Topical Encyclopedia
The term "fir" in the Bible refers to a type of tree that is often associated with strength, beauty, and utility. The Hebrew word most commonly translated as "fir" is "berosh," though the exact species it refers to is a matter of some debate among scholars. It is generally believed to refer to a coniferous tree, possibly the cypress or a type of cedar, rather than the modern fir tree as we know it today.
Biblical References and Symbolism1.
Construction and Craftsmanship: Fir trees are frequently mentioned in the context of construction and craftsmanship. In the building of Solomon's Temple, fir wood was used alongside cedar and other materials.
1 Kings 5:10 states, "So Hiram provided Solomon with all the cedar and cypress timber he wanted." Here, "cypress" is often understood to be the same as "fir" in other translations. The use of fir wood in such a significant project underscores its value and durability.
2.
Trade and Economy: Fir trees were also significant in trade, particularly in the context of Tyre, a major ancient trading hub.
Ezekiel 27:5 describes the construction of Tyre's ships: "They made all your planks of fir trees from Senir; they took a cedar from Lebanon to make a mast for you." This passage highlights the economic importance of fir wood, prized for its quality and strength, essential for shipbuilding.
3.
Symbol of Beauty and Majesty: The fir tree is often used metaphorically to convey beauty and majesty.
Isaiah 60:13 states, "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." Here, the fir (cypress) is part of the imagery of splendor and divine blessing, contributing to the adornment of sacred spaces.
4.
Restoration and Blessing: In prophetic literature, fir trees are sometimes used to symbolize restoration and blessing.
Isaiah 41:19 says, "I will plant in the wilderness the cedar, the acacia, the myrtle, and the olive; I will set in the desert the cypress, the plane tree, and the pine." The planting of fir trees in desolate places signifies transformation and the renewal of God's creation.
5.
Contrast with Judgment: The fir tree is also used in contrast to judgment and desolation. In
Isaiah 14:8 , the fir trees rejoice at the downfall of the oppressor: "Even the cypresses and cedars of Lebanon exult over you: ‘Since you have been laid low, no woodcutter comes against us.’" This passage illustrates the relief and restoration that follows divine judgment.
Cultural and Historical ContextIn the ancient Near East, fir trees were highly valued for their timber, which was used in construction, shipbuilding, and various crafts. The regions of Lebanon and surrounding areas were known for their abundant forests, which supplied wood for many significant building projects, including those in Israel and neighboring nations. The fir's association with Lebanon, a region renowned for its majestic trees, further emphasizes its importance and desirability.
Theological ImplicationsThe use of fir trees in the Bible often carries theological implications, symbolizing strength, beauty, and divine provision. Their presence in prophetic visions of restoration and blessing reflects God's promise to renew and beautify His creation. The fir tree's enduring qualities serve as a metaphor for the steadfastness and reliability of God's word and promises.
Smith's Bible Dictionary
Fir(Isaiah 14:8;Ezekiel 27:5) etc. As the term "cedar" is in all probability applicable to more than one tree, so also "fir" in the Authorized Version represents probably one or other of the following trees:
- Pinus sylvestris , or Scotch fir;
- Larch;
- Cupressus sempervirens , or cypress, all which are at this day found in the Lebanon. The wood of the fir was used for ship-building, (Ezekiel 27:5) for musical instruments, (2 Samuel 6:5) for beams and rafters of houses, (1 Kings 5:8,10;2 Chronicles 2:8) It was a tall evergreen tree of vigorous growth.
ATS Bible Dictionary
FirAn evergreen tree, of beautiful appearance, whose lofty height and dense foliage afford a spacious shelter and shade. The Hebrew word often seems to mean theCYPRESS, which see. It was used for shipbuilding,Ezekiel 27:5; for musical instruments,2 Samuel 6:5; for beams and rafters of houses,1 Kings 5:8,10 9:11 So 1:17.
Easton's Bible Dictionary
The uniform rendering in the Authorized Version (marg. R.V., "cypress") of berosh (
2 Samuel 6:5;
1 Kings 5:8, 10;
6:15, 34;
9:11, etc.), a lofty tree (
Isaiah 55:13) growing on Lebanon (
37:24). Its wood was used in making musical instruments and doors of houses, and for ceilings (
2 Chronicles 3:5), the decks of ships (
Ezek. 27:5), floorings and spear-shafts (
Nahum 2:3, R.V.). The true fir (abies) is not found in Palestine, but the pine tree, of which there are four species, is common.
The precise kind of tree meant by the "green fir tree" (Hosea 14:8) is uncertain. Some regard it as the sherbin tree, a cypress resembling the cedar; others, the Aleppo or maritime pine (Pinus halepensis), which resembles the Scotch fir; while others think that the "stone-pine" (Pinus pinea) is probably meant. (seePINE.)
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
n.) A genus (Abies) of coniferous trees, often of large size and elegant shape, some of them valued for their timber and others for their resin. The species are distinguished as the balsam fir, the silver fir, the red fir, etc. The Scotch fir is a Pinus.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
FIR; FIR-TREEfur, (the Revised Version, margin "cypress"; berosh,2 Samuel 6:51 Kings 5:8, 10, etc.; (berothem (plural only), an Aramaic form,Songs 1:17):
1. Old Testament References:
This tree was one of the chief trees of Lebanon (Isaiah 60:13); one of usefulness (Isaiah 41:19;Isaiah 55:13); associated with the cedar (2 Kings 19:23Psalm 104:17Isaiah 14:8Zechariah 11:2); its boughs were wide and great (Ezekiel 31:8); it was evergreen (Hosea 14:8); it could supply boards and timber for doors (1 Kings 6:15, 24); beams for roofing the temple (2 Chronicles 3:5); planks for shipbuilding (Ezekiel 27:5). In2 Samuel 6:5 we read: "David and all the house of Israel played before Yahweh with all manner of instruments made of fir-wood," etc. It is practically certain that the reading in the parallel passage in1 Chronicles 13:8 is more correct: "David and all Israel played before God with all their might, even with songs," etc. This view is supported by the Septuagint translation (en pase dunamei). There is therefore no necessity to suppose that berosh was a wood used for musical instruments.
2. The Identity of "Berosh":
The identity of berosh is uncertain. It was a name applied either to several of the Coniferae in common or to one or more outstanding species. If the latter is the case we can only seek for the most suited to Old Testament requirements. The Aleppo pine, Pinus Halepensis, is a fine tree which flourishes in the Lebanon, but its wood is not of special excellence and durability. A better tree (or couple of trees) is the sherbin of the Syrians; this name includes two distinct varieties in the suborder Cypressineae, the fine tall juniper, Juniperis excelsa and the cypress, Cypressus sempervirens. They both still occur in considerable numbers in the Lebanon and Anti-Lebanon; they are magnificent trees and produce excellent wood-resinous, fragrant, durable. If these trees were not classed locally, as now, under one name, then the cypress is of the two more probably the berosh. The coffins of Egyptian mummies were made of cypress; a compact variety of this cypress is cultivated all over the Turkish empire by the Moslems as an ornament in cemeteries. From early times the cypress has been connected with mourning.
In the Apocrypha there are two definite references to the cypress (kuparissos). In APC Sirach 24:13, Wisdom says:
"I was exalted like a cedar in Libanus,
And as a cypress tree on the mountains of Hermon."
And in Sirach 50:10 the high priest Simon is said to be
"As an olive tree budding forth fruits,
And as a cypress growing high among the clouds."
These passages, especially the former, certainly favor the idea that berosh was the cypress; the name may, however, have included allied trees.
E. W. G. Masterman
Strong's Hebrew
1265. berosh -- cypress orfir... 1264, 1265. berosh. 1266 . cypress or
fir. Transliteration: berosh Phonetic
Spelling: (ber-osh') Short Definition: cypress. Word
...766. oren --fir, cedar
... 765, 766. oren. 767 .fir, cedar. Transliteration: oren Phonetic Spelling:
(o'-ren) Short Definition:fir. Word Origin from the...
1266. beroth -- cypress orfir
... 1265, 1266. beroth. 1267 . cypress orfir. Transliteration: beroth Phonetic
Spelling: (ber-oth') Short Definition: cypresses....fir....
767. Oren -- "fir tree," a descendant of Judah
... 766, 767. Oren. 768 . "fir tree," a descendant of Judah. Transliteration:
Oren Phonetic Spelling: (o'-ren) Short Definition: Oren....
Library
December 14. "Instead of the Thorn Shall Come up theFir Tree"...
... DECEMBER 14. "Instead of the thorn shall come up thefir tree" (Isa. lv. 13).
"Instead of the thorn shall come up thefir tree" (Isaiah 55:13)....
Where to Find Fruit
... The Lord has compared himself, in his condescending mercy, to a green
fir tree in the sentence which precedes the text. Thefir...
Death and Life from the Ark
... ark of God: and Ahio went before the ark.5. And David and all the house of Israel
played before the Lord on all manner of instruments made offir wood, even on...
Assurance of Salvation.
... Mr. Spurgeon says: "I never heard of a stork that when it met with afir tree demurred
as to its right to build its nest there; and I never heard of a coney...
What have I to do with Idols?
... I have heard Him, and observed Him; I am like a greenfir tree. From me is thy
fruit found" (xiv:8).... Thus Ephraim became like a greenfir tree....
The First Trumpet.
... the great and rich, who for oaks of Basan (Isaiah 11:13.) substitutes the princes
of provinces; for cedars, (Isaiah 14:8.) rich men; forfir-trees, sometimes...
Great Preparations for a Great Work
... saying, I have considered the things which thou sentest to me for: and I will do
all thy desire concerning timber of cedar, and concerning timber offir.9. My...
The Gentle Boy
... It was like the wailing of some one in distress, and it seemed to proceed from beneath
a tall and lonelyfir-tree, in the centre of a cleared, but uninclosed...
Lessons from Nature
... CH SPURGEON,. At the Metropolitan Tabernacle, Newington. "Where the birds make
their nests: as for the stork, thefir trees are her house....
Israel Returning
... I have heard Him, and observed Him: I am like a greenfir-tree. From me is thy fruit
found.9. Who is wise, and He shall understand these things?...
Thesaurus
Fir (22 Occurrences)... The true
fir (abies) is not found in Palestine, but the pine tree, of
which there are four species, is common. The precise kind
...Fir-trees (11 Occurrences)
Fir-trees.Fir-tree,Fir-trees.Fir-wood . Multi-Version Concordance
Fir-trees (11 Occurrences). 1 Kings 5:10 And Hiram is giving...
Fir-tree (5 Occurrences)
Fir-tree. Firtree,Fir-tree.Fir-trees . Int. Standard Bible
EncyclopediaFIR;FIR-TREE. fur, (the Revised Version, margin...
Fir-wood (4 Occurrences)
Fir-wood.Fir-trees,Fir-wood. Fish . Multi-Version Concordance
Fir-wood (4 Occurrences). 2 Samuel 6:5 And David and...
Fir-pine (1 Occurrence)
Fir-pine. Firmness,Fir-pine. Firs . Multi-Version Concordance
Fir-pine (1 Occurrence). Isaiah 41:19 I give in a wilderness...
Pine (28 Occurrences)
... Hebrews tidhar, mentioned along with thefir-tree in Isaiah 41:19; 60:13.... In Nehemiah
8:15 the Revised Version has "wild olive" instead of "pine." (seeFIR.)....
Ash (4 Occurrences)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary (Hebrews o'ren, "tremulous"), mentioned only Isaiah
44:14 (RV, "fir tree"). It is rendered "pine tree" both in the LXX....
Firtree
... Int. Standard Bible EncyclopediaFIR;FIR-TREE. fur, (the Revised Version,
margin "cypress"; berosh, 2 Samuel 6:5 1 Kings 5:8, 10...
Cedars (37 Occurrences)
... chariots, I have come up to the height of the mountains, to the innermost parts
of Lebanon; and I will cut down its tall cedars, and its choicefir trees; and...
Plane (5 Occurrences)
... plan'-tre ('armon; platanos (Genesis 30:37), elate ("pine" or "fir") (Ezekiel
31:8); the King James Version chestnut): `Armon is supposed to be derived from...
Resources
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