Lexical Summary teashshur: Box tree, Cypress Original Word: תְּאַשּׁוּר Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Tarea From 'ashar; a species of cedar (from its erectness) -- box (tree). see HEBREW 'ashar NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom ashar Definition boxtree NASB Translation cypress (1), tree and the cypress (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs אֲשֻׁרִים, in ׳בַּת א Ezekiel 27:6 (read בִּתְאַשֻּׁרִים with box-wood Bo Hi MV Co and others, compare following) Topical Lexicon Botanical and Historical Background Te’ashshur is most commonly identified with either the evergreen box tree (Buxus sempervirens) or a variety of cypress or pine native to the highlands of Lebanon and the wider Eastern Mediterranean. The wood of these trees is dense, fine-grained, and slow to warp, making it prized in antiquity for intricate carving, inlay work, and musical instruments. Phoenician craftsmen exported it widely, and Assyrian records list it among tribute items. Its evergreen foliage made it an emblem of durability and refined beauty in Near-Eastern culture. Occurrences in Scripture 1. Isaiah 41:19 – In the Lord’s promise to transform the wilderness: “I will plant cedars in the wilderness, acacias, myrtles, and olive trees. I will set cypresses in the desert, elms and box trees together”. Prophetic and Theological Themes Restoration of Creation. Isaiah 41 sets the tree among a diverse planting that reverses the curse of desolation. God’s act of “planting” demonstrates His sovereign power to renew both land and people (cf. Romans 8:20-21). Sanctuary Beautification. Isaiah 60 anticipates international tribute for a renewed Temple, echoing how cedar and cypress from Lebanon adorned Solomon’s house of the Lord (1 Kings 5:6-10). The te’ashshur thus prefigures the homage of the nations to the Messianic King (Psalm 72:10-11; Revelation 21:24). Evidence of Covenant Faithfulness. The inclusion of an evergreen species alongside fruit-bearing trees underlines that God’s promises are not seasonal. His covenant mercies remain “planted” (Psalm 1:3; Jeremiah 17:7-8). Symbolism and Typology Evergreen Permanence. The tree’s year-round foliage depicts unwavering life (John 10:28). It stands in contrast to the brittle branches of the wicked that “wither” (Psalm 37:2). Craftsmanship Fit for Worship. Because te’ashshur wood accepts fine detail, it evokes the Spirit’s sanctifying precision in shaping believers into a “holy temple in the Lord” (Ephesians 2:21). Gentile Contribution. Timber from Lebanon represents the best of foreign resources devoted to God’s dwelling, pointing forward to the priesthood of all nations (1 Peter 2:9; Zechariah 2:11). Cultural and Liturgical Uses • Architectural paneling, especially in royal and sacred contexts. Practical Ministry Reflections Transformation of the Desert Heart. Just as the Lord sets the te’ashshur in arid ground, He plants grace in barren lives, producing robustness where only dryness once existed (2 Corinthians 5:17). Offering Our Finest. Isaiah 60 urges believers to dedicate their best skills and resources—symbolized by Lebanon’s choicest timber—to the beautifying of Christ’s Church (Colossians 3:23-24). Hope amid Desolation. The prophetic scenes featuring te’ashshur assure congregations facing discouragement that God’s redemptive plan includes both environmental renewal and spiritual revival, culminating in the New Jerusalem where “the tree of life” sustains the nations (Revelation 22:2). Forms and Transliterations וּתְאַשּׁ֖וּר ותאשור ū·ṯə·’aš·šūr ūṯə’aššūr uteashShurLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Isaiah 41:19 HEB: בְּר֛וֹשׁ תִּדְהָ֥ר וּתְאַשּׁ֖וּר יַחְדָּֽו׃ NAS: with the box tree and the cypress, KJV: [and] the pine, and the box tree together: INT: the juniper tree tree together Isaiah 60:13 2 Occurrences |
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