### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma עֵצָה (ʻêtsâh), designated as H6097, is defined for this study as the feminine of עֵץ (`{{H6086}}`), carrying the primary meanings of "timber" or "trees." This definition positions H6097 within the semantic field of natural botanical resources and construction materials. While its masculine counterpart, עֵץ (`{{H6086}}`), is the ubiquitous term for a living "tree," "wood," or "timber" as a material, the feminine form עֵצָה (H6097), in this specific application, would conceptually denote wood as a collective substance, a quantity of timber, or perhaps a specific type of wood, rather than an individual standing tree. This suggests a focus on the material aspect of wood, whether for building, fuel, or other utilitarian purposes. It is crucial to note that this specific definition for H6097 is distinct from its more widely recognized usage in biblical Hebrew, where 'עֵצָה' typically signifies "counsel" or "advice" (often associated with `{{H6098}}` or a different derivation). For the purpose of this study, we adhere strictly to the provided base definition of "timber; trees."
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The lemma 'עֵצָה' (H6097), as defined for this study as 'timber' or 'trees' (feminine of `{{H6086}}` 'עֵץ'), presents a unique case in biblical Hebrew. While the masculine form `{{H6086}}` 'עֵץ' is abundantly attested throughout the Old Testament for 'tree,' 'wood,' or 'timber' (e.g., [[Genesis 1:29]], [[Exodus 25:5]], [[1 Kings 6:9]]), the feminine form 'עֵצָה' (H6097) is overwhelmingly associated in standard lexicons with the meaning 'counsel' or 'advice' (derived from the root יעץ).
Therefore, direct biblical occurrences where H6097 unequivocally means 'timber' or 'trees' are not readily identifiable, as `{{H6086}}` consistently fulfills this semantic role. However, if we consider the *semantic range* provided for H6097 ('timber; trees'), we can analyze the significant contexts in which these materials appear in the biblical narrative:
* **Creation and Provision:** Trees are fundamental to God's creation, providing food, shade, and beauty. [[Genesis 1:11-12]] describes God creating trees bearing fruit, and [[Genesis 2:9]] specifically mentions the Tree of Life and the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil in the Garden of Eden. These passages highlight trees as a divine provision for humanity.
* **Construction and Craftsmanship:** Timber was an essential building material. Noah's Ark was constructed of gopher wood ([[Genesis 6:14]]). The Tabernacle and later the Temple utilized vast quantities of wood, such as acacia wood for the Tabernacle's framework and furnishings ([[Exodus 25:5]], [[Exodus 26:15]]) and cedar and cypress for Solomon's Temple ([[1 Kings 5:6]], [[1 Kings 6:9-10]]). These instances underscore wood's role in sacred architecture and human dwelling.
* **Fuel and Tools:** Wood served practical purposes, including fuel for fire ([[Genesis 22:3]], [[Isaiah 44:15]]) and material for tools and implements ([[Isaiah 10:15]]).
* **Idolatry and Symbolism:** Sadly, wood was also used in idolatrous practices, fashioned into idols ([[Isaiah 44:13-17]]) or associated with pagan worship sites like Asherah poles ([[Deuteronomy 16:21]]). Conversely, trees could symbolize righteousness ([[Psalm 1:3]]), strength ([[Numbers 24:6]]), or the nation of Israel ([[Isaiah 61:3]]).
In all these contexts, while the *concept* of timber and trees is central, the actual Hebrew word employed is almost always `{{H6086}}`. This study proceeds with the understanding that H6097, as 'timber/trees,' represents a less common or etymologically derived meaning, distinct from its more prevalent usage as 'counsel.'
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related word to H6097, given its definition as "timber; trees," is its masculine counterpart:
* **עֵץ (`{{H6086}}`):** This is the foundational term for "tree," "wood," or "timber" in biblical Hebrew. It encompasses both the living plant and the material derived from it. H6097, as the feminine form, would conceptually relate to the collective or material aspect of what `{{H6086}}` represents.
Other related concepts and words, by semantic field, include:
* **Materials for Construction:** Such as אֶבֶן (`{{H68}}`, "stone"), זָהָב (`{{H2091}}`, "gold"), כֶּסֶף (`{{H3701}}`, "silver"), נְחֹשֶׁת (`{{H5178}}`, "bronze/copper"). These are often mentioned alongside wood as building components for the Tabernacle, Temple, or other structures.
* **Botanical Terms:** Words like פְּרִי (`{{H6529}}`, "fruit"), יֶרֶק (`{{H3418}}`, "green herb/vegetation"), and צֶמַח (`{{H6780}}`, "plant/growth") highlight the broader natural world from which trees derive.
* **Forests and Groves:** יַעַר (`{{H3293}}`, "forest") or אֵלָה (`{{H424}}`, "terebinth/oak," often referring to sacred groves) are contexts where trees are found in abundance.
* **Cultic Objects:** מַצֵּבָה (`{{H4676}}`, "pillar") and אֲשֵׁרָה (`{{H842}}`, "Asherah pole") represent objects made of wood or associated with trees in idolatrous worship.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of "timber" and "trees" in the biblical narrative is profound and multifaceted, even if the specific lemma H6097 is rarely used for this meaning.
1. **Divine Creation and Provision:** Trees are a testament to God's creative power and benevolent provision. From the very beginning, God creates trees bearing fruit for food ([[Genesis 1:11-12]], [[Genesis 1:29]]). The Garden of Eden, with its central Tree of Life and Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil ([[Genesis 2:9]]), underscores trees as integral to humanity's original state and relationship with God, representing life, wisdom, and moral choice.
2. **Sacred Architecture and Worship:** Wood served as a holy material in the construction of the Tabernacle and Temple. The use of acacia wood for the Ark of the Covenant, the altars, and the framework of the Tabernacle ([[Exodus 25:10]], [[Exodus 27:1]]) signifies its role in facilitating the presence of God among His people. Solomon's Temple, built with magnificent cedar from Lebanon ([[1 Kings 5:6]], [[1 Kings 6:9]]), further elevates timber to a sacred status, symbolizing beauty, strength, and the dwelling place of God's glory.
3. **Symbolism of Life and Righteousness:** Throughout the Psalms and Prophets, trees often symbolize the righteous individual or the flourishing of God's people. The person who delights in God's law is compared to a tree planted by streams of water, yielding fruit in its season ([[Psalm 1:3]]). This imagery speaks of stability, vitality, and spiritual fruitfulness rooted in divine truth.
4. **Idolatry and Rebellion:** Conversely, trees and wooden objects also became instruments or symbols of idolatry. Sacred groves and Asherah poles, often made of wood, were associated with pagan worship and condemned by the prophets ([[Deuteronomy 16:21]], [[Isaiah 44:13-17]], [[Jeremiah 2:27]]). This highlights the human tendency to worship the created rather than the Creator, turning God's good provision into an object of rebellion.
5. **Redemption and the Cross (Implicit New Testament Connection):** While H6097 is an Old Testament Hebrew word, the theological trajectory of "wood" culminates in the New Testament with the cross, the instrument of Christ's crucifixion. The "tree" or "wood" that brought sin and death in Eden is paradoxically transformed into the means of salvation and new life through Christ's sacrifice, fulfilling the ancient curse and bringing redemption ([[Acts 5:30]], [[Galatians 3:13]], [[1 Peter 2:24]]).
### Summary
The Hebrew word עֵצָה (H6097), as defined for this study, denotes "timber" or "trees," functioning as the feminine form of עֵץ (`{{H6086}}`). In this specific semantic range, it refers to wood as a material or a collective grouping of trees, distinct from its more common biblical usage as "counsel." While direct occurrences of H6097 meaning "timber" are not readily found in the biblical text (as `{{H6086}}` is consistently employed for this purpose), the concepts of "timber" and "trees" hold profound theological significance. They represent God's creative power and provision for humanity, serving as essential materials for sacred architecture like the Tabernacle and Temple. Furthermore, trees serve as powerful symbols of life, righteousness, and divine blessing, yet tragically also became instruments of idolatry and rebellion. Ultimately, the biblical narrative of "wood" finds its ultimate theological fulfillment in the New Testament's "tree" of the cross, transforming a symbol of judgment into the means of redemption.
TRV