The Hebrew noun עץ (ʿetz) is the word for "tree." For example, Genesis 1:12 states: "The earth brought forth vegetation: plants yielding seed of every kind, and trees (ועץ) of every kind." The same word is also used in Genesis 2:9 to refer to two named trees in the garden: "the tree (ועץ) of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree (ועץ) of the knowledge of good and evil." The noun עץ (ʿetz) can also be used to refer more generally to "timber" as is seen in Leviticus 14:45: "He shall have the house torn down, its stones and timber (עציו) and all the plaster of the house."
Friday, April 19, 2024