She sent out her boughs unto the sea, and her branches unto the river.

PSALMS 80:11KJV
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Psalms 80:11 (KJV)

What does Psalms 80:11 mean?

Psalms 80:11 describes how a vine—symbolizing Israel—spread its branches widely, reaching as far as the sea and the river. The verse paints a picture of growth and expansion, showing how Israel flourished and extended its influence across the land.

In this psalm, the writer (traditionally Asaph) is speaking to God, recalling how God once caused Israel to thrive like a vine planted in a new land. The "sea" likely refers to the Mediterranean Sea, and the "river" to the Euphrates, marking the broadest boundaries of Israel's reach. This verse is part of a larger prayer asking God to restore and care for His people as He once did.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 80:11

  • "out" (שָׁלַח, shalach): This word means "to send out" or "to stretch forth." Here, it emphasizes the active spreading of the vine’s branches, suggesting vigorous growth.
  • "boughs" (קַצִּיר, qatziyr): This term refers to the main limbs or large branches of the vine. It highlights the strength and reach of Israel's influence.
  • "sea" (יָם, yam): This word often means the Mediterranean Sea in biblical geography, marking the western boundary of ancient Israel.
  • "branches" (יֹנֵקֶת, yoneqet): This word refers to young shoots or tender branches, suggesting new growth or offshoots from the main vine.
  • "river" (נָהָר, nahar): This typically refers to the Euphrates River, representing the eastern extent of Israel’s ideal territory.

Why Psalms 80:11 matters

  • This verse helps clarify the imagery of Israel as a vine, a picture used elsewhere in the Bible to describe God’s care and the nation’s growth.
  • It shows the historical hope that Israel would reach its fullest potential, stretching from the Mediterranean Sea to the Euphrates River, echoing promises made to the patriarchs.
  • Understanding the geography and symbolism sharpens the sense of loss and longing in the psalm, as the writer remembers a time of blessing and asks God to restore it.

Where else these words appear

“branches” Hebrew H3127 · used in 6 verses

  • Job 8:16 He is green before the sun, and his branch shooteth forth in his garden.
  • Job 14:7 For there is hope of a tree, if it be cut down, that it will sprout again, and that the tender branch thereof will not cease.
  • Ezekiel 17:22 Thus saith the Lord GOD; I will also take of the highest branch of the high cedar, and will set it; I will crop off from the top of his young twigs a tender one, and will plant it upon an high mountain and eminent:

“boughs” Hebrew H7105 · used in 49 verses

  • Genesis 8:22 While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease.
  • 1 Samuel 6:13 And they of Bethshemesh were reaping their wheat harvest in the valley: and they lifted up their eyes, and saw the ark, and rejoiced to see it.
  • Isaiah 16:9 Therefore I will bewail with the weeping of Jazer the vine of Sibmah: I will water thee with my tears, O Heshbon, and Elealeh: for the shouting for thy summer fruits and for thy harvest is fallen.

“river” Hebrew H5104 · used in 109 verses

  • Genesis 2:10 And a river went out of Eden to water the garden; and from thence it was parted, and became into four heads.
  • Ezra 8:31 Then we departed from the river of Ahava on the twelfth day of the first month, to go unto Jerusalem: and the hand of our God was upon us, and he delivered us from the hand of the enemy, and of such as lay in wait by the way.
  • Isaiah 43:2 When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.