The elm tree, while not explicitly mentioned in the Bible, holds significance in biblical lands and times due to its characteristics and uses. In the broader context of Scripture, trees often symbolize strength, endurance, and life, and the elm, known for its sturdy wood and expansive canopy, fits well within these themes.

Botanical Characteristics

The elm is a deciduous tree known for its tall stature and distinctive, arching branches. It typically grows in temperate climates and is valued for its hard wood and shade-providing canopy. The leaves of the elm are serrated and asymmetrical at the base, contributing to its unique appearance.

Cultural and Historical Context

In ancient times, trees were often associated with places of worship and significant events. While the elm itself is not directly mentioned in the Bible, trees in general are frequently noted as sites of divine encounters or as symbols of prosperity and blessing. For example, the terebinth and oak are mentioned in Genesis 35:4 and Judges 6:11 as locations of significant biblical events.

Symbolism in Scripture

Trees in the Bible often symbolize life, growth, and stability. Psalm 1:3 describes the righteous man as "a tree planted by streams of water, yielding its fruit in season, whose leaf does not wither, and who prospers in all he does." While this verse does not specify the type of tree, the imagery of a flourishing tree can be applied to the elm, known for its resilience and longevity.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, trees serve as reminders of God's creation and provision. The elm, with its deep roots and expansive branches, can be seen as a metaphor for spiritual growth and the believer's relationship with God. Just as the elm draws sustenance from the soil and water, Christians are called to draw spiritual nourishment from the Word of God and the Holy Spirit.

Practical Uses

In biblical times, the wood of various trees, including those similar to the elm, was used for construction, tools, and other practical purposes. The strength and durability of elm wood made it suitable for crafting items that required resilience and longevity.

Conclusion

While the elm is not specifically mentioned in the Bible, its characteristics and uses align with the broader biblical themes of strength, endurance, and divine provision. As with many elements of creation, the elm can serve as a reminder of God's intricate design and the spiritual truths found throughout Scripture.Elm

(Hosea 4:13) [See OAK]

Elm

Hosea 4:13. The original Hebrew word here, elsewhere translated oak, probably denotes the terebinth. See OAK.

Hosea 4:13; rendered "terebinth" in the Revised Version. It is the Pistacia terebinthus of Linn., a tree common in Palestine, long-lived, and therefore often employed for landmarks and in designating places (Genesis 35:4; Judges 6:11, 19. Rendered "oak" in both A.V. and R.V.). (see TEIL TREE.) (n.) A tree of the genus Ulmus, of several species, much used as a shade tree, particularly in America. The English elm is Ulmus campestris; the common American or white elm is U. Americana; the slippery or red elm, U. fulva.ELM

elm:

Hosea 4:13 the King James Version, but in the Revised Version (British and American)

TEREBINTH (which see).

8410. tidhar -- (name of a tree) probably elm
... 8409, 8410. tidhar. 8411 . (name of a tree) probably elm. Transliteration:
tidhar Phonetic Spelling: (tid-hawr') Short Definition: box. ...
/hebrew/8410.htm - 6k

424. elah -- a terebinth
... elm, oak, teil-tree. Feminine of 'ayil; an oak or other strong tree -- elm, oak,
teil-tree. see HEBREW 'ayil. 423, 424. elah. 425 . Strong's Numbers.
/hebrew/424.htm - 6k

A Monster Elm
... Chapter 16. Windsor Park; Wesley as Art Critic; Glasgow and Perth; At 70,
Wesley Preaches to 30,000 People A Monster Elm. Monday, 11 ...
//christianbookshelf.org/wesley/the journal of john wesley/a monster elm.htm

As the vine is Supported by the Elm, So is the Rich Man Helped by ...
... The Pastor: Book Third."Similitudes. Similitude Second. As the Vine is Supported
by the Elm, So is the Rich Man Helped by the Prayer of the Poor. ...
/.../pastor/the pastor books first second third/similitude second as the vine.htm

A Man Expects to Reap the Same Kind as He Sows.
... sow. Plant wheat and you reap wheat, plant an acorn and there comes up
an oak, plant a little elm and in time you have a big elm. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/sowing and reaping/chapter iv a man expects.htm

That Christ is the Hand and Arm of God.
... I will establish in the land of drought the cedar-tree and the box-tree, and the
myrtle and the cypress, and the elm [3953] and the poplar, that they may see ...
/.../cyprian/three books of testimonies against the jews/4 that christ is the.htm

But Why do I Speak of These Trifles? what Man is There who is ...
... read germani servuli vita without meaning, corrected as above by Gelenius, Canterus,
Elm., and Oberth?�r, ut a g. servulo, and ut a g. servulis--"by the slaves ...
/.../arnobius/the seven books of arnobius against the heathen/7 but why do i.htm

We Would Here, as if all Nations on the Earth were Present...
... [4676] The ms. reads his--"these", emended, as above, vobis in the margin of Ursinus,
Elm., and LB. [4677] Lit., "and humble.". [4678] ie, a respectable woman. ...
/.../the seven books of arnobius against the heathen/14 we would here as.htm

Now, if this be not the Case, all Hope of Help is Taken Away...
... nothing. Footnotes: [4592] So the margin of Ursinus, Elm., LB., and Orelli,
with Meursius, reading audiamini for the ms. audiamur ...
/.../arnobius/the seven books of arnobius against the heathen/5 now if this be.htm

Introduction.
... clothes the spirit. Every fruitful vine has a strong elm to which it clings;
every strong elm supports a fruitful vine. One important ...
//christianbookshelf.org/arnot/the parables of our lord/introduction.htm

The Pastor: Books First, Second, Third
... City. Similitude Second. As the Vine is Supported by the Elm, So is the Rich
Man Helped by the Prayer of the Poor. Similitude Third. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pastor/the pastor books first second third/

On Easter
... Mingled together, the willow, the fir, the hazel, the osier, [2117] the elm, the
maple, the walnut, each tree applauds, delightful with its leaves. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/venantius/on easter/on easter.htm

Elm
... The English elm is Ulmus campestris; the common American or white elm is U. Americana;
the slippery or red elm, U. fulva. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. ELM. ...
/e/elm.htm - 7k

Pine (28 Occurrences)
... northern slopes of Lebanon. Some suppose that the elm, others that the oak,
or holm, or ilex, is meant by the Hebrew word. In Nehemiah 8 ...
/p/pine.htm - 17k

Teil
... In Isaiah 61:3 it is rendered in the plural "trees;" Hosea 4:13, "elm"
(RV, "terebinth"). Hosea 4:13, "elm" (RV, "terebinth"). In ...
/t/teil.htm - 7k

Tree (245 Occurrences)
... tidhhar (Isaiah 41:19, margin "plane"; Isaiah 60:13); peuke, "fir." Lagarde, from
similarity of tidhhar to the Syriac deddar, usually the "elm," considers this ...
/t/tree.htm - 75k

Winged (69 Occurrences)
... 5. (a.) Wounded or hurt in the wing. 6. (a.) Furnished with a leaflike appendage,
as the fruit of the elm and the ash, or the stem in certain plants. ...
/w/winged.htm - 26k

Rise (417 Occurrences)
... in the air. 4. (v.) To grow upward; to attain a certain height; as, this
elm rises to the height of seventy feet. 5. (v.) To reach ...
/r/rise.htm - 39k

Ella'sar (2 Occurrences)
Ella'sar. El-lasar, Ella'sar. Elm . Multi-Version Concordance Ella'sar (2
Occurrences). ... (See RSV). El-lasar, Ella'sar. Elm . Reference Bible.
/e/ella'sar.htm - 6k

Elmadam (1 Occurrence)

/e/elmadam.htm - 6k

Botany
... The southern hackberry or nettle tree (Celtis australis; Arabic mais) a member of
the Urticaceae closely allied to the elm, is an indigenous tree which is ...
/b/botany.htm - 38k

Is there any evidence for the giants mentioned in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Elm: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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