from another form of the base of ξέστης; timber (as fuel or material); by implication, a stick, club or tree or other wooden article or substance:--staff, stocks, tree, wood.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **xýlon**, represented by `{{G3586}}`, refers to timber, a stick, club, tree, or other wooden substance. It appears **19 times** across **17 unique verses**, demonstrating its varied use for both literal objects and profound spiritual symbols. Its meaning ranges from a simple piece of **wood** or a staff to the very **tree** of life.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{G3586}}` is used in several distinct ways. It is frequently employed to describe the cross, where Jesus was **hanged** on a **tree** to bear our sins ([[1 Peter 2:24]], [[Acts 5:30]]). In the Gospels, it denotes the **staves** or clubs carried by the multitude that came to arrest Jesus ([[Matthew 26:47]], [[Mark 14:43]]). The word is also used for materials, such as the **wood** used in building upon a foundation [[1 Corinthians 3:12]] or the valuable **thyine wood** listed as merchandise [[Revelation 18:12]]. Finally, it can refer to an instrument of punishment, as when feet were made fast in the **stocks** [[Acts 16:24]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help illuminate the contexts in which `{{G3586}}` is found:
* `{{G2222}}` **zōḗ** (life): This word is directly tied to the ultimate hope represented by `{{G3586}}`, as seen in the recurring phrase "the **tree** of **life**" found in God's **paradise** ([[Revelation 2:7]], [[Revelation 22:2]]).
* `{{G2910}}` **kremánnymi** (to hang): This verb is used to describe the act of crucifixion, explicitly stating that Christ was **hanged** on a **tree** `{{G3586}}`, which fulfilled the scripture that said "Cursed is every one that **hangeth** on a **tree**" ([[Galatians 3:13]], [[Acts 10:39]]).
* `{{G2026}}` **epoikodoméō** (to build upon): This term highlights the use of `{{G3586}}` as a construction material. It is used in the metaphor of a believer who might **build** upon the foundation with materials like gold, silver, or lesser substances like **wood** [[1 Corinthians 3:12]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G3586}}` is immense, spanning from the curse of the law to the promise of eternal life.
* **Instrument of Curse and Redemption:** The **tree** is depicted as the object of the curse, as it is **written**, "Cursed is every one that hangeth on a **tree**." However, it is through this very act that Christ **redeemed** believers from that curse [[Galatians 3:13]]. Jesus **bare** our sins in His body on the **tree** [[1 Peter 2:24]].
* **Symbol of Eternal Life:** The "tree of life" symbolizes full access to God and eternity. To those who **overcometh**, God gives the right to **eat** of the **tree of life** [[Revelation 2:7]]. Its **leaves** are for the **healing** of the **nations** [[Revelation 22:2]].
* **Metaphor for Human Works:** In a parable of spiritual construction, **wood** `{{G3586}}` is listed with **hay** and **stubble** as inferior materials for building on the foundation of Christ, in contrast to **gold**, **silver**, and **precious stones** [[1 Corinthians 3:12]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G3586}}` is a versatile word that carries significant weight in the New Testament. It is used to describe mundane objects like clubs and building materials, but it is also elevated to represent two of the most powerful concepts in scripture: the curse and death associated with the cross, and the eternal life and healing promised through the tree of life. This single term encapsulates the journey from crucifixion to paradise.
TRV