Jump to: Smith's • ATS • ISBE • Easton's • Webster's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms 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 Symbolism 1. 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 Context In 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 Implications The 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:
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 the CYPRESS, 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. (see PINE.) 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 6:5 1 Kings 5:8, 10, etc.; (berothem (plural only), an Aramaic form, Songs 1:17): Strong's Hebrew 1265. berosh -- cypress or fir... 1264, 1265. berosh. 1266 . cypress or fir. Transliteration: berosh Phonetic Spelling: (ber-osh') Short Definition: cypress. Word ... /hebrew/1265.htm - 6k 766. oren -- fir, cedar 1266. beroth -- cypress or fir 767. Oren -- "fir tree," a descendant of Judah Library December 14. "Instead of the Thorn Shall Come up the Fir Tree" ... Where to Find Fruit Death and Life from the Ark Assurance of Salvation. What have I to do with Idols? The First Trumpet. Great Preparations for a Great Work The Gentle Boy Lessons from Nature Israel Returning 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 ... /f/fir.htm - 19k Fir-trees (11 Occurrences) Fir-tree (5 Occurrences) Fir-wood (4 Occurrences) Fir-pine (1 Occurrence) Pine (28 Occurrences) Ash (4 Occurrences) Firtree Cedars (37 Occurrences) Plane (5 Occurrences) Resources What is gopher wood? | GotQuestions.orgFir: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Fir (22 Occurrences)2 Samuel 6:5 1 Kings 5:8 1 Kings 5:10 1 Kings 6:15 1 Kings 6:34 1 Kings 9:11 2 Kings 19:23 2 Chronicles 2:8 2 Chronicles 3:5 Psalms 104:17 Song of Songs 1:17 Isaiah 14:8 Isaiah 37:24 Isaiah 41:19 Isaiah 44:14 Isaiah 55:13 Isaiah 60:13 Ezekiel 27:5 Ezekiel 31:8 Hosea 14:8 Nahum 2:3 Zechariah 11:2 Subtopics Fir Tree: Instruments of Music Made of Fir Tree: Wood of, Used for Building Related Terms |