הֲדַס
the myrtle
Definition
The Hebrew word הֲדַס (hadas) refers to the myrtle tree, a fragrant evergreen shrub with glossy leaves and white flowers. In the Bible, it consistently denotes the myrtle plant itself, as seen in Nehemiah 8:15 where its branches are used to construct booths for the Feast of Tabernacles. The myrtle also appears in prophetic visions of restoration, such as in Isaiah 41:19 and 55:13, where it symbolizes God's blessing and the transformation of the wilderness. In Zechariah's visions (Zechariah 1:8, 10, 11), the myrtle grove serves as a setting where angelic messengers report on the state of the earth.
Biblical Usage
The word is used six times in the Old Testament, primarily in prophetic and liturgical contexts. In Nehemiah 8:15, it has a practical, ceremonial use for constructing festival booths. In Isaiah 41:19 and 55:13, it appears in prophecies of ecological renewal and divine blessing. Most notably, in Zechariah 1:8-11, the myrtle grove (or valley) is the backdrop for a vision of angelic patrols, linking the plant to divine oversight and revelation.
Etymology
The origin of הֲדַס is uncertain, but it is likely a loanword from a non-Semitic source. Some scholars connect it to the Akkadian 'adāsu' or the Persian 'ās,' both referring to the myrtle. The word's form suggests it was adopted into Hebrew to name this specific aromatic plant, with no clear root in biblical Hebrew itself.
Semantic Range
The myrtle carries theological symbolism of life, beauty, and God's faithful promises. Its evergreen nature represents enduring life and God's constant care, while its use in Isaiah's prophecies points to eschatological restoration and peace. In Zechariah, the myrtle grove—possibly a humble, hidden place—becomes a site of heavenly revelation, suggesting God's presence in unexpected circumstances. Understanding this Hebrew term enriches reading by highlighting how a simple plant can embody hope and divine encounter.
In ancient Israel, the myrtle was valued for its fragrance, beauty, and practical uses. Its branches were used in festive celebrations, like the Feast of Tabernacles, symbolizing joy and abundance. Unlike modern ornamental use, in biblical times it also carried covenantal significance, as its inclusion in prophecies of renewal tied it to God's promises of land and blessing. The plant thrived in moist, lowland areas, making its mention in visions of desert flourishing (Isaiah 41:19) particularly striking.
עֵץ (ʿēts, H6086) — a general term for 'tree' or 'wood,' whereas הֲדַס specifies the myrtle species. שָׂשׂוֹן (śāśôn, H8342) — meaning 'joy' or 'gladness,' often associated with myrtle in celebratory contexts (e.g., Isaiah 55:13).
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.
Full methodology & sources →