Grove
Two Hebrew Words, One English Translation
The KJV's use of "grove" translates two entirely different Hebrew words with very different meanings. The first and most common is "asherah," which refers to either a Canaanite goddess or the wooden cult objects erected in her honor. The second is "eshel," which refers to a tamarisk tree, as in Genesis 21:33 where Abraham planted one in Beersheba. Modern translations typically render "asherah" as "Asherah pole" and "eshel" as "tamarisk tree," making the distinction much clearer than the KJV's uniform use of "grove."
Asherah: The Canaanite Cult Object
The primary meaning behind most KJV uses of "grove" is the Asherah, a wooden pole or stylized tree set up near Canaanite altars. Asherah was a Canaanite mother goddess associated with fertility, and her cult objects were frequently erected alongside altars to Baal. God explicitly commanded Israel to destroy these objects: "You shall not plant any tree as an Asherah beside the altar of the Lord your God" (Deuteronomy 16:21). Despite this prohibition, Asherah worship repeatedly infiltrated Israelite practice, becoming one of the most persistent forms of idolatry throughout the monarchy period.
The Battle Against Asherah Worship
The history of Israel's kings is marked by cycles of tolerating and destroying Asherah poles. King Asa removed them as part of his reforms (1 Kings 15:13). Elijah confronted the prophets of Baal and Asherah on Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18:19). Hezekiah cut down the Asherah poles as part of his sweeping religious reforms (2 Kings 18:4). Josiah's reforms went even further, burning the Asherah that had been placed in the temple itself (2 Kings 23:6). Manasseh, by contrast, represented the worst of royal apostasy by setting up an Asherah image in the temple of the Lord (2 Kings 21:7).
Abraham's Tamarisk Tree
The other Hebrew word translated "grove" in the KJV is "eshel," appearing in Genesis 21:33: "Abraham planted a grove in Beersheba, and called there on the name of the Lord." Modern translations correctly render this as "tamarisk tree." The tamarisk is a hardy, drought-resistant tree that provides shade in arid environments. Abraham's planting of this tree at Beersheba was an act of settlement and worship, marking a place where he called on God's name. This was a legitimate act of devotion, entirely distinct from the idolatrous groves associated with Asherah.
Trees and Sacred Spaces
Trees held significant cultural and religious meaning throughout the ancient Near East. Sacred groves and trees served as places of worship, teaching, and community gathering. While Canaanite religion corrupted this association through fertility cults, the Bible preserves positive associations with trees as well. Deborah judged under a palm tree (Judges 4:5), and the righteous are compared to trees planted by streams of water (Psalm 1:3). The distinction between legitimate reverence for God's creation and the illegitimate worship of created things remains a critical biblical theme.
Why the Distinction Matters
Understanding the difference between the two Hebrew words behind "grove" prevents confusion and enriches Bible reading. When the KJV says Israel worshiped in "groves," it refers to Asherah cult worship, a serious violation of the first and second commandments. When it says Abraham planted a "grove," it describes a simple act of settling and worshiping God. Modern translations have largely resolved this ambiguity, but readers of the KJV benefit from knowing the underlying Hebrew to avoid misunderstanding these important passages.
Biblical Context
The word 'grove' in the KJV primarily translates 'asherah,' appearing in passages about Canaanite idolatry (Deuteronomy 16:21; 1 Kings 15:13; 2 Kings 18:4; 21:7; 23:6). It also translates 'eshel' (tamarisk tree) in Genesis 21:33 where Abraham worships God. The asherah references span from Deuteronomy through 2 Kings, tracking Israel's ongoing struggle with idolatry.
Theological Significance
The grove/Asherah passages teach about the persistent danger of syncretism — mixing true worship of God with pagan practices. God's repeated commands to destroy Asherah poles underscore His demand for exclusive worship. The contrast between Abraham's tamarisk tree and Canaanite cult groves illustrates the difference between honoring God in creation and worshiping created things.
Historical Background
Archaeological discoveries across the ancient Near East have uncovered numerous Asherah figurines and inscriptions, confirming the widespread nature of her cult. An inscription from Kuntillet Ajrud mentions 'Yahweh and his Asherah,' suggesting some Israelites syncretized Yahweh worship with Asherah veneration. The tamarisk tree (Tamarix) is native to the Levant and thrives in arid conditions, making it a practical choice for Abraham's semi-arid environment at Beersheba.