3869. luz

Lexicon

luz: Almond tree; a place name

Original Word: לוּז
Part of Speech: Noun Masculine
Transliteration: luwz
Pronunciation: looz
Phonetic Spelling: (looz)
Definition: Almond tree; a place name
Meaning: some kind of nuttree, the almond

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

hazel

Probably of foreign origin; some kind of nut-tree, perhaps the almond -- hazel.

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
probably of foreign origin
Definition
almond tree, almond wood
NASB Translation
almond (1).

Brown-Driver-Briggs

I. לוּז noun [masculine] almond-tree, almond-wood (Late Hebrew id.; Aramaic לוּזָא, almond (Löw^{No. 319}), whence Arabic as loan-word (Frä¹⁴⁵ Lag^{BN 157 f.}), Ethiopic ); — Genesis 30:37 (J; + לִבְנֶה, עַרְמוֺן לַח) of rods stripped by Jacob.

Topical Lexicon

Word Origin: Derived from an unused root meaning "to turn aside."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: • G1111 (goggusmos): While not directly related to the almond tree, this term refers to murmuring or grumbling, which can metaphorically relate to the dissatisfaction or unrest that contrasts with the peace and promise symbolized by the almond tree.
• G1587 (ekpipto): Meaning to fall out or to fall off, this term can metaphorically relate to the shedding of almond blossoms, symbolizing the transient nature of life and the fulfillment of God's promises.
• G3007 (leipo): Meaning to leave or to lack, this term can be associated with the absence of fruitfulness, contrasting with the almond tree's early and abundant blossoming.
• G3901 (paraleipo): Meaning to leave aside or to omit, this term can metaphorically relate to the overlooking of God's signs and symbols, such as the almond tree, which serves as a reminder of His vigilance and faithfulness.

In summary, the Hebrew word לוּז (Luz) encompasses both the natural beauty and symbolic significance of the almond tree, as well as its historical and geographical importance as a location in biblical narratives.

Usage: The term "Luz" is used in the Hebrew Bible to refer to a specific type of tree, often associated with the almond. It is also the name of a location, which is later called Bethel.

Context: • Luz as a Tree: The Hebrew word לוּז (Luz) is traditionally understood to refer to the almond tree. The almond tree is significant in biblical symbolism, often representing watchfulness and the hastening of God's purposes, as seen in Jeremiah 1:11-12, where the almond tree is used as a symbol of God's watchfulness over His word to perform it.
• Luz as a Location: In the biblical narrative, Luz is also the name of a Canaanite city. It is first mentioned in Genesis 28:19, where Jacob names the place Bethel after his vision of the ladder reaching to heaven. The city of Luz is again referenced in Judges 1:23-26, where the descendants of Joseph capture the city, and it is renamed Bethel. The dual reference to Luz as both a tree and a location highlights the rich tapestry of meanings and associations in biblical texts.
• Cultural and Historical Context: The almond tree, or Luz, is native to the Middle East and is one of the first trees to blossom in the region, often heralding the arrival of spring. Its early blooming and the beauty of its flowers have made it a symbol of new beginnings and divine favor in various biblical passages.

Forms and Transliterations

וְל֣וּז ולוז veLuz wə·lūz wəlūz

Englishman's Concordance

Genesis 30:37
HEB: לִבְנֶ֛ה לַ֖ח וְל֣וּז וְעֶרְמ֑וֹן וַיְפַצֵּ֤ל
NAS: of poplar and almond and plane trees,
KJV: poplar, and of the hazel and chesnut tree;
INT: of poplar fresh and almond and plane and peeled

1 Occurrence

Strong's Hebrew 3869
1 Occurrence

wə·lūz — 1 Occ.