English · KJV
H437

אַלּוֹן

ʼallôwn /al-lone'/ Ask about this word
Roota variation of אֵלוֹן
Meaning(an oak or other strong tree)
KJV usageoak.

Word Study

In depth

A plain-language study of ʼallôwn — 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 ʼallôwn, represented by H437, is defined as oak. A variation of אֵלוֹן, it refers to an oak or other strong tree. It appears 8 times in 8 unique verses, often symbolizing strength, permanence, and significant locations within the biblical landscape.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In biblical narratives, H437 is used to denote strength, specific places, and materials. An oak serves as a significant landmark for the burial of Deborah, Rebekah's nurse, near Bethel; the site was named Allonbachuth in its honor Genesis 35:8. The strength of the Amorite people is metaphorically compared to that of the oaks Amos 2:9. The "oaks of Bashan" are mentioned repeatedly, both as a source of strong wood for oars Ezekiel 27:6 and as symbols of prideful might that will be humbled (Isaiah 2:13, Zechariah 11:2). In a negative context, people are condemned for performing idolatrous sacrifices under oaks because of their good shade Hosea 4:13.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words provide context for the significance of trees in scripture:

  • H424 ʼêlâh (elm, oak, teil-tree): Also defined as "an oak or other strong tree," this term is used interchangeably or in conjunction with ʼallôwn. It appears alongside oaks and poplars as a tree under which people wrongly sacrificed Hosea 4:13.
  • H730 'erez (cedar): Often symbolizing loftiness and majesty, the cedar is frequently paired with the oak to represent the most powerful elements of the forest. The strength of the Amorites was like the oaks, and their height was like the cedars Amos 2:9.
  • H6086 ʻêts (tree): This is the general term for a tree. It provides a broader category under which the oak is specified, as when a man hews down cedars and takes the cypress and the oak from among the trees of the forest Isaiah 44:14.
  • H3293 yaʻar (forest): This word describes a collection of trees, the environment where oaks are found. The felling of the "oaks of Bashan" is lamented as the forest coming down Zechariah 11:2.

Theological Significance

The theological weight of H437 is expressed through its powerful symbolism.

  • Symbol of Pride and Judgment: The "oaks of Bashan" represent earthly pride and strength that stand in opposition to God. As such, they are marked for judgment in the day of the Lord (Isaiah 2:13, Zechariah 11:2).
  • A Metaphor for the Remnant: In a prophecy of judgment, the oak and teil tree are used to illustrate hope. Though they lose their leaves, their "substance" remains, which is compared to the "holy seed" of Israel, signifying a remnant will endure Isaiah 6:13.
  • Sites of Worship and Idolatry: The prominent and shady nature of the oak made it a natural site for spiritual activities. This includes both a significant burial Genesis 35:8 and, more often, a location for condemned idolatrous practices Hosea 4:13.

Summary

In summary, H437 ʼallôwn is more than just a botanical term. It is a cornerstone of biblical imagery for strength, pride, and permanence. Whether as a literal source for oars, a memorial at a gravesite, or a symbol of the mighty who will be humbled, the oak stands as a powerful testament to themes of judgment, idolatry, and the enduring hope of a faithful remnant.

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 9 occurrences, inflected in 4 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.

  • אַלּוֹן
  • אַלּוֹנִים
  • אַלּוֹנֵי
  • אַלּוֹן

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.

H424 אֵלָה lemma אִלָה first vowel, corrected to אֵלָה; feminine of אַיִל; an oak or other strong tree; elm, oak, teil-tree. H730 אֶרֶז from אָרַז; a cedar tree (from the tenacity of its roots); cedar (tree). H6086 עֵץ from עָצָה; a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks); [phrase] carpenter, gallows, helve, [phrase] pine, H3293 יַעַר from an unused root probably meaning to thicken with verdure; a copse of bushes; hence, a forest; hence, honey in the co

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 8 verses across 6 of the 39 books. Most frequent in Isaiah (3 verses); never once in the other 33.

1
Genesis
3
Isaiah
1
Ezekiel
1
Hosea
1
Amos
1
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.