Topical Encyclopedia
The plane-tree, known scientifically as
Platanus, is a deciduous tree recognized for its broad leaves and distinctive mottled bark. In biblical times, the plane-tree was valued for its shade and aesthetic appeal, often found in lush, fertile areas. The tree is mentioned in the context of the natural beauty and abundance of the land.
Biblical References:
The plane-tree is specifically mentioned in the Apocryphal book of Ecclesiasticus (Sirach) 24:14, where wisdom is poetically compared to various trees, including the plane-tree: "I was exalted like a palm tree in En-gedi, and like a rose plant in Jericho, like a fair olive tree in a pleasant field, and grew up as a plane tree by the water." This passage highlights the plane-tree's association with growth and prosperity, symbolizing the flourishing nature of divine wisdom.
Cultural and Historical Context:
In the ancient Near East, the plane-tree was appreciated for its cooling shade, making it a popular choice for planting near water sources and in gardens. Its presence in biblical literature underscores the tree's role in the everyday life of the people, providing a place of rest and reflection. The plane-tree's broad canopy and resilience made it a symbol of strength and endurance.
Symbolism:
The plane-tree's mention in biblical texts, though limited, carries symbolic weight. It represents beauty, fertility, and the nurturing aspects of creation. In the context of wisdom literature, the plane-tree serves as a metaphor for the growth and spread of wisdom, much like its expansive branches and leaves.
Theological Significance:
From a theological perspective, the plane-tree can be seen as a representation of God's provision and the beauty of His creation. Its ability to thrive by water sources is reminiscent of the biblical theme of spiritual nourishment and growth found in proximity to the divine. The tree's enduring nature reflects the steadfastness of God's wisdom and presence in the lives of believers.
Conclusion:
While the plane-tree is not a central figure in biblical narratives, its inclusion in wisdom literature and its cultural significance in the ancient world provide a rich tapestry of meaning. It serves as a reminder of the beauty and provision found in God's creation, as well as the enduring nature of divine wisdom.Strong's Hebrew
6196. armon --plane tree
... 6195, 6196. armon. 6197 .plane tree. Transliteration: armon Phonetic
Spelling: (ar-mone') Short Definition: trees. Word Origin...
Library
Colossians ii. 16-19
... have said from the legends of the Greeks)"it is reported amongst them of a certain
king, that he became so insolent in luxury, as to make aplane tree of gold...
Elegance and Grace
... grapes? Shall I esteem a barrenplanetree and shorn myrtles beyond the fruitful
olive and the elm courting the embraces of the vine?...
Profane Authors had no Means of Knowing the Truth.
... to maintain that there is no providence; or Empedocles to teach atheism; or Socrates
to swear by the dog, and the goose, and theplane-tree, and ??sculapius...
Ep. vi.
... slighter matters, O for the daily courses and experiences; O for the gatherings
of wood, and the cutting of stone; O for the goldenplane-tree, more precious...
Simon's Disciples Adopt the Mysteries; Simon Meets St. Peter at...
... opposition. This man, ultimately repairing to...(and) sitting under aplane
tree, continued to give instruction (in his doctrines)....
Preparations for the Invasion of Greece.
... gold."Xerxes's gratitude put to the test."He murders Pythius's son."Various objects
of interest observed by the army."Theplane-tree."Artificial honey...
The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
... Its mountains were in those days clothed with dense forests, in which the pine,
the oak, and the poplar grew side by side with the easternplane tree, the cedar...
Chapter xxx
... white surface after peeling"the white "poplar" as the name libhneh ("white") indicates,
the l?�z, or "almond" and the 'erm??n, or "plane tree," whose bark...
Ancient Chaldaea
... Fruit trees were everywhere mingled with ornamental trees"the fig, apple, almond,
walnut, apricot, pistachio, vine, with theplane tree, cypress, tamarisk...
Homilies on Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians.
Homilies on Gal, Eph, Phi, Col, Thess, Tim, Titus, and Philemon. <....
Thesaurus
Plane-tree (3 Occurrences)Plane-
tree. Planes,
Plane-
tree. Plane-trees . Multi-Version
Concordance
Plane-
tree (3 Occurrences). Genesis 30:37 And
...Plane (5 Occurrences)
... Easton's Bible DictionaryPlanetree.... 31:8), rendered "chesnut" in the Authorized
Version, but correctly "planetree" in the Revised Version and the LXX....
Sycamore (9 Occurrences)
... so also probably Jeremiah (24:2). It is to be distinguished from our sycamore (the
Acer pseudo-platanus), which is a species of maple often called aplane-tree...
Almond (7 Occurrences)
... of Almond: A rod of almond is referred to Genesis 30:37, where "Jacob took him rods
of fresh poplar, and of the almond (luz) and of theplane-tree; and peeled...
Chestnut (2 Occurrences)
... 31:8; RV, "plane trees"). It is probably the Orientalplanetree (Platanus orientalis)
that is intended.... ches'-nut. SeePLANETREE. Multi-Version Concordance...
Inner (141 Occurrences)
... Genesis 30:37 Jacob took to himself rods of fresh poplar, almond,planetree, peeled
white streaks in them, and made the white appear which was in the rods....
Fresh (41 Occurrences)
... Genesis 30:37 Jacob took to himself rods of fresh poplar, almond,planetree, peeled
white streaks in them, and made the white appear which was in the rods....
Fresh-cut (1 Occurrence)
... Genesis 30:37 And Jacob took him rods of fresh poplar, and of the almond and of
theplane-tree; and peeled white streaks in them, making the white appear which...
Tola (5 Occurrences)
... CHESTNUT, TREE. ches'-nut. SeePLANETREE. LIFE, TREE OF. See TREE OF LIFE. TREE.
tre. See BOTANY. Multi-Version Concordance Tola (5 Occurrences)....
Rods (76 Occurrences)
... Genesis 30:37 Jacob took to himself rods of fresh poplar, almond,planetree, peeled
white streaks in them, and made the white appear which was in the rods....
Resources
Should we have a Christmas tree? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are the cosmological arguments for the existence of God? | GotQuestions.orgWhy did Jesus curse the fig tree? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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