Why is the word 'Branch' capitalized in the Old Testament?
The word “Branch” is capitalized in the Old Testament because it refers to the Messiah, the Christ. In Isaiah 11:1, the branch growing from Jesse’s roots points to the Lord Jesus in His Old Testament situation, since He is also called the son of David.
Les explains that Isaiah 11:1 speaks of a rod coming out of the stem, or family tree, of Jesse, and a branch growing out of his roots. He notes that the word branch is capitalized, and if you use a good reference Bible or concordance, you will see that throughout the Old Testament it is capitalized. That capitalization means the term is a reference to the Messiah, the Christ. In this context, the Branch refers to the Lord Jesus in His Old Testament situation, because He is referred to as the son of David. Les also stresses taking Scripture literally, just as one would take the account of Washington crossing the Delaware literally, rather than spiritualizing it.
And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots:
More Questions
Why does the Branch in Isaiah 11:1 refer to Jesus?
The 'branch' in Isaiah 11:1 refers to the Lord Jesus in His Old Testament situation because Jesus is called the son of David.
How can you tell when 'branch' refers to the Messiah in the Old Testament?
In the Old Testament, when the word 'branch' is capitalized in reference Bibles and concordances, it signifies that it refers to the Messiah, the Christ.