Thyine wood, also known as "thyine" or "citron wood," is mentioned in the Bible in the context of luxury and trade. The term "thyine" is derived from the Greek word "thuinos," which refers to a type of fragrant wood highly valued in ancient times for its beauty and aromatic properties. This wood is noted for its fine grain and rich, lustrous appearance, making it a sought-after material for crafting high-quality furniture and decorative items.

Biblical Reference:

Thyine wood is specifically mentioned in the Book of Revelation, where it is listed among the luxurious goods traded by the merchants of the earth. In Revelation 18:12, the fall of Babylon is lamented, and the passage enumerates the various commodities that were part of its opulent trade: "cargo of gold, silver, precious stones, and pearls; fine linen, purple, silk, and scarlet; all kinds of citron wood and every article of ivory; every article of most precious wood, bronze, iron, and marble" . Here, "citron wood" is understood to refer to thyine wood, highlighting its status as a symbol of wealth and extravagance.

Historical and Cultural Context:

In the ancient world, thyine wood was prized not only for its aesthetic qualities but also for its aromatic scent, which was believed to have purifying properties. It was often used in the construction of temples, palaces, and other significant structures, as well as in the making of fine furniture and inlays. The wood's association with luxury and opulence made it a fitting symbol in the apocalyptic imagery of Revelation, where the excesses of Babylon are contrasted with the impending divine judgment.

The use of thyine wood in the ancient Mediterranean region is well-documented, with historical sources indicating its import from North Africa, particularly from the region of modern-day Tunisia. The wood was often transported across the Mediterranean Sea to various centers of trade and commerce, where it was highly sought after by the wealthy and powerful.

Symbolism and Theological Significance:

In the biblical narrative, the mention of thyine wood serves as a metaphor for the transient nature of earthly wealth and the futility of placing trust in material possessions. The luxurious goods listed in Revelation 18, including thyine wood, are emblematic of the pride and excess that characterize Babylon, a city often interpreted as a symbol of worldly corruption and opposition to God's kingdom.

The destruction of Babylon and the lament over its fall serve as a warning to believers about the dangers of materialism and the ultimate judgment that awaits those who prioritize earthly riches over spiritual fidelity. Thyine wood, as part of this imagery, underscores the theme of divine retribution against those who indulge in the excesses of the world at the expense of their spiritual well-being.

In summary, thyine wood in the Bible represents both the allure and the impermanence of worldly wealth, serving as a reminder of the need for spiritual discernment and the pursuit of eternal values over temporal gains.Thyine wood

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. It was the Callitris quadrivalvis of botanists, of the cone-bearing order of trees, and of the cypress tribe of this order. The name of this wood is derived from the Greek word thuein, "to sacrifice," and it was so called because it was burnt in sacrifices, on account of its fragrance. The wood of this tree was reckoned very valuable, and was used for making articles of furniture by the Greeks and Romans. Like the cedars of Lebanon, it is disappearing from the forests of Palestine.

THYINE, WOOD

thi'-in (xulon thuinon): An aromatic wood described as sold in "Babylon" (Revelation 18:12, the King James Version margin "sweet wood"). It is the wood of the thya (thuia) tree, probably identical with Thuia articulata an evergreen tree growing in North Africa, resembling the cypress, which in Roman times was employed for making valuable furniture.

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

On Costly Vessels.
... these, vessels of silver and gold, some for serving food, and others for other uses
which I am ashamed to name, of easily cleft cedar and thyine wood, and ebony ...
/.../clement/the instructor paedagogus/chapter iii on costly vessels.htm

Guests at an Imperial Banquet
... The tables were of thyine and other precious woods, and were laden with crystal
and myrrhine vases which had once been carried in Roman triumphs, and were now ...
/.../chapter xix guests at an.htm

Treatise on Christ and Antichrist.
... The merchandise of gold, and silver, and precious stones, and of pearls, and fine
linen, and purple, and silk, and scarlet, and all thyine wood, and all manner ...
/.../treatise on christ and antichrist.htm

The Sixth vision "On Earth"
Commentary on Revelation. <. ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the sixth vision on earth.htm

Thyine
... Easton's Bible Dictionary Thyine wood. Mentioned only in Revelation ... of Palestine.
Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. THYINE, WOOD. thi'-in ...
/t/thyine.htm - 7k

Lading (7 Occurrences)
... Revelation 18:12 lading of gold, and silver, and precious stones, and pearl, and
fine linen, and purple, and silk, and scarlet dye, and all thyine wood, and ...
/l/lading.htm - 10k

Wood (226 Occurrences)
... features. The trees yield a valuable, hard, close-grained timber, not readily
attacked by insects. EWG Masterman. THYINE, WOOD. thi ...
/w/wood.htm - 42k

Thyne (1 Occurrence)

/t/thyne.htm - 6k

Thyati'ra (3 Occurrences)
Thyati'ra. Thyatira, Thyati'ra. Thyine . Multi-Version Concordance Thyati'ra
(3 Occurrences). ... Thyatira, Thyati'ra. Thyine . Reference Bible.
/t/thyati'ra.htm - 7k

Article (17 Occurrences)
... Revelation 18:12 lading of gold, and silver, and precious stones, and pearl, and
fine linen, and purple, and silk, and scarlet dye, and all thyine wood, and ...
/a/article.htm - 13k

Vessels (210 Occurrences)
... 18:12 The merchandise of gold, and silver, and precious stones, and of pearls, and
fine linen, and purple, and silk, and scarlet, and all thyine wood, and all ...
/v/vessels.htm - 40k

Dye (1 Occurrence)
... Revelation 18:12 lading of gold, and silver, and precious stones, and pearl, and
fine linen, and purple, and silk, and scarlet dye, and all thyine wood, and ...
/d/dye.htm - 15k

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