The citron (Citrus medica) is a fruit-bearing shrub or small tree in the Rutaceae family, known for its fragrant and thick rind. While the citron is not explicitly mentioned in the Bible, it holds significance in Jewish tradition and ancient Near Eastern culture, which provides context for its potential symbolic and practical uses during biblical times.

Historical and Cultural Context

The citron is believed to have originated in the regions of India and Persia, eventually making its way to the Mediterranean basin. By the time of the Second Temple period, the citron had become an integral part of Jewish religious practices, particularly during the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot). The fruit is traditionally identified with the "fruit of splendid trees" mentioned in Leviticus 23:40 : "On the first day you are to take the branches of splendid trees—palm branches, boughs of leafy trees, and willows of the brook—and rejoice before the LORD your God for seven days."

Religious Significance

In Jewish tradition, the citron, known as the "etrog," is one of the four species (arba minim) used during Sukkot. The etrog is held alongside the lulav (palm branch), hadas (myrtle), and aravah (willow) in a ritual that symbolizes unity and joy in the presence of God. The etrog's unique characteristics, such as its fragrance and beauty, are seen as representing the heart and the importance of purity and devotion in worship.

Symbolism and Interpretation

While the citron itself is not directly mentioned in the Bible, its association with the "fruit of splendid trees" has led to various interpretations and symbolic meanings. The fruit's thick rind and aromatic properties are often seen as symbols of resilience and the enduring nature of faith. The citron's role in Sukkot emphasizes themes of gratitude, divine provision, and the celebration of God's creation.

Botanical Characteristics

The citron tree is a small, evergreen tree that can grow up to 15 feet tall. It has large, leathery leaves and produces fragrant white flowers. The fruit itself is large, with a thick, bumpy rind and a small amount of pulp. Unlike other citrus fruits, the citron is not typically consumed for its juice but is valued for its aromatic peel, which can be used in cooking and perfumery.

Conclusion

While the citron is not explicitly mentioned in the biblical text, its historical and cultural significance during the Second Temple period and its continued use in Jewish religious practices highlight its importance. The citron serves as a symbol of beauty, purity, and devotion, reflecting broader biblical themes of worship and celebration.Citron

[APPLE TREE, APPLE TREE]

1. (n.) A fruit resembling a lemon, but larger, and pleasantly aromatic. The thick rind, when candied, is the citron of commerce.

2. (n.) A citron tree.

3. (n.) A citron melon.

CITRON

sit'-run.

See APPLE.

2367. thuinos -- thyine, citron
... thyine, citron. Part of Speech: Adjective Transliteration: thuinos Phonetic Spelling:
(thoo'-ee-nos) Short Definition: of the citron tree Definition: of the ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2367.htm - 6k

How Each one Ought to Prepare Himself for the Future Resurrection.
... and ye shall rejoice before the Lord your God." [2765] The Jews, uncircumcised in
heart, think that the most beautiful fruit of wood is the citron wood, on ...
/.../chapter iii how each one ought.htm

Fruits of Recognized Union
... He sees in her the beauties and the fruitfulness of the tall and upright palm, of
the graceful and clinging vine, of the fragrant and evergreen citron. ...
/.../taylor/union and communion/section v fruits of recognized.htm

Unrestrained Communion
... Before she knew Him, He knew her; and of this He reminds her in the words:". I raised
thee up under the citron-tree; There thy mother brought thee forth. ...
/.../taylor/union and communion/section vi unrestrained communion.htm

In the Last, the Great Day of the Feast'
... Ber. R.15, the fruit of the forbidden tree), a species of citron. [3991]
This Ethrog each worshipper carries in his left hand. It ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter vii in the last.htm

Concerning the Festivals; and How Each Day of Such Festival is to ...
... offerings, that we should then carry in our hands a branch of myrtle, and willow,
and a bough of the palm-tree, with the addition of the pome citron: That the ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 10 concerning the festivals.htm

I an African Free-Town Subject to Rome
... of Sahara. The marbles of Simitthu, the citron-wood of which they made precious
tables, were doubtless handled there. The neighbouring ...
/.../bertrand/saint augustin/i an african free-town subject.htm

Virtues of the Mantle. It Pleads in Its Own Defence.
... I apply the cauterizing iron to the ambition which led M. Tullius to buy a circular
table of citron-wood for more than ?�4000, [69] and Asinius Gallus to pay ...
/.../tertullian/on the pallium/chapter v virtues of the mantle.htm

The Unsatisfied Life and Its Remedy
... As the apple tree (the citron) among the trees of the wood,. ... The citron is a beautiful
evergreen, affording delightful shade as well as refreshing fruit. ...
/.../taylor/union and communion/section i the unsatisfied life.htm

Athanasius' Account of the Deeds of violence Committed at ...
... of the Nile, seven days' journey from Thebes, contains several small streams, and
abounds in vegetation, including palm-trees, orange and citron groves, olive ...
/.../chapter xxviii athanasius account of the.htm

Under his Shadow.
... One tree specially charms her: the citron with its golden fruit wins her admiration,
and she sits under its shadow with great delight; such was her Beloved to ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/till he come/under his shadow.htm

Citron (2 Occurrences)
... The thick rind, when candied, is the citron of commerce. 2. (n.) A citron tree.
3. (n.) A citron melon. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. CITRON. sit'-run. ...
/c/citron.htm - 7k

Citron-tree (1 Occurrence)
Citron-tree. Citrons, Citron-tree. City . Multi-Version Concordance
Citron-tree (1 Occurrence). Song of Songs 8:5 Who ...
/c/citron-tree.htm - 6k

Goodly (46 Occurrences)
... 23:40). In the Talmud (Cukkdh 35a) this is explained to be the citron
(Citrus medica) known in Hebrew as 'ethrogh. This tradition ...
/g/goodly.htm - 25k

Trees (179 Occurrences)
... 23:40). In the Talmud (Cukkdh 35a) this is explained to be the citron
(Citrus medica) known in Hebrew as 'ethrogh. This tradition ...
/t/trees.htm - 45k

Citizenship (4 Occurrences)

/c/citizenship.htm - 16k

Waked (13 Occurrences)
... beloved? Under the citron-tree I have waked thee, There did thy mother pledge
thee, There she gave a pledge 'that' bare thee. (YLT). ...
/w/waked.htm - 10k

Tabernacles (43 Occurrences)
... city. Roofs and courtyards, streets and squares, roads and gardens, were
green with boughs of citron and myrtle, palm and willow. ...
/t/tabernacles.htm - 21k

Thyine
... Mentioned only in Revelation 18:12 among the articles which would cease to be purchased
when Babylon fell. It was called citrus, citron wood, by the Romans. ...
/t/thyine.htm - 7k

Mandrakes (4 Occurrences)
... word dudaim. It has been rendered "violets," "Lilies," "jasmines," "truffles
or mushrooms," "flowers," the "citron," etc. The weight ...
/m/mandrakes.htm - 9k

Melon (1 Occurrence)
... 1. (n.) The juicy fruit of certain cucurbitaceous plants, as the muskmelon, watermelon,
and citron melon; also, the plant that produces the fruit. ...
/m/melon.htm - 7k

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