### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **phoînix**, represented by `{{G5404}}`, refers to the **palm-tree**. It appears only **2 times** in **2 unique verses**, yet its symbolic use is significant. In both instances, it is associated with celebration, victory, and worship.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G5404}}` is used in two key contexts. On earth, a **multitude** `{{G3793}}` **took** `{{G2983}}` **branches** `{{G902}}` of **palm trees** `{{G5404}}` to **meet** `{{G5222}}` Jesus, crying **Hosanna** `{{G5614}}` and proclaiming him **King** `{{G935}}` of **Israel** `{{G2474}}` [[John 12:13]]. The scene shifts to a heavenly context in Revelation, where a **great** `{{G4183}}` multitude that **no man** `{{G3762}}` could **number** `{{G705}}` from all **nations** `{{G1484}}` stood **before** `{{G1799}}` the **throne** `{{G2362}}` and the **Lamb** `{{G721}}` with **palms** `{{G5404}}` in their **hands** `{{G5495}}` [[Revelation 7:9]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for the use of **phoînix**:
* `{{G902}}` **baḯon** (branch): A diminutive meaning a **palm twig**, this word is used to specify that the crowds carried "branches of **palm trees**" during Christ's triumphal entry [[John 12:13]].
* `{{G5614}}` **hōsanná** (hosanna): This exclamation of adoration was **cried** `{{G2896}}` by the people waving **palm** branches, directly linking `{{G5404}}` to an act of praise and acknowledgment of Jesus as Lord [[John 12:13]].
* `{{G4749}}` **stolḗ** (long robe): The redeemed multitude holding **palms** `{{G5404}}` are also **clothed** `{{G4016}}` in **white** `{{G3022}}` **robes** `{{G4749}}`, symbolizing their purification and victory before God [[Revelation 7:9]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G5404}}` is centered on themes of victory and worship.
* **Triumphant Welcome:** The use of **palms** `{{G5404}}` by the crowd in Jerusalem is an act of honoring Jesus as a victorious and welcome **King** `{{G935}}`, a public celebration of his arrival [[John 12:13]].
* **Victory of the Redeemed:** In heaven, **palms** are in the **hands** `{{G5495}}` of a **multitude** `{{G3793}}` from **all** `{{G3956}}` **nations** `{{G1484}}`, kindreds, and peoples. This signifies that the victory celebrated is not for one group but for all who stand **before** `{{G1799}}` the **throne** `{{G2362}}` [[Revelation 7:9]].
* **Eternal Worship:** The holding of **palms** is concurrent with the act of crying out in worship to God and the **Lamb** `{{G721}}`. This establishes the **palm** as an emblem of everlasting praise in the presence of God [[Revelation 7:9-10]].
### Summary
In summary, **phoînix** `{{G5404}}` is more than just a tree; it is a symbol of triumphant praise. It connects the earthly acknowledgment of Christ's kingship with the eternal celebration of the redeemed in heaven. Its appearances, though few, powerfully illustrate a journey from the cries of **Hosanna** `{{G5614}}` on the road to Jerusalem to the final victory worship **before** `{{G1799}}` the divine **throne** `{{G2362}}`.
TRV