Lexical Summary armon: Palace, citadel, fortress Original Word: עַרְמוֹן Strong's Exhaustive Concordance chestnut tree Probably from aram; the plane tree (from its smooth and shed bark) -- chestnut tree. see HEBREW aram NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom an unused word Definition plane tree NASB Translation plane trees (2). Brown-Driver-Briggs עַרְמוֺן noun [masculine] plane-tree (as stripped of bark); — ׳ע Genesis 30:37 (J); plural עַרְמֹנִים Ezekiel 31:8. מַעֲרֻמֵּיהֶם2Chron 28:15 see below II. עור. Topical Lexicon Botanical Identity and Symbolism The עַרְמוֹן (armon) is generally identified with the Oriental plane tree (Platanus orientalis), admired for its broad canopy, exfoliating bark, and vigorous growth along watercourses. In the lands of the Bible it provided welcome shade, durable timber, and an image of stately beauty. The tree’s yearly renewal of bark made it a natural emblem of freshness and hidden strength—qualities prized in Israel’s agrarian setting and easily transferred to spiritual truths about covenant faithfulness and continual renewal in God. Biblical Occurrences • Genesis 30:37 records Jacob selecting “fresh branches of poplar, almond, and plane trees” for the unusual breeding stratagem by which God prospered him at Laban’s expense. The armon branch, with its contrasting inner and outer layers, served Jacob’s purpose of visible differentiation. The episode highlights God’s sovereign blessing on the patriarch while subtly portraying the plane tree as an instrument of divine provision. • 1 Samuel 23:22 recounts Saul’s emissaries describing David as “very cunning.” Though the verse does not reference a literal tree, the root consonants of עַרְמוֹן link the wordfamily of the plane tree to the idea of shrewdness and subtlety. In the narrative, David’s “plane-tree like” resourcefulness—adaptive, vigorous, and hard to uproot—confounds Saul’s pursuit. The connection is etymological rather than botanical, yet it reinforces the notion of hidden resilience found in the tree’s physical character. • Ezekiel 31:8 situates the armon in Edenic grandeur: “the plane trees could not compare with its boughs.” The prophet contrasts Assyria’s temporary splendor with a garden scene surpassing all earthly glory. The plane tree, counted among the finest of creation, serves as a benchmark of beauty that still falls short of the exalted cedar symbolizing imperial hubris. Its inclusion elevates the tree’s stature in biblical imagination while warning nations against pride. Cultural and Historical Background In antiquity the plane tree furnished strong, attractive wood for carved panels, lyres, and ceremonial furniture. Its broad leaves and cooling shade made groves natural gathering spots; Greek and Persian monarchs sometimes held audiences beneath them. Israel’s neighbors used such pleasant retreats for pagan rites, an association hinted at in Hosea 4:13 where people “sacrifice… under oaks, poplars, and terebinths”—noticeably omitting armon, perhaps to keep the plane tree free of shame in prophetic rhetoric. The silence may itself be intentional, preserving the armon’s dignity for nobler symbolism in Ezekiel. Spiritual Lessons and Ministry Applications 1. Divine Resourcefulness: Jacob’s use of plane branches illustrates God’s ability to turn ordinary materials into means of extraordinary blessing. Believers facing injustice, like Jacob under Laban, may trust the Lord to employ simple, even unexpected, resources for their vindication. Connection with Broader Biblical Themes • Covenant Provision – From Eden’s garden to Jacob’s flocks, the armon quietly testifies that God supplies beauty and utility for His people’s good. The armon, though mentioned only three times, weaves through Scripture as a quiet witness to God’s creative artistry, providential care, and moral order—roots sunk deep beside life-giving waters, branches stretched wide beneath the Sovereign’s gaze. Forms and Transliterations וְעֶרְמ֑וֹן וְעַרְמֹנִ֥ים וערמון וערמנים יַעְרִ֖ם יערם vearmoNim veerMon wə‘armōnîm wə‘ermōwn wə·‘ar·mō·nîm wə·‘er·mō·wn ya‘·rim ya‘rim yaRimLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Genesis 30:37 HEB: לַ֖ח וְל֣וּז וְעֶרְמ֑וֹן וַיְפַצֵּ֤ל בָּהֵן֙ NAS: and almond and plane trees, and peeled KJV: and of the hazel and chesnut tree; and pilled INT: fresh and almond and plane and peeled stripes 1 Samuel 23:22 Ezekiel 31:8 3 Occurrences |
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