Tree
עֵץ (etz)
A living, rooted growth — symbolizing life, fruitfulness, wisdom, and the cross.
Etz is the Hebrew word for tree, carrying profound symbolism throughout Scripture. From the tree of life in Eden to the cross of Christ, trees frame the biblical story of life, choice, and redemption.
"And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither." — Psalm 1:3 (KJV)
Key Verses
Psalm 1:3
“And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither.”Read in context
Genesis 2:9
“And out of the ground made the LORD God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden.”Read in context
Revelation 22:2
“In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits.”Read in context
Strong's Concordance
Strong's H6086 — Tree (עֵץ (etz))
Browse the full lexicon entry and every KJV verse where עֵץ (etz) appears.
Open Strong's H6086Etymology and Original Meaning
Etz means 'tree' or 'wood.' It covers everything from a living tree to cut timber to a wooden implement. The same word can refer to the tree of life, a wooden idol, or the cross of Christ. This breadth of meaning creates rich theological connections: the living tree, the misused tree (idols), and the redemptive tree (the cross) are all linked by the same Hebrew word.
The Trees of Eden
Two trees defined the Garden of Eden: the tree of life and the tree of knowledge of good and evil (Genesis 2:9). The tree of life offered ongoing communion with God; the tree of knowledge presented the choice of autonomy. Humanity chose wrongly, was barred from the tree of life (Genesis 3:24), and the rest of Scripture is the story of regaining access to that tree.
The Righteous as Trees
Psalm 1:3 compares the righteous person to 'a tree planted by the rivers of water.' Jeremiah 17:7-8 echoes this image. A rooted tree is stable, fruitful, and enduring — unshaken by drought because its roots reach hidden water. Conversely, the wicked are like chaff, tumbleweeds, or uprooted trees (Jude 1:12). Rootedness in God produces lasting fruitfulness.
The Cross and the Tree of Life
Peter describes the crucifixion using etz: Christ 'bore our sins in his own body on the tree' (1 Peter 2:24). The cross — a wooden tree of death — became the means of restoring access to the tree of life. Revelation 22:2 pictures the tree of life in the New Jerusalem, bearing fruit every month and offering healing. What was lost in Eden is restored through Christ.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does tree symbolize in the Bible?
Trees symbolize life, fruitfulness, wisdom, and divine provision. From Eden's two trees to the cross to the tree of life in Revelation, trees frame the story of life, choice, and redemption.
What is the tree of life?
The tree of life in Eden represented ongoing communion with God and eternal life (Genesis 2:9). Access was lost through sin (Genesis 3:24) and restored through Christ. It reappears in the New Jerusalem (Revelation 22:2), bearing fruit for the healing of the nations.
Which Bible verse uses the word "Tree"?
Psalm 1:3 — "And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither" (KJV). It also appears in Genesis 2:9, Revelation 22:2.
Why does the Hebrew word behind "Tree" matter?
Etz means 'tree' or 'wood.' It covers everything from a living tree to cut timber to a wooden implement. English uses one word, "Tree", where the Hebrew עֵץ (etz) carries the fuller sense: a living, rooted growth — symbolizing life, fruitfulness, wisdom, and the cross.
Related Words
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
Tree (עֵץ (etz))
A living, rooted growth — symbolizing life, fruitfulness, wisdom, and the cross.
Strong's H6086 — Tree
עֵץ (etz) • A living, rooted growth — symbolizing life, fruitfulness, wisdom, and the cross.
Biblical Meaning of a Tree in a Dream (KJV)
The righteous life, generations, or judgment on fruitlessness.
Biblical Meaning of a River in a Dream (KJV)
The Spirit's flow, refreshing, and God's ongoing work.
Water (מַיִם (mayim))
Life, cleansing, and the Spirit — a primary symbol of God's sustaining and renewing power.
Strong's H4325 — Water
מַיִם (mayim) • The substance of life — symbolizing cleansing, sustenance, the Spirit, and chaos overcome.
Where to go next
Studied the meaning of Tree? Continue with these word-study and Scripture pages.
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