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אַלּוֹן (al.lon)

al.lon

oak

H0437 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 7 verses

H:N-M

Quick Reference

Language
Biblical Hebrew
Testament
Old Testament
Occurrences
7 verses
Root
—
Part of speech
H:N-M

Definition

Definition

oak, great tree

Brown-Driver-Briggs

אַלּוֹן n.m. oak

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

oak, great tree

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The word allon simply means oak tree. In the ancient Near East, these trees were known for their great size and long life. They provided deep shade and sturdy wood. When Scripture mentions them, it often highlights something enduring or significant in a person’s story.

You might see this word in passages about family history, like when Deborah was buried under an oak near Bethel. It also appears in poetry describing God’s power over nature, such as the mighty oaks of Bashan that represent strength and pride. These trees remind us that God is involved in both our personal histories and the grand sweep of history.

Reflecting on this word can bring a sense of stability to your faith journey. Just as an oak stands firm through seasons of change, you are invited to trust in the One who created such enduring things. May you find peace in knowing that God cares for the details of your life, just as He cares for the forests He made.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 7 verses where it appears, by frequency.

  • the/ oak1×
  • oak1×
  • like <the>/ oaks1×
  • and/ like <the>/ oak1×
  • and/ an oak1×
  • [the] oaks of1×
  • O oaks of1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

  • כָּֽ/אַלּוֹנִ֑ים1×
  • וְ/כָ/אַלּ֗וֹן1×
  • וְ/אַלּ֔וֹן1×
  • הָֽ/אַלּ֑וֹן1×
  • אַלּוֹנֵ֥י1×
  • אַלּוֹנֵ֣י1×
  • אַלּ֧וֹן1×

Key Verses

  • Genesis 35:8
    Deborah, Rebekah’s nurse, died, and she was buried below Bethel under the oak; and its name was called Allon Bacuth.

    This verse records the burial of Deborah under an oak, marking a specific moment of mourning and remembrance in the patriarchal narratives.

  • Isaiah 6:13
    If there is a tenth left in it, that also will in turn be consumed, as a terebinth, and as an oak whose stump remains when they are cut down, so the holy seed is its stump.”

    Here the oak stump symbolizes hope and preservation, suggesting that even after judgment leaves only a remnant, life can continue through the holy seed.

  • Hosea 4:13
    They sacrifice on the tops of the mountains, and burn incense on the hills, under oaks, poplars, and terebinths, because its shade is good. Therefore your daughters play the prostitute, and your brides commit adultery.

    The prophet uses oaks as a backdrop for idolatrous worship, showing how physical places of shade were misused for spiritual unfaithfulness.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Hebrew word alon mean?

Alon translates directly to oak tree. It is a common noun used throughout the Old Testament to describe this specific type of large, long-lived tree found in the land of Israel.

Why are oaks mentioned so often in the Bible?

Oaks were prominent features of the ancient landscape. They provided shade for gatherings and burial sites, as seen with Deborah. They also served as metaphors for strength and pride, which prophets like Isaiah and Hosea used to teach spiritual lessons.

Is there a difference between alon and other trees mentioned in Scripture?

Yes, while many trees are named, alon specifically refers to the oak. It is often distinguished from cedars or terebinths by its specific ecological role and symbolic use, such as representing a surviving stump in Isaiah 6:13.

Every Occurrence (7 verses across 5 books)

Genesis 1 verse
Isaiah 3 verses
Hosea 1 verse
Amos 1 verse
Zechariah 1 verse