probably from עָרַם; the plane tree (from its smooth and shed bark); chestnut tree.
Transliteration:ʻarmôwn
Pronunciation:ar-mone'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma עַרְמוֹן (ʻarmôwn) `{{H6196}}` identifies a specific type of tree. The Strong's definition offers "plane tree" or "chestnut tree." Scholarly consensus, supported by the Septuagint's translation *platanos* (πλάτανος), strongly favors the "plane tree" (Platanus orientalis). This identification is further bolstered by the proposed etymological connection to the root עָרַם (ʻaram) `{{H6191}}`, which can mean "to be bare" or "to be smooth." The plane tree is renowned for its distinctive bark that exfoliates in large flakes, leaving a smooth, mottled surface on the trunk, thus aligning perfectly with the "bare" or "smooth" aspect of the root. Therefore, the primary semantic range of עַרְמוֹן (ʻarmôwn) refers to the plane tree, characterized by its unique bark and stately appearance.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word עַרְמוֹן (ʻarmôwn) `{{H6196}}` appears only twice in the Hebrew Bible, each instance offering a distinct contextual insight into its perception:
1. **[[Genesis 30:37]]**: This passage describes Jacob's shrewd, yet divinely blessed, strategy for increasing his flock while working for Laban. Jacob takes fresh branches from various trees, including the עַרְמוֹן (ʻarmôwn), and peels white strips in them, exposing the inner white wood. He then places these peeled rods in the watering troughs where the flocks breed. The text states, "Then Jacob took fresh rods of poplar and almond and עַרְמוֹן (plane tree) and peeled white strips in them, exposing the white of the rods." Here, the tree's utility in a practical, agricultural context is highlighted. The act of peeling the bark underscores the physical characteristic of the plane tree, whose bark is known to exfoliate readily, making it suitable for such a purpose. This narrative demonstrates human ingenuity within the created order, ultimately undergirded by divine providence.
2. **[[Ezekiel 31:8]]**: In this prophetic passage, the prophet Ezekiel uses the metaphor of a majestic cedar to describe the grandeur of Assyria, comparing it to other great trees in the "garden of God." The עַרְמוֹן (ʻarmôwn) is listed among these: "The cedars in the garden of God could not rival it, nor the fir trees equal its boughs; nor were the עַרְמוֹן (plane trees) like its branches; no tree in the garden of God was like it in beauty." Here, עַרְמוֹן (ʻarmôwn) serves as a benchmark for beauty and stature, even if it is ultimately depicted as inferior to the unparalleled "cedar" (representing Assyria's former glory). This context emphasizes the aesthetic and perhaps imposing qualities of the tree, placing it among the most noble of trees in the ancient Near Eastern landscape.
In both occurrences, עַרְמוֹן (ʻarmôwn) refers to a recognizable and significant tree, whether for its physical properties in practical application or for its symbolic representation of natural beauty and grandeur.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary linguistic connection for עַרְמוֹן (ʻarmôwn) `{{H6196}}` is its probable root, עָרַם (ʻaram) `{{H6191}}`. This root holds a semantic range that includes "to be bare, naked," or "to be shrewd, subtle." The connection to the plane tree is most strongly tied to the "bare" or "smooth" aspect, referring to the tree's distinctive exfoliating bark which leaves the underlying trunk exposed and smooth.
In the biblical texts, עַרְמוֹן (ʻarmôwn) is associated with other notable trees:
* In [[Genesis 30:37]], it appears alongside לִבְנֶה (libneh, poplar/storax) `{{H3839}}` and לוּז (luz, almond) `{{H3869}}`. These trees, like the עַרְמוֹן (ʻarmôwn), possess distinct physical characteristics that make their wood or bark suitable for Jacob's specific purpose.
* In [[Ezekiel 31:8]], it is mentioned with אֶרֶז (erez, cedar) `{{H730}}` and בְּרוֹשׁ (b'rosh, fir/cypress) `{{H1265}}`. These are all majestic trees, often used to symbolize strength, beauty, and prominence, reflecting the general biblical appreciation for the grandeur of creation.
The broader concept of "trees" in the Bible often carries symbolic weight, representing life, prosperity, wisdom, and the flourishing of creation. While עַרְמוֹן (ʻarmôwn) does not carry the profound theological weight of, for example, the Tree of Life, it participates in the general biblical understanding of trees as vital components of the created world, imbued with specific characteristics that can be observed and utilized or serve as powerful metaphors.
### Theological Significance
The עַרְמוֹן (ʻarmôwn) `{{H6196}}` does not function as a central theological symbol in Scripture, but its appearances contribute to broader theological themes:
1. **Divine Providence and Wisdom in Creation**: In [[Genesis 30:37]], Jacob's use of the עַרְמוֹן (ʻarmôwn) and other trees for his breeding strategy, though seemingly a folk practice, is ultimately presented as part of God's providential care for Jacob. God ensures Jacob's prosperity, demonstrating His involvement even in the practical, daily affairs of His people. The specific properties of the עַרְמוֹן (ʻarmôwn)'s bark, designed by God, are utilized for a divinely ordained outcome. This highlights the intricate wisdom embedded in creation, where natural elements possess characteristics that can be observed and employed by humanity under God's overarching plan.
2. **Illustrative of Earthly Grandeur and Beauty**: In [[Ezekiel 31:8]], the עַרְמוֹן (ʻarmôwn) contributes to a vivid description of earthly magnificence. By comparing the "cedar" (Assyria) to the most beautiful trees in God's garden, including the עַרְמוֹן (ʻarmôwn), the passage underscores the impressive, yet ultimately finite, nature of human power and splendor when compared to the divine. The beauty of the עַרְמוֹן (ʻarmôwn) serves as a standard against which even greater earthly glory is measured, implicitly pointing to the incomparable glory of God Himself, who created all such beauty. It reminds the reader that even the most impressive aspects of the created world are but reflections of a greater, divine Artist.
In essence, the עַרְמוֹן (ʻarmôwn) serves to illustrate God's meticulous design in creation, which provides both practical resources for humanity and rich imagery for prophetic discourse, always pointing back to the Creator's wisdom and ultimate sovereignty.
### Summary
The Hebrew word עַרְמוֹן (ʻarmôwn) `{{H6196}}` refers most accurately to the *plane tree*, an identification supported by its probable etymological link to עָרַם `{{H6191}}` ("to be bare/smooth"), reflecting the tree's distinctive exfoliating bark. Appearing only twice in the biblical text, its contextual uses are highly illustrative. In [[Genesis 30:37]], the עַרְמוֹן (ʻarmôwn) is part of Jacob's divinely blessed strategy for increasing his flocks, highlighting its physical properties useful in practical application. In [[Ezekiel 31:8]], it is used in a poetic comparison to illustrate the grandeur and beauty of a majestic "cedar," representing Assyria's former glory. Theologically, the עַרְמוֹן (ʻarmôwn) contributes to themes of divine providence in the mundane aspects of life and serves as a natural benchmark for earthly splendor, always subordinate to the supreme glory of God. While not a primary theological symbol, its presence enriches the biblical narrative by showcasing specific elements of God's intricate and purposeful creation.
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