Lexical Summary phoinix: Palm tree, Phoenix Original Word: φοῖνιξ Strong's Exhaustive Concordance palm tree. Of uncertain derivation; a palm-tree -- palm (tree). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof uncertain origin Definition the date palm, a palm NASB Translation palm branches (1), palm trees (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 5404: φοῖνιξφοῖνιξ (or, as some prefer to write it, φοῖνιξ; cf. Winer's Grammar, § 6, 1 c.; (and references under the word κῆρυξ)), κηρικος, ὁ; I. as an appellative, a palm-tree (from Homer down; the Sept. for תָּמָר): τά βαΐα τῶν φοιν. (see βάϊον), the branches of the palmtrees, John 12:13; but φοίνικες itself (A. V. palms) is put for the branches in Revelation 7:9 (2 Macc. 10:7 2Macc. 14:4; (so Aristotle, magn. mor. § 34, p. 1196{a}, 36)). II. a proper name, Phoenix, a city and haven of Crete (B. D. (especially Amos edition) under the word Phenice): Acts 27:12. The palm of the Near East is the date palm, a tall, evergreen tree whose fronds reach up to three meters in length. In the arid climate of Judea and Galilee it signaled water, life, and fruitfulness. Ancient craftsmen fashioned its wood into beams and its leaves into mats, baskets, and roofing. Because the tree grows straight, survives harsh heat, and produces clusters of sweet fruit, it naturally became a metaphor for uprightness, endurance, and blessing. Old Testament Background The Hebrew Scriptures mention palms more than two dozen times. After the Exodus, Israel camped at Elim, “where there were twelve springs of water and seventy palm trees” (Exodus 15:27). Solomon lined the temple walls with palm carvings (2 Chronicles 3:5). The righteous are promised that they “will flourish like a palm tree” (Psalm 92:12). Through these texts the palm became a visual shorthand for the prosperity and steadfastness that flow from covenant faithfulness. Symbol of Righteousness and Victory By the inter-testamental period the palm had also grown into a political emblem. Jewish coins struck during the Maccabean revolts and during the First Jewish Revolt against Rome show a palm branch or full tree, proclaiming deliverance and independence. Thus, by the first century the palm signified more than agricultural abundance; it proclaimed triumph—whether divine or national. Liturgical and Festal Associations Leviticus 23:40 commands Israel to gather “branches of palm trees … and rejoice before the Lord your God for seven days” during the Feast of Tabernacles. The Mishnah records that palms were waved daily around the altar while Psalm 118 was sung. This annual rehearsal of coming salvation embedded the palm deeply into Jewish worship, preparing the atmosphere for the Messiah’s public entry. Usage in the Gospels: John 12:13 “*They took palm branches and went out to meet Him, shouting: ‘Hosanna!’ ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!’ ‘Blessed is the King of Israel!’*” (John 12:13). The crowd’s action joined three ideas: (1) the festal joy of Tabernacles, (2) national hopes for liberation, and (3) the prophetic expectation that the Son of David would ascend Zion. The palms in their hands affirmed Jesus as the long-awaited, victorious King, though His triumph would come by way of the cross and resurrection rather than immediate political deliverance. Eschatological Vision: Revelation 7:9 “*After this I looked and saw a multitude too large to count, from every nation and tribe and people and tongue, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and holding palm branches in their hands*” (Revelation 7:9). Here the palm branches confirm ultimate victory, not over earthly powers but over sin, death, and Satan. The worshipers wave palms before the Lamb, acknowledging that His atoning work has secured eternal rest and joy. The image completes what the Feast of Tabernacles foreshadowed: God dwelling with a redeemed people in unending celebration. Historical Developments Between the Testaments During the Second Temple era palm motifs appeared on Herodian architecture, synagogue mosaics, ossuaries, and everyday oil lamps. Roman spectators in Judea would have recognized the palm on banners carried in civic parades. Consequently, when first-century believers read John’s Gospel or Revelation, they immediately grasped the connotations of victory, purity, and festal joy bound up in the sight of palms. Ministry and Discipleship Applications 1. Perseverance: Just as the palm endures heat and grows straight, disciples are to “stand firm in the faith” (1 Corinthians 16:13), bearing fruit in every season. Conclusion Strong’s Greek 5404 points beyond a simple tree to a tapestry of biblical theology. From Sinai’s wilderness to Jerusalem’s streets and ultimately to the throne of God, the palm signals life, righteousness, festal rejoicing, and Messiah’s decisive victory. Waving palms is thus no empty ritual; it is a prophetic gesture that situates the faithful within God’s redemptive story—from present perseverance to future glory. Englishman's Concordance John 12:13 N-GMPGRK: βαΐα τῶν φοινίκων καὶ ἐξῆλθον NAS: the branches of the palm trees and went KJV: branches of palm trees, and INT: branches of the palms and went out Revelation 7:9 N-NMP Strong's Greek 5404 |
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