Lexical Summary elah: Oak, Terebinth Original Word: אִלָה Strong's Exhaustive Concordance elm, oak, teil-tree Feminine of 'ayil; an oak or other strong tree -- elm, oak, teil-tree. see HEBREW 'ayil NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfem. of ayil Definition a terebinth NASB Translation Elah (3), oak (11), terebinth (2). Brown-Driver-Briggs I. אֵלָה noun feminine terebinth (= אֵילָה (?) see IV. איל > StaGeschichte 455 who derives from אֵל = divine; but compare ib. on lack of clear distinction between אֵלָה, אֵלוֺן & אַלּוֺן) — Genesis 35:4 15t. + אֵילָה Genesis 49:21 (for ᵑ0 אַיָּלָה see below) — terebinth = Pistacia terebinthus, Linn., a deciduous tree with pinnate leaves & red berries; occasional in Palestine; grows to great age; always of single tree; near Shechem Genesis 35:4 (E) compare אַלָּה Joshua 24:26 (E, read אֵלָה?), Ophrah Judges 6:11,19; in Jabesh 1 Chronicles 10:12; tree in which Absalom was caught 2 Samuel 18:9 (twice in verse); 2 Samuel 18:10,14; see also 1 Kings 13:14; expressly of idol-shrine Hosea 4:13 ("" אַלּוֺן, לִבְנֶה) Ezekiel 6:13; as fading, withering, simile of Judah Isaiah 1:30; as hewn down, simile id. Isaiah 6:13 ("" אַלּוֺן); figurative of Naphtali אֵילָה שְׁלֻחָה Genesis 49:21 (ᵐ5 Ew Ol Di > ᵑ0 אַיָּלָה hind q. v.) a slender terebinth, see Di & compare II. אֵלָה; in topographic designation ׳עֵמֶק הָא 1 Samuel 17:2,19; 1 Samuel 21:10 (see עֵמֶק). Topical Lexicon Overview אִלָה most often designates the terebinth—a broad-canopied deciduous tree native to the hills of the Levant. Although sometimes translated “oak,” its distinctive resinous sap and longevity make it a natural landmark. In Scripture the terebinth functions as a geographic marker, a gathering point for covenantal and judicial events, and a prophetic image of resilience and judgment. Botanical and Geographic Setting Thriving on limestone slopes and in well-drained valleys, the terebinth reaches great age and size. Its deep roots and persistent green leaves through arid summers explain why the prophets employ it as a metaphor for endurance. Large boughs provide shade sufficient for threshing floors (Judges 6:11) and strategic vantage points (2 Samuel 18:9-14). Resin extracted from its bark (related to modern turpentine) gave the tree economic value and may have contributed to its use in idolatrous worship (Hosea 4:13). Narrative Occurrences • Genesis 35:4 records Jacob burying foreign gods “under the oak near Shechem,” signaling decisive separation from idolatry. Judicial and Military Contexts The tree’s commanding presence furnished natural courtrooms and rallying points. Deborah judged under a palm (Judges 4:5); likewise, terebinths served as informal tribunals. Gideon threshed wheat there in secret, yet the Angel of the Lord publicly commissioned him, turning a hiding place into a launch point for national deliverance. Prophetic Imagery Isaiah 1:30 warns, “You will be like an oak with fading leaves, like a garden without water.” The prophet chooses a tree renowned for its hardiness to heighten the tragedy of apostasy. Later, Isaiah 6:13 employs the felled terebinth stump as hope-filled symbol: “The holy seed will be the stump.” Though judgment reduces Israel, a remnant remains capable of new growth, prefiguring the Messiah. Ezekiel 6:13 and Hosea 4:13 denounce idolatry practiced “under every green tree,” singling out the terebinth as a witness against covenant breach. Cultic Associations and Polemics High places and verdant trees offered privacy for illicit rites. Hosea’s indictment—“They sacrifice on the mountaintops and burn offerings on the hills, under oaks, poplars, and terebinths”—links the tree to fertility worship. By contrast, Jacob’s act of burying idols beneath a terebinth sanctifies the very location that pagans corrupted, illustrating how covenant fidelity reclaims creation for God’s glory. Theological Significance 1. Covenant Renewal: The terebinth at Shechem frames Jacob’s household repentance, anticipating Israel’s later covenant assemblies in the same region (Joshua 24). Ministry Applications • Landmarks of Grace: Physical settings can remind believers of decisive moments with God; churches may memorialize spiritual milestones similarly. Conclusion Though merely a tree, the אִלָה weaves through Scripture as sentinel of covenant, seat of judgment, and signpost of redemption. Its recurring presence testifies that the God who created the terebinth also commandeers every aspect of creation to accomplish His saving purposes. Forms and Transliterations אֵלָ֣ה אלה בָּאֵלָֽה׃ בָאֵלָ֗ה באלה באלה׃ הָֽאֵלָה֙ הָאֵלָ֑ה הָאֵלָ֖ה הָאֵלָ֨ה הָאֵלָֽה׃ הָאֵלָה֙ האלה האלה׃ וְאֵלָ֖ה ואלה כְּאֵלָ֖ה כָּאֵלָ֣ה כאלה ’ê·lāh ’êlāh bā’êlāh ḇā’êlāh bā·’ê·lāh ḇā·’ê·lāh baeLah eLah hā’êlāh hā·’ê·lāh haeLah kā’êlāh kā·’ê·lāh kaeLah kə’êlāh kə·’ê·lāh keeLah vaeLah veeLah wə’êlāh wə·’ê·lāhLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Genesis 35:4 HEB: יַעֲקֹ֔ב תַּ֥חַת הָאֵלָ֖ה אֲשֶׁ֥ר עִם־ NAS: hid them under the oak which was near KJV: hid them under the oak which [was] by Shechem. INT: and Jacob under the oak which was near Judges 6:11 Judges 6:19 2 Samuel 18:9 2 Samuel 18:9 2 Samuel 18:10 2 Samuel 18:14 1 Kings 13:14 1 Chronicles 10:12 Isaiah 1:30 Isaiah 6:13 Ezekiel 6:13 Hosea 4:13 13 Occurrences |
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