אֶרֶז
a cedar tree (from the tenacity of its roots)
Definition
The Hebrew word אֶרֶז refers specifically to the cedar tree, most notably the majestic and durable Cedrus libani, or Lebanon cedar. In the Bible, it symbolizes strength, permanence, and grandeur, often used to describe towering trees (Numbers 24:6), royal palaces (1 Kings 7:2), and the divinely ordained Temple in Jerusalem (1 Kings 5-6). Its wood was prized for its resistance to rot and insects, making it a premium material for sacred and royal construction. In ritual contexts, its branches were used in purification rites (Leviticus 14:4, 49).
Biblical Usage
אֶרֶז appears 69 times, primarily in poetic, prophetic, and historical books. It describes literal trees (Psalm 104:16) and is heavily used as a metaphor: for the righteous (Psalm 92:12), for proud human kingdoms that God will humble (Isaiah 2:13, Ezekiel 31:3), and for the restored kingdom of God (Ezekiel 17:22-23). Its most frequent narrative use is in the construction of David's palace and Solomon's Temple (2 Samuel 7:2, 1 Kings 5:6-10), highlighting its association with divinely sanctioned monarchy and worship.
Etymology
Derived from the root אָרַז (H729), meaning 'to be firm, compact, strong.' This root conveys the idea of firmness, which directly relates to the cedar's renowned durability and the tenacity of its roots. The noun form אֶרֶז thus carries the inherent sense of a 'firm' or 'strong tree.'
Semantic Range
The cedar is a powerful theological symbol. Its height and permanence make it an image of God's creative power and provision (Psalm 104:16-17). Conversely, prophets use it to critique human pride and arrogance, as God alone is the true source of lasting strength (Isaiah 2:12-13, Zechariah 11:1-2). Most significantly, its use in the Temple connects it to God's holy presence, purity, and the promise of a lasting dynasty (2 Samuel 7:2, 13). Understanding this enriches readings of messianic prophecies, like the 'shoot from the stump of Jesse' (Isaiah 11:1), which grows into a majestic 'cedar' (Ezekiel 17:22-23).
In the ancient Near East, the Lebanon cedar was a legendary commodity, famous for its size, fragrance, and incredibly durable, insect-resistant wood. It was a symbol of wealth, power, and prestige, used by kings for palaces, temples, and ships. For Israel, acquiring it from Phoenicia (Lebanon) was a major international trade endeavor, underscoring its supreme value. Its use in purification rituals (Leviticus 14) may also relate to its aromatic and preservative qualities, symbolizing cleansing and permanence.
בְּרוֹשׁ (berosh, H1265) — fir or cypress tree; often paired with cedar (1 Kings 5:8, 10) as another valued construction timber. תִּרְזָה (tirzah, H8655) — a type of strong tree, possibly the cypress or elm; used once in Isaiah 44:14.
Word Details
How this works
Hebrew definitions are from Brown-Driver-Briggs (1906) and Strong's Exhaustive Concordance (1890), both public domain. BDB was groundbreaking for its era but reflects 19th-century assumptions about Semitic etymology. Modern scholarship (HALOT, DCH) has revised many entries. Use these definitions as a starting point for exploration, not as the final word on a term's meaning in context.
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