English · KJV
H1918

הֲדַס

hădaç /had-as'/ Ask about this word
Rootof uncertain derivation
Meaningthe myrtle
KJV usagemyrtle (tree).

Word Study

In depth

A plain-language study of hădaç — the range of meaning it carries, how Scripture actually uses it, and where it points. Written for readers who don’t know the original language.

Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Hebrew word hădaç, represented by H1918, refers to the myrtle tree. Although its derivation is uncertain, it appears 6 times across 6 unique verses in the Bible. It is frequently mentioned in prophetic contexts involving restoration and as a feature in scenes of divine revelation.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In the biblical narrative, H1918 is used to symbolize blessing and divine intervention. Isaiah prophesies that the myrtle tree will grow in place of the brier as an everlasting sign of the LORD's work Isaiah 55:13. God also declares He will plant the myrtle in the wilderness, alongside trees like the cedar and fir, to transform the desolate land Isaiah 41:19. In Zechariah's visions, a man on a red horse and later the angel of the LORD are seen standing among the myrtle trees (Zechariah 1:8, Zechariah 1:11). Additionally, the people of Israel are instructed to gather myrtle branches to build booths for a festival Nehemiah 8:15.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words provide botanical context for the myrtle's significance:

  • H1265 bᵉrôwsh (fir (tree)): This tree is often paired with the myrtle in prophecies of renewal. It is prophesied to replace the thorn, just as the myrtle replaces the brier, and is set in the desert by God (Isaiah 55:13, Isaiah 41:19).
  • H730 ʼerez (cedar (tree)): A tree noted for its height and strength, the cedar is listed with the myrtle as one of the trees God will plant in the wilderness to demonstrate His glory Isaiah 41:19.
  • H8558 tâmâr (palm tree): The palm is associated with celebration and righteousness. Its branches were gathered along with myrtle branches for the making of booths, connecting both trees to worship and remembrance Nehemiah 8:15.
  • H2132 zayith (olive (tree, -yard), Olivet): Another important tree whose branches were gathered with myrtle branches for the festival of booths, highlighting its role in the religious life of Israel Nehemiah 8:15.

Theological Significance

The theological weight of H1918 is connected to its symbolic use in Scripture.

  • Divine Restoration: The myrtle is a key symbol of God's power to reverse the curse and bring life to barren places. Its appearance signifies a restored creation and an "everlasting sign" of God's faithfulness (Isaiah 55:13, Isaiah 41:19).
  • Sacred Celebration: The specific instruction to use myrtle branches for making booths indicates its role in worship and joyful obedience to God's commands Nehemiah 8:15.
  • Place of Revelation: The myrtle grove in Zechariah's vision serves as the backdrop for a divine encounter, a space where messages from the LORD are delivered to the prophet Zechariah 1:10-11.

Summary

In summary, H1918 is far more than a simple botanical reference. It is a powerful scriptural symbol representing God's promises of renewal, His presence with His people, and the joy of worship. From the desolate wilderness to the sacred grove of a vision, the myrtle tree consistently points to God's restorative work in the world.

How the KJV Renders It

Translation

Strong’s lists the renderings but not their weight. These are counted from the King James text of the tagged verses — the bar under each is how often the translators actually reached for it. Select one to filter the occurrences below.

Grammatical Forms

Morphology

In the Hebrew Old Testament, this word appears as a noun across 5 occurrences, inflected in 2 grammatical forms — each row is one form, and the bar is how often it is that form. Select any form to read what each part of its name means, and to filter the occurrence list to it.

  • הֲדַס
  • הֲדַסִּים

Related Words

Related

Other entries the study above points to — each one is drawn from a reference it makes. Follow the trail to see how the words connect.

H1265 בְּרוֹשׁ of uncertain derivation; a cypress (?) tree; hence, a lance or a musical instrument (as made of that wood); fir (tree). H730 אֶרֶז from אָרַז; a cedar tree (from the tenacity of its roots); cedar (tree). H8558 תָּמָר from an unused root meaning to be erect; a palm tree; palm (tree). H2132 זַיִת probably from an unused root (akin to זִו); an olive (as yielding illuminating oil), the tree, the branch or the berry;

Theographic Context

Context

The people, places, and span of history the verses containing this word touch on — drawn from the theographic tagging of Scripture. Select any name to isolate its verses in the occurrence list.

Biblical Distribution

Distribution

Appears in 6 verses across 3 of the 39 books. Most frequent in Zechariah (3 verses); never once in the other 36.

1
Nehemiah
2
Isaiah
3
Zechariah

Every Occurrence

Concordance

Every verse where the word is tagged in the King James text. Filter by book, by the English word the translators chose, by grammatical form, or search within the verses.

Sources. Definition and numbering: James Strong, Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible (1890). Morphology: STEPBible / Tyndale House (CC BY). Verse tagging: the King James text keyed to Strong’s numbers. Every count on this page is computed from the tagged corpus, not estimated.