Branch

A symbol of kings descended from royal ancestors (Ezek. 17:3, 10; Dan. 11:7); of prosperity (Job 8:16); of the Messiah, a branch out of the root of the stem of Jesse (Isa. 11:1), the “beautiful branch” (4:2), a “righteous branch” (Jer. 23:5), “the Branch” (Zech. 3:8; 6:12). Disciples are branches of the true vine (John 15:5, 6). “The branch of the terrible ones” (Isa. 25:5) is rightly translated in the Revised Version “the song of the terrible ones,” i.e., the song of victory shall be brought low by the destruction of Babylon and the return of the Jews from captivity. The “abominable branch” is a tree on which a malefactor has been hanged (Isa. 14:19). The “highest branch” in Ezek. 17:3 represents Jehoiakim the king.

BRANCH . This word is often figuratively used by the sacred writers. Ps 80:15; John 15:5-6. It is also one of the titles of the Messiah. Isa 11:1 comp. with Isa 53:2; Zech 3:8 and Zech 6:12. The family of Jesse is represented under the figure of the stock of a tree firmly rooted, and the coming of Christ from the seed of David is represented as the shooting forth of a branch, which is here called, by way of distinction and eminence, "THE BRANCH;" for Christ, even in his common nature, far surpassed all the house of David in the dignity, power, and glory of both his person and office.

BRANCH . This word is often figuratively used by the sacred writers. Ps 80:15; John 15:5-6. It is also one of the titles of the Messiah. Isa 11:1 comp. with Isa 53:2; Zech 3:8 and Zech 6:12. The family of Jesse is represented under the figure of the stock of a tree firmly rooted, and the coming of Christ from the seed of David is represented as the shooting forth of a branch, which is here called, by way of distinction and eminence, "THE BRANCH;" for Christ, even in his common nature, far surpassed all the house of David in the dignity, power, and glory of both his person and office.

Part of speech: noun (n.)

1. A shoot or secondary stem growing from the main stem, or from a principal limb or bough of a tree or other plant.

2. Any division extending like a branch; any arm or part connected with the main body of thing; ramification; as, the branch of an antler; the branch of a chandelier; a branch of a river; a branch of a railway. Most of the branches , or streams, were dried up. W. Irving.

3. Any member or part of a body or system; a distinct article; a section or subdivision; a department. "Branches of knowledge." Prescott. It is a branch and parcel of mine oath. Shak.

4. One of the portions of a curve that extends outwards to an indefinitely great distance; as, the branches of an hyperbola.

5. A line of family descent, in distinction from some other line or lines from the same stock; any descendant in such a line; as, the English branch of a family. His father, a younger branch of the ancient stock. Carew.

6. A warrant or commission given to a pilot, authorizing him to pilot vessels in certain waters. Branches of a bridle, two pieces of bent iron, which bear the bit, the cross chains, and the curb. -- Branch herring. See Alewife. -- Root and branch , totally, wholly.

Synonyms: Bough; limb; shoot; offshoot; twig; sprig.

Part of speech: verb (v.)

1. To shoot or spread in branches; to separate into branches; to ramify.

2. To divide into separate parts or subdivision. To branch off, to form a branch or a separate part; to diverge. -- To branch out, to speak diffusively; to extend one's discourse to other topics than the main one; also, to enlarge the scope of one's business, etc. To branch out into a long disputation. Spectator.

Part of speech: verb (v.)

1. To divide as into branches; to make subordinate division in.

2. To adorn with needlework representing branches, flowers, or twigs. The train whereof loose far behind her strayed, Branched with gold and pearl, most richly wrought. Spenser.

Part of speech: adjective (a.)

Diverging from, or tributary to, a main stock, line, way, theme, etc.; as, a branch vein; a branch road or line; a branch topic; a branch store.