Question 1

What does "Branch" mean in the King James Bible?

Accepted Answer

In the KJV, "Branch" means "part of a tree." The messianic title. 'The Branch' was a technical term for the coming Messiah -- the shoot that would grow from the stump of Jesse's tree after David's dynasty was cut down. Jesus was from Nazareth (netser/Nazarene), a wordplay on 'Branch.' The messianic hope was embedded in a botanical word that readers now pass over.

Question 2

Why did the word "Branch" disappear from modern English?

Accepted Answer

Hebrew netser/tsemach ('branch/shoot/the messianic title for the coming king who would grow from David's apparently dead line') reduced to 'part of a tree.' One of the key messianic titles became botanical vocabulary. The word was at peak usage around 1611 and declined by still used but de-messianic (~1800).

Question 3

What modern word replaced "Branch"?

Accepted Answer

"Branch" was replaced by: "twig" (though this insignificant; the branch was the messianic king emerging from the stump of david's fallen dynasty); "limb" (though this tree anatomy; the branch was a prophetic title loaded with royal, messianic expectation); "offshoot" (though this derivative; the branch was the main event -- the king who would restore everything).

What Does “Branch” Mean in the Bible?

What Was Lost