### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun δένδρον (dendron, `{{G1186}}`) refers fundamentally to a "tree," a woody perennial plant. Its semantic range is quite straightforward, denoting the living botanical entity. The etymological note "probably from (an oak)" suggests an underlying sense of strength, longevity, and rootedness, though this is not explicitly present in every New Testament usage. It is used to describe individual trees, groups of trees, or the general concept of arboreal vegetation. Unlike ξύλον `{{G3586}}`, which can refer to wood, timber, or a cut piece of wood (and by extension, the cross), δένδρον consistently emphasizes the living plant, often with its roots and branches intact, bearing fruit or providing shade.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term δένδρον appears frequently in the Gospels and Revelation, often in highly significant metaphorical or symbolic contexts:
* **Parables of Fruitfulness and Judgment:** A prominent use is found in the teachings of Jesus and John the Baptist, where trees are metaphors for individuals or groups and their spiritual fruit. "Every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit" ([[Matthew 7:17]], also [[Matthew 7:18-19]], [[Luke 6:43-44]]). This imagery underscores the principle that inner character is revealed by outward actions. John the Baptist's warning, "Even now the axe is laid to the root of the trees. Every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire" ([[Matthew 3:10]], [[Luke 3:9]]), powerfully conveys the imminence of divine judgment for those who do not repent and produce the fruit of righteousness.
* **Growth of the Kingdom:** In the parable of the mustard seed, the smallest of seeds grows into a large "tree" (or shrub, though δένδρον is used), providing shelter for birds ([[Matthew 13:32]], [[Mark 4:32]], [[Luke 13:19]]). Here, δένδρον symbolizes the expansive and inclusive nature of the Kingdom of God, growing from humble beginnings to encompass many.
* **Literal References:** δένδρον also appears in literal contexts, such as Zacchaeus climbing a sycamore-fig tree to see Jesus ([[Luke 19:4]]).
* **Eschatological Significance:** In the book of Revelation, δένδρον takes on profound eschatological meaning as the "tree of life" ([[Revelation 2:7]], [[Revelation 22:2]], [[Revelation 22:14]], [[Revelation 22:19]]). This imagery harks back to the Garden of Eden ([[Genesis 2:9]]) and signifies restored access to eternal life and divine provision in the New Jerusalem. The tree of life in Revelation bears twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit each month, and its leaves are for the healing of the nations, symbolizing perpetual sustenance and restoration for the redeemed.
### Related Words & Concepts
* ξύλον `{{G3586}}`: While also meaning "tree," ξύλον often refers to wood as a material, a piece of timber, or a structure made of wood, such as the cross or a gallows. In contrast, δένδρον consistently denotes the living plant. The distinction is crucial for understanding specific biblical texts (e.g., ξύλον is used for the cross in [[Acts 5:30]], [[Galatians 3:13]]).
* καρπός `{{G2590}}`: "Fruit," a term inextricably linked to δένδρον in the New Testament, especially in parables about spiritual productivity and character.
* ῥίζα `{{G4491}}`: "Root," often mentioned in conjunction with trees in contexts of judgment or origin (e.g., "axe laid to the root of the trees").
* φυτεύω `{{G5452}}`: "To plant," the action associated with establishing a tree.
* ἄμπελος `{{G288}}`: "Vine," another significant plant metaphor used by Jesus, particularly in John's Gospel to describe the relationship between Christ and believers ([[John 15:1-8]]).
* Hebrew עֵץ `{{H6086}}`: This is the primary Old Testament equivalent, meaning "tree" or "wood," and is used for the "tree of life" and "tree of the knowledge of good and evil" in Genesis. The Septuagint (LXX) consistently translates עֵץ as δένδρον.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of δένδρον is rich and multifaceted:
* **Moral and Spiritual Assessment:** The "tree and its fruit" metaphor is a foundational teaching on spiritual discernment. It emphasizes that true faith and genuine discipleship are evidenced by righteous living and spiritual fruit, not merely by profession or outward appearance. It serves as a call to introspection and a warning against hypocrisy.
* **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment:** The imagery of the axe at the root of the tree powerfully conveys God's impending judgment on unfruitfulness and unrepentance. It highlights the divine prerogative to prune, cut down, and ultimately judge those who do not bear the fruit of righteousness.
* **Kingdom Dynamics:** The mustard tree parable illustrates the organic, often imperceptible, yet ultimately vast and encompassing growth of God's Kingdom. It speaks to the power of humble beginnings and the divine capacity to bring forth great things from small origins.
* **Redemption and Restoration:** The "tree of life" in Revelation is a profound symbol of God's redemptive plan. It signifies the restoration of humanity's access to eternal life and intimate fellowship with God, a privilege lost in the Fall. Its perpetual fruit and healing leaves point to the unending provision and complete well-being found in the new heavens and new earth.
* **Creation's Witness:** Though not the primary focus in the New Testament, the very existence of δένδρον speaks to God's creative power and the natural order He established, providing sustenance and beauty.
### Summary
The Greek word δένδρον (dendron, `{{G1186}}`) denotes a "tree," a living woody plant. Its usage in the New Testament extends beyond literal description to serve as a powerful and pervasive metaphor. Most notably, it symbolizes human character and actions, where a "good tree" produces "good fruit" and a "bad tree" produces "bad fruit," underscoring the necessity of genuine righteousness. It is a vivid image for divine judgment, where unfruitful trees face being cut down. Furthermore, δένδρον illustrates the expansive growth of the Kingdom of God from humble beginnings. Finally, in Revelation, the "tree of life" represents the ultimate eschatological hope: restored access to eternal life and divine provision in the new creation. Through these varied uses, δένδρον conveys profound spiritual truths about discernment, divine justice, kingdom dynamics, and ultimate redemption.
TRV