A reed or papyrus plant, particularly one used in constructing lightweight, swift boats. Job 9:26 speaks of days passing 'like reed boats, like an eagle swooping on its prey'—images of speed and transience. The parallel passage in Isaiah 18:2 refers to 'vessels of papyrus,' indicating watercraft made from bundled reeds. These boats, known from ancient Egypt, were remarkably fast despite their fragile appearance.