Topical Encyclopedia
Cypress trees, known for their durability and aromatic wood, are mentioned several times in the Bible, often symbolizing strength and beauty. The Hebrew word for cypress is "berosh," which is sometimes translated as "fir" or "pine" in various Bible versions. However, the context and characteristics described align more closely with the cypress tree.
Biblical References:1.
Construction and Craftsmanship: Cypress wood was highly valued in ancient times for its resistance to decay and its fine grain, making it an ideal material for construction and craftsmanship. In
Isaiah 41:19 , God promises to plant cypress trees in the desert as a sign of His provision and transformation: "I will plant cedars in the desert, acacias, myrtles, and olive trees; I will set cypress in the wasteland, the fir and the pine together."
2.
Symbol of Strength and Beauty: The cypress tree is often associated with strength and beauty, reflecting God's majesty and the splendor of His creation. In
Ezekiel 31:8 , the cypress is mentioned in a comparison to the cedars of Lebanon, highlighting its grandeur: "The cedars in the garden of God could not rival it, nor could the pine trees equal its boughs. The plane trees were not like its branches; no tree in the garden of God could match its beauty."
3.
Use in Temple Construction: The wood of the cypress tree was used in the construction of Solomon's Temple, indicating its importance and value. Although the specific mention of cypress is not found in the Berean Standard Bible,
1 Kings 5:8-10 describes the use of high-quality timber from Lebanon, which included cypress, for building the temple.
4.
Symbol of Restoration: In
Isaiah 60:13 , the cypress is mentioned as part of the restoration and glorification of Zion: "The glory of Lebanon will come to you—its cypress, elm, and boxwood together—to adorn the place of My sanctuary, and I will glorify the place of My feet." This passage underscores the cypress tree's role in symbolizing the renewal and beauty of God's dwelling place.
Cultural and Historical Context:In the ancient Near East, cypress trees were not only valued for their practical uses but also held symbolic significance. Their evergreen nature made them a symbol of eternal life and resilience. The wood's aromatic quality was also appreciated, often used in religious and ceremonial contexts.
Theological Significance:From a theological perspective, the cypress tree serves as a metaphor for God's enduring strength and the beauty of His creation. Its presence in prophetic literature often signifies hope, restoration, and the fulfillment of God's promises. The cypress, with its towering presence and lasting wood, reflects the steadfastness and reliability of God's word and His covenant with His people.
Strong's Hebrew
1265. berosh -- cypress or fir... Word Origin of uncertain derivation Definition cypress or fir NASB Word Usage cypress
(11),
cypress trees (1), cypresses (3), fir (1), fir trees (2), juniper (2
...Library
Introduction to the Homilies on S. Ignatius and S. Babylas.
... It contained everything which could gratify and charm the senses; the deep impenetrable
shade ofcypress trees, the delicious noise and coolness of...
How Vespasian Upon Hearing of Some Commotions in Gall, Made Haste...
... This country withal produces honey from bees; it also bears that balsam which is
the most precious of all the fruits in that place,cypress trees also, and...
Jesus and Thomas.
... Thomas represents a class of good people who are found in every community. They
see only the sad side of life. No stars shine through theircypress-trees....
The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria
History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 7. <....
Thesaurus
Cypress-trees (6 Occurrences)Cypress-
trees. Cypress-tree,
Cypress-
trees. Cypress-wood .
Multi-Version Concordance
Cypress-
trees (6 Occurrences).
...Wood-cutters (3 Occurrences)
... 2 Chronicles 2:8 And send me cedar-trees,cypress-trees and sandal-wood from Lebanon,
for, to my knowledge, your servants are expert wood-cutters in Lebanon...
Forests (12 Occurrences)
... up to the height of the mountains, to the innermost parts of Lebanon; and I have
cut down the tall cedars thereof, and the choicecypress-trees thereof; and I...
Tallest (2 Occurrences)
... up to the height of the mountains, to the innermost parts of Lebanon; and I have
cut down the tall cedars thereof, and the choicecypress-trees thereof; and I...
Experienced (23 Occurrences)
... 2 Chronicles 2:8 Send me also cedar-trees,cypress-trees, and sandal-wood trees,
out of Lebanon; for I know that thy servants are experienced in cutting timber...
Cedar-trees (11 Occurrences)
... house. (ASV BBE JPS WBS YLT). 1 Kings 5:10 So Hiram gave Solomon cedar-trees
andcypress-trees according to all his desire. (DBY YLT)....
Cypress-tree (2 Occurrences)
Cypress-tree. Cypresses, Cypress-tree.Cypress-trees . Multi-Version Concordance...
(See JPS). Cypresses, Cypress-tree.Cypress-trees . Reference Bible.
Cypress (17 Occurrences)
... 2 Chronicles 2:8 And send me cedar-trees,cypress-trees and sandal-wood from Lebanon,
for, to my knowledge, your servants are expert wood-cutters in Lebanon...
Cypress-wood (6 Occurrences)
Cypress-wood.Cypress-trees, Cypress-wood. Cyprian . Multi-Version Concordance...
(BBE DBY JPS).Cypress-trees, Cypress-wood. Cyprian . Reference Bible.
Countryside (19 Occurrences)
... NIV). Song of Songs 7:11 Come, my loved one, let us go out into the field;
let us take rest among thecypress-trees. (See NIV). Jeremiah...
Resources
What is gopher wood? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the significance of Cyprus in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the significance of the land of Gilead in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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