prophecy, the stem represents the renewal of the Davidic line and the hope for a future king who will bring justice and peace. This symbolism is significant in the broader biblical narrative, where God often brings forth new life and restoration from situations that appear desolate or hopeless.
Lineage and Heritage:The concept of a stem is closely tied to the idea of lineage and heritage in the Bible. The genealogies in the Scriptures often trace the "stem" or line of descent from key figures, emphasizing the importance of family heritage and God's faithfulness to His promises across generations. The genealogical records in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, for example, trace Jesus' lineage back to David, underscoring His rightful place in the messianic line.
Theological Implications:From a theological perspective, the use of "stem" in biblical prophecy highlights God's sovereignty and His ability to bring about His purposes through history. The emergence of the Messiah from the "stem" of Jesse serves as a testament to God's faithfulness and the fulfillment of His promises. It also reflects the Christian belief in Jesus as the ultimate source of spiritual renewal and salvation for humanity.
Related Biblical Imagery:The imagery of a stem is related to other botanical metaphors in the Bible, such as the vine and the branches (
John 15:5) and the mustard seed (
Matthew 13:31-32). These images collectively emphasize themes of growth, connection to God, and the expansive nature of God's kingdom.
In summary, the concept of a "stem" in the Bible is rich with prophetic significance, symbolizing the emergence of the Messiah, the renewal of God's people, and the fulfillment of divine promises through the lineage of David.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
v. i.) Alt. of Steem.
2. (n.) Alt. of Steem.
3. (n.) The principal body of a tree, shrub, or plant, of any kind; the main stock; the part which supports the branches or the head or top.
4. (n.) A little branch which connects a fruit, flower, or leaf with a main branch; a peduncle, pedicel, or petiole; as, the stem of an apple or a cherry.
5. (n.) The stock of a family; a race or generation of progenitors.
6. (n.) A branch of a family.
7. (n.) A curved piece of timber to which the two sides of a ship are united at the fore end. The lower end of it is scarfed to the keel, and the bowsprit rests upon its upper end. Hence, the forward part of a vessel; the bow.
8. (n.) Fig.: An advanced or leading position; the lookout.
9. (n.) Anything resembling a stem or stalk; as, the stem of a tobacco pipe; the stem of a watch case, or that part to which the ring, by which it is suspended, is attached.
10. (n.) That part of a plant which bears leaves, or rudiments of leaves, whether rising above ground or wholly subterranean.
11. (n.) The entire central axis of a feather.
12. (n.) The basal portion of the body of one of the Pennatulacea, or of a gorgonian.
13. (n.) The short perpendicular line added to the body of a note; the tail of a crotchet, quaver, semiquaver, etc.
14. (n.) The part of an inflected word which remains unchanged (except by euphonic variations) throughout a given inflection; theme; base.
15. (v. t.) To remove the stem or stems from; as, to stem cherries; to remove the stem and its appendages (ribs and veins) from; as, to stem tobacco leaves.
16. (v. t.) To ram, as clay, into a blasting hole.
17. (v. t.) To oppose or cut with, or as with, the stem of a vessel; to resist, or make progress against; to stop or check the flow of, as a current.
18. (v. i.) To move forward against an obstacle, as a vessel against a current.
Greek
5301. hussopos -- hyssop... of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: hussopos Phonetic Spelling:
(hoos'-so-pos) Short Definition: hyssop Definition: hyssop, a stalk or
stem of hyssop.
...318. anagke -- necessity
... This kind of situation is typically brought on by great pain or distress (so
Diod., ,). In classical Greek many words take theirstem from ....
4725. stemma -- a wreath
... a wreath. Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter Transliteration: stemma Phonetic Spelling:
(stem'-mah) Short Definition: a garland Definition: a garland, wreath, crown....
2563. kalamos -- a reed
... pen, reed. Or uncertain affinity; a reed (the plant or itsstem, or that of a similar
plant); by implication, a pen -- pen, reed. (kalamon) -- 6 Occurrences....
4594. semeron -- today
...stem meaning this) Definition today NASB Word Usage last night (1), this (1), this
day (6), this very (2), today (29), today's (1), very (1). this day....
Strong's Hebrew
1503. geza -- a stock,stem... 1502, 1503. geza. 1504 . a stock,
stem. Transliteration: geza Phonetic
Spelling: (geh'-zah) Short Definition:
stem. Word Origin
...7070. qaneh -- a stalk, reed
... From qanah; a reed (as erect); by resemblance a rod (especially for measuring),
shaft, tube,stem, the radius (of the arm), beam (of a steelyard) -- balance...
Library
The Word of God did not Become Flesh Except in the virgin's Womb...
... Now, since He is the blossom of thestem which sprouts from the root of Jesse; since,
moreover, the root of Jesse is the family of David, and thestem of the...
Nothing but the Blood of Jesus. GH 1-6 No. 195.
... GH 1-6 No. 195. ALKOMAYLUM 1Stem kwa ts'kwot tal skwi-la-wal, Ooli ta sat-see-ul
ta Jesus;Stem kwa may sthay-lawmikh talsa, Ooli ta sat-see-ul ta Jesus....
Involution
... itself another fossil was discovered, almost as abundant but far more beautiful,
and from the exquisite carving which ornamented its flutedstem it received...
Abide
... The graft shoots its little roots and fibers down into thestem, and thestem grows
up into the graft, and what has been called the structural union is effected...
The Ten Commandments in Alkomaylum.
... 1-Oolawl-tcha kwa TS khakha-stokh-okh. 2-Owa-tchuh ee-ise-okh kwastem staa
kwa TS.... 8 Owa-tchuh kwus kal kwastem tilay kwa latcha....
A Provision Ground
... The lush fat greenstem; the crown of huge leaves, falling over in curves like those
of human limbs; and below, the whorls of green or golden fruit, with the...
A Letter from a West Indian Cottage Ornee
... Weeds, all over the world, are mostly like each other; poor, thin, pale in leaf,
small and meagre instem and flower: meaner forms which fill up for good, and...
The Believer a New Creature
... Now, the branch derives all its nourishment, its sap, its vitality, its
fruit-bearing power, from thestem with which it is united....
The Fig-Tree.
... In contrast with the bright background of other sunny pictures, we have, standing
out in bold relief, a withered, saplessstem, impressively proclaiming, in...
The vine and the Branches
... writer who advocates the repression theory of sanctification says: "But if I want
a tree wholly made good I take it when young and, cutting thestem off on the...
Thesaurus
Stem (18 Occurrences)... 4. (n.) A little branch which connects a fruit, flower, or leaf with a main branch;
a peduncle, pedicel, or petiole; as, the
stem of an apple or a cherry.
...Shaft (13 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) The slender, smoothstem of an arrow; hence,
an arrow.... 4. (n.) The trunk,stem, or stalk of a plant....
Candlestick (34 Occurrences)
... It consisted of a pedestal or base, of a centralstem (the name "candlestick" is
specially given to this), of six curving branches-three on each side-and of...
Branch (60 Occurrences)
... 11:7); of prosperity (Job 8:16); of the Messiah, a branch out of the root of the
stem of Jesse (Isaiah 11:1), the "beautiful branch" (4:2), a "righteous branch...
Achan (7 Occurrences)
... Zerah the son of Judah who was put to death, in Joshua's time, for stealing some
of the "devoted" spoil of the city of Jericho (Joshua 7). Thestem `akhan is...
Stalk (7 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) Thestem or main axis of a plant; as, a
stalk of wheat, rye, or oats; the stalks of maize or hemp....
Stock (16 Occurrences)
... 1. (n.) Thestem, or main body, of a tree or plant; the fixed, strong, firm part;
the trunk. 2. (n.) Thestem or branch in which a graft is inserted....
Preacher (27 Occurrences)
... The word does not occur elsewhere, although it is from astem that is in common
use. Apparently it has been coined for a purpose by the author of Ecclesiastes....
Tree (245 Occurrences)
... 2. (n.) Something constructed in the form of, or considered as resembling, a tree,
consisting of astem, or stock, and branches; as, a genealogical tree....
Ecclesiastes (1 Occurrence)
... The word does not occur elsewhere, although it is from astem that is in common
use. Apparently it has been coined for a purpose by the author of Ecclesiastes....
Resources
What should a Christian's view be on stem cell research? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the origin and meaning of the Celtic cross? | GotQuestions.orgMiscellaneous Bible Questions (All) | GotQuestions.orgStem: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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