עֵץ
Etz
Tree, wood
Etz (עֵץ) is a Hebrew word meaning “tree, wood,” pronounced “EHTZ.” Derived from the root ע-צ, etz appears 300 times in the Hebrew Bible (Strong's H6086).
| Hebrew | עֵץ |
|---|---|
| Transliteration | Etz |
| Pronunciation | EHTZ |
| Meaning | Tree, wood |
| Root Letters | ע-צ |
| Occurrences in Hebrew Bible | 300× |
| Key Verse | Psalm 1:3 |
| Strong's Number | H6086 |
| Category | Nature & Creation |
The story of the Bible begins with a tree and ends with a tree. In Genesis 2, God placed the Etz HaChayyim (Tree of Life) and the Etz HaDa'at (Tree of Knowledge) in the Garden of Eden. In Revelation 22, the Tree of Life reappears in the New Jerusalem, bearing twelve kinds of fruit with leaves 'for the healing of the nations.' Between those two trees stretches the entire drama of human history. The Hebrew word etz (עֵץ) means both 'tree' and 'wood,' which becomes profoundly significant when you realize that the cross on which Jesus died was also etz — wood. The Psalmist declares that the righteous person is 'like an etz planted by streams of water' (Psalm 1:3), rooted, fruitful, and enduring. Deuteronomy 20:19 even forbids cutting down fruit trees in wartime, asking, 'Is the etz of the field a man, that it should be besieged by you?' This remarkable ecological ethic emerges from a deep reverence for the life God embedded in creation. Understanding etz connects you to the Bible's most enduring image: life rooted in God that bears fruit for others.
Key Bible Verse: Psalm 1:3
“He is like a tree (etz) planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.”
What Is the Root of Etz in Hebrew?
Etz is a primary Hebrew noun meaning both 'tree' and 'wood.' Its dual meaning creates theological connections between the living tree in Eden and the wooden cross of crucifixion, between the Tree of Life and the 'tree' on which Christ hung (Acts 5:30, using the Greek 'xylon').
What Does Etz Mean in the Bible?
Etz appears over 300 times in the Hebrew Bible. It refers to the Tree of Life (Genesis 2:9), the Tree of Knowledge (Genesis 2:17), building material (1 Kings 6), the righteous person (Psalm 1:3), and wisdom itself, called 'a tree of life' (Proverbs 3:18).
How Is Etz Used in Modern Hebrew?
Tu BiShvat (the 15th of Shevat) is the Jewish 'New Year for Trees,' celebrated by planting trees and eating fruits. Israel has planted over 250 million trees since 1900. The phrase 'Etz Chayyim hi' ('It is a tree of life') from Proverbs 3:18 is sung when the Torah scroll is returned to the ark.
How to Use Etz in Prayer & Worship
Ask God to plant you like the tree of Psalm 1 — rooted by living water, bearing fruit in season, and evergreen in faith. Pray to be deeply rooted in God's Word so your life naturally produces the fruit of His Spirit.
Frequently Asked Questions About Etz
How do you say “Tree” in Hebrew?
“Tree” in Hebrew is Etz (עֵץ), pronounced “EHTZ.” Etz is a primary Hebrew noun meaning both 'tree' and 'wood.' Its dual meaning creates theological connections between the living tree in Eden and the wooden cross of crucifixion, between the Tree of Life and the 'tree' on which Christ hung (Acts 5:30, using the Greek 'xylon').
What does Etz mean in the Bible?
Etz (עֵץ) means “Tree, wood” in Biblical Hebrew. Etz appears over 300 times in the Hebrew Bible. It refers to the Tree of Life (Genesis 2:9), the Tree of Knowledge (Genesis 2:17), building material (1 Kings 6), the righteous person (Psalm 1:3), and wisdom itself, called 'a tree of life' (Proverbs 3:18).
How do you pronounce Etz?
Etz is pronounced “EHTZ.” The word comes from the Hebrew root ע-צ.
What is the Tree of Life in the Bible?
The Etz HaChayyim (Tree of Life) first appears in Eden (Genesis 2:9) and reappears in Revelation 22:2. After the fall, God barred access to it (Genesis 3:24). Proverbs calls wisdom 'a tree of life' (3:18). In Revelation, the Tree of Life bears twelve fruits and its leaves heal the nations — paradise restored. The entire Bible is a story of returning to the tree that gives eternal life.
Why does the Bible compare righteous people to trees?
Psalm 1:3 says the righteous person is 'like a tree planted by streams of water.' Trees are rooted (stable), fruitful (productive), leafy (vibrant), and grow slowly (patient). A tree doesn't strain to produce fruit — it naturally bears what it is. Likewise, a life rooted in God's Word naturally produces righteousness, joy, and blessing.
Is there a connection between the tree in Eden and the cross?
Yes. In Hebrew, etz means both 'tree' and 'wood.' Acts 5:30 refers to Jesus being 'hung on a tree (etz/xylon).' Early Christians saw a powerful connection: humanity fell through a tree in Eden and was redeemed through the wood of the cross. The curse that came through the first etz was broken by the second.
Sources & Further Study
- Blue Letter Bible — H6086: Etz
- Bible Gateway — Psalm 1:3 (ESV)
- Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (BDB) — entry for ע-צ
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