Lexical Summary tappuach: apple tree, apples Original Word: תַּפוּחַ Strong's Exhaustive Concordance apple tree From naphach; an apple (from its fragrance), i.e. The fruit or the tree (probably includ. Others of the pome order, as the quince, the orange, etc.) -- apple (tree). See also Beth Tappuwach. see HEBREW naphach see HEBREW Beth Tappuwach NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom naphach Definition apple tree, apple NASB Translation apple tree (3), apples (3). Brown-Driver-Briggs I. תַּמּוּחַ noun [masculine] apple-tree, apple (from aromatic scent (breath), Thes LagBN 111, 129 Post (see below); Arabic  is loan-word Frä140; on meaning apple see LöwNo. 109 RSJPh xiii. 65 f. PostHast. Dict. Bib. 'Apple') **see also HomA. u. A. 100, 106, 107; TristrNHB 334 f. thinks ׳ת = apricot (so Id.Smith DB (2) APPLE); M'Lean-DyerEB APPLE makes ׳ת = quince. — 1 singular תַּמּוּחַ apple-tree Joel 1:12; Songs 2:3; Songs 8:5. 2 plural תַּמּוּחִים apples Songs 2:5, ׳רֵיחַ אַמֵּךְ כַּתּ Song 7:9; תַּמּוּחֵי זָהָב Proverbs 25:4 (in simile). Topical Lexicon Botanical and Historical Background The Hebrew term תַּפוּחַ designates the tree and its sweet, aromatic fruit. While modern readers automatically think of the common apple, ancient Near Eastern evidence points to a range of pome fruits, including varieties of quince or a smaller, fragrant crab‐apple-like species that thrived in the land of Israel. Its bloom and scent were prized in gardens, and its refreshing quality made it a natural emblem of fertility and delight. Occurrences in Scripture 1. Proverbs 25:11 Wisdom Literature: The Value of Timely Speech Proverbs 25:11 “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.” Here the fruit serves as a picture of verbal beauty—both attractive and nourishing. Just as well-crafted jewelry enhances a person’s appearance, so a rightly timed word adorns and enriches relationships. The comparison elevates communication to a moral issue: believers are urged to weigh their words as carefully as a master goldsmith sets an apple-shaped ornament into finely wrought silver. Song of Songs: Love, Intimacy, and Covenant Delight Song of Songs employs תַּפוּחַ four times, embedding it in the poetry of marital affection. Joel: Orchard Judgment and National Lament Joel 1:12 reports the withering of the apple alongside the vine, fig, pomegranate, and palm: “Surely joy has withered away from the sons of men.” The fruit’s ruin testifies to covenant curses falling on the land when Judah’s sin invites locust devastation. What once symbolized joy and life now becomes evidence of divine displeasure, reminding the reader that every blessing is contingent upon fidelity to the Lord. Symbolic Themes 1. Refreshment and Life: In a hot, arid climate, the apple’s cool sweetness stands for spiritual and physical renewal (Song of Songs 2:5). Christological and Ecclesial Resonance Early church writers saw in Song of Songs 2:3 a portrait of Christ—“Like an apple tree among the trees of the forest is my beloved.” The Lord alone provides genuine shade from judgment and sweet sustenance for the soul. The fragrant breath of the bride (Song of Songs 7:8) becomes an image of Spirit-empowered witness, spreading “the pleasing aroma of Christ” (2 Corinthians 2:15). In Joel, the withered apple orchard foreshadows the curse borne by Christ on the tree, so that times of refreshing might come (Acts 3:19). Practical Ministry Application • Counseling and Marriage Enrichment: Point couples to Song of Songs’ apple imagery to affirm the goodness of God-ordained intimacy. Conclusion Across wisdom, poetry, and prophecy, תַּפוּחַ weaves a tapestry of sweetness, beauty, and warning. Whether adorning a proverb, enriching a love song, or testifying to covenant judgment, the apple invites God’s people to savor His gifts responsibly, speak wisely, love faithfully, and seek the One whose shade and fruit never fail. Forms and Transliterations בַּתַּפּוּחִ֑ים בתפוחים הַתַּפּ֙וּחַ֙ התפוח וְתַפּ֗וּחַ ותפוח כְּתַפּ֙וּחַ֙ כַּתַּפּוּחִֽים׃ כתפוח כתפוחים׃ תַּפּוּחֵ֣י תפוחי bat·tap·pū·ḥîm battappuChim battappūḥîm hat·tap·pū·aḥ hattapPuach hattappūaḥ kat·tap·pū·ḥîm kattappuChim kattappūḥîm kə·ṯap·pū·aḥ ketapPuach kəṯappūaḥ tap·pū·ḥê tappuChei tappūḥê vetapPuach wə·ṯap·pū·aḥ wəṯappūaḥLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Proverbs 25:11 HEB: תַּפּוּחֵ֣י זָ֭הָב בְּמַשְׂכִּיּ֥וֹת NAS: [Like] apples of gold in settings KJV: spoken [is like] apples of gold INT: apples of gold settings Songs 2:3 Songs 2:5 Songs 7:8 Songs 8:5 Joel 1:12 6 Occurrences |
    |