Dictionary of Bible Themes: 4504 roots

4504 roots

Dictionary of Bible Themes

Dictionary of Bible Themes » 4000 Creation » 4400 Vegetation and food » 4504 roots

The source and foundation of a tree or plant, anchoring it to the soil, usually found beneath the surface of the ground. Scripture contains literal, metaphorical and figurative references to roots.

Roots of trees and plants

Jesus Christ as the “Root of David”

Revelation 22:16 See also Isaiah 11:1-5,10-12; Isaiah 53:1-3; Romans 15:8-12; Revelation 5:5

The metaphorical use of roots

Individuals and nations depicted as trees or plants with roots

Job 29:18-20 See also Judges 5:14; Job 8:11-19; Job 18:5-17; Psalm 1:3; Psalm 80:14-15; Isaiah 5:22-24; Isaiah 14:30; Isaiah 37:30-32 the LORD's sign to Hezekiah; Jeremiah 17:7-8; Ezekiel 17:1-10; Ezekiel 31:3-9

Nebuchadnezzar's dream of a tree:

Daniel 4:13-16,23-26 Hosea 9:16; Hosea 14:5; Malachi 4:1; Matthew 3:10 pp Luke 3:9; Matthew 13:18-21 pp Mark 4:13-17 pp Luke 8:11-13 the parable of the sower; Matthew 15:13; Romans 11:13-21

Sources and foundations described as roots

1 Timothy 6:10 See also Job 19:28; Job 28:9; Proverbs 12:12; Isaiah 14:29; Amos 2:9; Jonah 2:6

Bitter roots

Hebrews 12:15 See also Deuteronomy 29:18

Roots as a symbol of stability and growth

Taking root

Colossians 2:6-7 See also 2 Kings 19:30; Job 5:3; Psalm 80:8-9; Isaiah 27:6; Isaiah 40:24; Jeremiah 12:2; Ephesians 3:14-19

Being uprooted