In the Bible, a plane tree (Hebrew: ar̄môn) refers to a specific type of tree, often identified as the Oriental Plane (Platanus orientalis), known for its distinctive appearance and presence in ancient Palestine.
Characteristics and Identification
The plane tree is readily found throughout Palestine, thriving in both coastal regions and northern areas. Its Hebrew name, ar̄môn, literally translates to "naked," a descriptor that aptly points to one of its most notable characteristics: it frequently sheds its outer bark. This shedding reveals a smoother, lighter-colored inner bark, giving the tree a "naked" or mottled appearance. Historically, it has sometimes been associated with or even translated as "chestnut" in older biblical texts, leading to some occasional confusion regarding its exact identity.
Feature | Description |
---|---|
Hebrew Name | ar̄môn (אַרְמוֹן), meaning "naked" |
Botanical Identity | Primarily recognized as the Oriental Plane (Platanus orientalis) |
Geographic Range | Common in Palestine, including coastal plains and northern regions |
Distinctive Trait | Known for shedding its outer bark, revealing a smoother, lighter inner layer |
Historical Relation | In some older translations, it has been interchanged with or referred to as "chestnut" |
Mentions in Scripture
While not among the most frequently mentioned trees, the plane tree appears in significant biblical contexts, highlighting its presence and sometimes its symbolic importance within the ancient landscape.
- Genesis 30:37: One of the earliest mentions occurs in the narrative of Jacob's breeding practices. Jacob strategically peeled branches of poplar, almond, and plane trees (ar̄môn) to expose white streaks, placing them in the watering troughs to influence the coloration of the livestock offspring. This passage underscores the tree's recognizable bark patterns.
- Ezekiel 31:8: In a grand description of Assyria's former glory, likened to a magnificent cedar, the prophet Ezekiel states, "The cedars in God’s garden could not rival it, nor could the plane trees compare with its branches." This verse highlights the plane tree as a prominent and beautiful specimen, though still secondary to the unparalleled cedar, suggesting its impressive stature.
- Sirach 24:14 (Apocrypha): In this book, Wisdom describes herself, stating, "I grew tall like a palm in Engedi, and like rose plants in Jericho; like a fair olive tree in the field, and like a plane tree by the water I grew tall." This verse emphasizes the plane tree's majestic height and its preference for well-watered locations.
These scriptural references collectively paint a picture of the plane tree as a noticeable, often tall and stately tree within the biblical landscape, recognized for its unique bark and natural beauty.