Plane Tree
Jump to: ISBEHebrewLibrarySubtopicsTerms
Topical Encyclopedia
The Plane Tree, known scientifically as Platanus, is a deciduous tree that is mentioned in the Bible and holds significance in biblical history and symbolism. It is characterized by its broad leaves and distinctive mottled bark, which peels away in patches. The tree is known for its resilience and ability to thrive in various climates, making it a common sight in the regions surrounding the Mediterranean.

Biblical References:

The Plane Tree is specifically mentioned in the Old Testament. In Genesis 30:37 , we read about Jacob's use of the Plane Tree in a unique breeding strategy: "Then Jacob took fresh branches of poplar, almond, and plane trees, and peeled the bark, exposing the white inner wood of the branches." This passage highlights the Plane Tree's presence in the ancient Near East and its utility in agricultural practices.

Symbolism and Significance:

In biblical literature, trees often symbolize life, growth, and prosperity. The Plane Tree, with its robust nature and expansive canopy, can be seen as a representation of strength and endurance. Its ability to flourish in diverse environments may also symbolize adaptability and resilience, qualities that are valued in biblical teachings.

The use of the Plane Tree in Jacob's account may also carry deeper symbolic meaning. Jacob's actions, guided by divine wisdom, resulted in the prosperity and multiplication of his flocks. This can be interpreted as a reflection of God's provision and blessing upon those who follow His guidance.

Cultural and Historical Context:

The Plane Tree was well-known in the ancient world, particularly in the regions of the Middle East and the Mediterranean. Its wood was valued for its durability and was often used in construction and crafting. The tree's shade and beauty made it a popular choice for planting in public spaces and along roadsides.

In ancient cultures, trees were often associated with sacred spaces and were sometimes planted near temples or used in religious rituals. While the Bible does not explicitly link the Plane Tree to such practices, its presence in the biblical narrative suggests its importance in the daily life and spiritual symbolism of the time.

Conclusion:

The Plane Tree, though mentioned briefly in the Bible, carries with it a wealth of cultural, historical, and symbolic significance. Its mention in the account of Jacob serves as a reminder of the intricate relationship between God's creation and His divine plan for humanity.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
Plane Tree

PLANE TREE

plan'-tre ('armon; platanos (Genesis 30:37), elate ("pine" or "fir") (Ezekiel 31:8); the King James Version chestnut): `Armon is supposed to be derived from the root aram, meaning "to be bare" or "naked"; this is considered a suitable term for the plane, which sheds its bark annually. The chestnut of the King James Version is not an indigenous tree, but the plane (Planus orientalis) is one of the finest trees in Palestine, flourishing especially by water courses (compare Ecclesiasticus 24:14).

Strong's Hebrew
6196. armon -- plane tree
... 6195, 6196. armon. 6197 . plane tree. Transliteration: armon Phonetic
Spelling: (ar-mone') Short Definition: trees. Word Origin ...
/hebrew/6196.htm - 6k
Library

Colossians ii. 16-19
... have said from the legends of the Greeks)"it is reported amongst them of a certain
king, that he became so insolent in luxury, as to make a plane tree of gold ...
/.../homily vii colossians ii 16-19.htm

Profane Authors had no Means of Knowing the Truth.
... to maintain that there is no providence; or Empedocles to teach atheism; or Socrates
to swear by the dog, and the goose, and the plane-tree, and ??sculapius ...
/.../theophilus/theophilus to autolycus/chapter ii profane authors had no.htm

Ep. vi.
... slighter matters, O for the daily courses and experiences; O for the gatherings
of wood, and the cutting of stone; O for the golden plane-tree, more precious ...
/.../cyril/select letters of saint gregory nazianzen/ep vi.htm

Simon's Disciples Adopt the Mysteries; Simon Meets St. Peter at ...
... opposition. This man, ultimately repairing to...(and) sitting under a plane
tree, continued to give instruction (in his doctrines). And ...
/.../the refutation of all heresies/chapter xv simons disciples adopt the.htm

Preparations for the Invasion of Greece.
... gold."Xerxes's gratitude put to the test."He murders Pythius's son."Various objects
of interest observed by the army."The plane-tree."Artificial honey ...
//christianbookshelf.org/abbott/xerxes/chapter iv preparations for the.htm

Chapter xxx
... white surface after peeling"the white "poplar" as the name libhneh ("white") indicates,
the l?�z, or "almond" and the 'erm??n, or "plane tree," whose bark ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxx.htm

Ancient Chaldaea
... Fruit trees were everywhere mingled with ornamental trees"the fig, apple, almond,
walnut, apricot, pistachio, vine, with the plane tree, cypress, tamarisk ...
/.../chapter iancient chaldaea.htm

Concerning "Perfect" and "One. "
... essence; (2) transcendently, and not in such a manner as to he differentiated froth
other essences (for on the super-essential plane of the ... [503] A tree is one ...
/.../rolt/dionysius the areopagite/chapter xiii concerning perfect and.htm

The Relation of the Godhead to Creation
... at the centre), and the other within its own created being on this lower plane where
all ... It is right that a stone should be but a stone and a tree no more than ...
/.../rolt/dionysius the areopagite/iii the relation of the godhead.htm

Love, the Motive Power for Service.
... tree on this earth that can produce fruit which is pleasing to God is the tree of
love ... When we get on to the higher plane of love it will not be hard for us to ...
/.../moody/to the work to the work/chapter ii love the motive.htm

Resources
What does it mean that the one who is unwilling to work shall not eat (2 Thessalonians 3:10)? | GotQuestions.org

What is the Christian view of asceticism / monasticism? | GotQuestions.org

What is the rule of faith? | GotQuestions.org

Plane: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Subtopics

Plane

Plane Tree

Plane: A Tool

Related Terms

Plane-trees (1 Occurrence)

Plane-tree (3 Occurrences)

Level (31 Occurrences)

Projection (3 Occurrences)

Trace (7 Occurrences)

Elevation (7 Occurrences)

Stock (16 Occurrences)

Horizon (4 Occurrences)

Chestnut (2 Occurrences)

Vertical (1 Occurrence)

Juniper (7 Occurrences)

Joint (12 Occurrences)

Warp (9 Occurrences)

Inclined (23 Occurrences)

Tools (3 Occurrences)

Table (125 Occurrences)

Ring (33 Occurrences)

Mother (2641 Occurrences)

Plough (11 Occurrences)

Block (22 Occurrences)

Cypress (17 Occurrences)

Axe (19 Occurrences)

Shear (5 Occurrences)

Sycamore (9 Occurrences)

Shoot (51 Occurrences)

Slope (29 Occurrences)

Steep (7 Occurrences)

Section (22 Occurrences)

Plain (113 Occurrences)

Almond (7 Occurrences)

Adoration

Pine (28 Occurrences)

Plan (58 Occurrences)

Mediation

Intercession (12 Occurrences)

Family (438 Occurrences)

Mediator (7 Occurrences)

Tree (245 Occurrences)

Quadrangle (1 Occurrence)

Normal (3 Occurrences)

Uncleanness (56 Occurrences)

Gentiles (150 Occurrences)

Wasteland (19 Occurrences)

Inner (141 Occurrences)

Incline (38 Occurrences)

Internal (1 Occurrence)

Flat (33 Occurrences)

Fresh (41 Occurrences)

Fir-trees (11 Occurrences)

Fresh-cut (1 Occurrence)

Fashions (10 Occurrences)

Fault (42 Occurrences)

Footstep (3 Occurrences)

Tola (5 Occurrences)

Tore (59 Occurrences)

Traverse (5 Occurrences)

Tool (13 Occurrences)

Rival (5 Occurrences)

Roll (57 Occurrences)

Ramp (9 Occurrences)

Rods (76 Occurrences)

Relief (32 Occurrences)

Extends (15 Occurrences)

Earthly (39 Occurrences)

Exposing (3 Occurrences)

External (8 Occurrences)

Err (41 Occurrences)

Error (90 Occurrences)

Diameter (1 Occurrence)

Delusion (12 Occurrences)

Direction (128 Occurrences)

Dip (17 Occurrences)

Marking (11 Occurrences)

Median (3 Occurrences)

Match (4 Occurrences)

Parallel (6 Occurrences)

Peel (1 Occurrence)

Pentagon (1 Occurrence)

Plane
Top of Page
Top of Page