Lexical Summary tidhar: Pine tree, cypress Original Word: תִּדְהָר Strong's Exhaustive Concordance blow Apparently from dahar; enduring; a species of hard-wood or lasting tree (perhaps oak) -- pine (tree). see HEBREW dahar NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom dahar Definition (name of a tree) probably elm NASB Translation box (1), box tree (1), tree (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs תִּדְהָר noun [masculine] name of a tree, probably elm (Syriac Topical Lexicon Overview תִּדְהָר (tidhar) designates a stately hardwood that appears twice in Isaiah’s prophecies to picture God’s transforming grace. Whether rendered “plane,” “elm,” or “pine,” the term evokes a tall, enduring tree known for its straight trunk, broad canopy, and resilient wood—qualities that make it an apt emblem of strength, beauty, and permanence. Biblical References Historical Identification Ancient writers describe the plane tree (Platanus orientalis) flourishing beside Middle-Eastern watercourses and prized for shade in royal gardens. Others propose an evergreen species such as the stone pine or Aleppo pine, both common on Lebanon’s heights and long valued for beams and ship-masts. Whichever precise species Isaiah had in view, the tree was notable, recognizable, and associated with Lebanon’s famed forests. Symbolism in Isaiah 41 To a people weary of exile, the Lord promises a new creation in the barren places: “I will set in the wasteland the cypress, plane, and pine together” (Isaiah 41:19). Here tidhar stands among seven trees miraculously planted in desert soil. The list combines fragrant, fruit-bearing, and construction trees, emphasizing the completeness of God’s renewal. Tidhar’s stature underscores that the coming restoration will be visible and undeniable—“that they may see and recognize…that the hand of the LORD has done this” (Isaiah 41:20). Symbolism in Isaiah 60 “The glory of Lebanon will come to you—its cypress, plane, and pine together—to adorn the place of My sanctuary; and I will glorify the place of My feet” (Isaiah 60:13). Here tidhar is freighted with temple imagery. Imported cedars once framed Solomon’s House (1 Kings 5:6–10); future tidhar will line Messiah’s millennial sanctuary. The tree thus anticipates eschatological worship, linking Israel’s past, present hope, and ultimate fulfillment when the nations stream to Zion. Theological Themes 1. Divine Reversal: Tidhar growing in wastelands testifies that God brings life from desolation, echoing Genesis creation and foreshadowing New-Creation promises (Revelation 21:5). |
(or
PS) LagBN 130 Löw71; Arabic
Lane864 Dozyi. 432 (also ash, see Dozyib.); so Symm & ᵑ9
time, but this questionable; perhaps a loan-word), בְּרוֺשׁ תִּדְהָר וּתְאַשּׁוּר יַחְדָּו