אֶ֫רֶז (e.rez)
e.rez
cedar
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 54 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew word 'erez refers to the cedar tree, specifically the tall, wide-spreading Cedrus libani native to Lebanon. Its name is thought to derive from the tenacity of its roots, which anchor the tree firmly against mountain winds. This durability made the wood highly prized in the ancient Near East for construction and decoration.
Scripture frequently highlights 'erez for its quality and scale. It was the primary material for Solomon’s Temple and palace, as seen in 1 Kings 6:9-10, where the interior walls and floors were overlaid with cedar to create a rich, aromatic space. The tree also serves as a metaphor for majesty and strength, such as when Psalm 29:5 describes the voice of God breaking the cedars of Lebanon.
Beyond building, 'erez had ritual significance. Leviticus 14:4 and 19:6 prescribe using cedar wood in purification rites for lepers and contaminated objects, often alongside other materials like hyssop. This usage underscores the wood’s association with purity and permanence in Israelite religious practice.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The cedar tree stands as an enduring symbol of strength and stability in Scripture. In ancient times, its wood was prized for resisting decay and repelling insects, making it ideal for building temples and palaces. This physical durability mirrors a spiritual truth: just as the cedar anchors itself against mountain winds, faith rooted in God provides a steady foundation when life feels unstable.
Psalm 92:12 captures this beautifully, describing the righteous person as flourishing like a cedar in Lebanon. It is not about human effort alone, but about being planted by God’s provision. When you face seasons of change or uncertainty, remember that your strength comes from being connected to Him. His presence offers a kind of resilience that does not wither under pressure.
This imagery invites us to trust in His enduring care. Just as the cedar remains green and strong through changing seasons, God’s promises remain constant. You can find comfort in knowing that He sustains you with the same steadfastness that holds these great trees upright.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 54 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- cedar<s>14×
- cedars6×
- cedar5×
- [the] cedars of5×
- <the>/ cedar4×
- with <the>/ cedar3×
- <the>/ cedars3×
- cedars/ its2×
- and/ cedar2×
- a cedar2×
- with <the>/ cedar<s>1×
- the/ cedar1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- אֲרָזִ֔ים7×
- אֶ֔רֶז4×
- אֲרָזִֽים\׃4×
- הָ/אֲרָזִ֗ים3×
- אֲרָזִ֑ים3×
- הָ/אֶ֜רֶז2×
- הָ/אֶ֛רֶז2×
- אָֽרֶז\׃2×
- אַרְזֵ֥י2×
- אַרְזֵ֣י2×
- אֲרָזָי/ו֙2×
- אֲרָזִ֖ים2×
Key Verses
-
II Samuel 7:2
the king said to Nathan the prophet, “See now, I dwell in a house of cedar, but God’s ark dwells within curtains.”
David’s observation about dwelling in a cedar house while God’s ark remains in curtains reveals his desire to honor God with the finest materials available.
-
I Kings 6:9
So he built the house and finished it; and he covered the house with beams and planks of cedar.
The use of cedar beams and planks in Solomon’s temple construction demonstrates how this durable wood was reserved for the most sacred spaces, signifying God’s glory.
-
Leviticus 14:4
then the priest shall command them to take for him who is to be cleansed two living clean birds, cedar wood, scarlet, and hyssop.
Cedar wood is included in the purification ritual alongside hyssop and scarlet, showing its role in restoring ceremonial cleanliness and community inclusion.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the word 'cedar' symbolize in the Bible?
Why is cedar wood mentioned in purification rituals?
How is cedar different from other trees mentioned in Scripture?
Every Occurrence (54 verses across 16 books)
Leviticus 5 verses
then the priest shall command them to take for him who is to be cleansed two living clean birds, cedar wood, scarlet,…
Leviticus 14:6As for the living bird, he shall take it, the cedar wood, the scarlet, and the hyssop, and shall dip them and the…
Leviticus 14:49To cleanse the house he shall take two birds, cedar wood, scarlet, and hyssop.
Leviticus 14:51He shall take the cedar wood, the hyssop, the scarlet, and the living bird, and dip them in the blood of the slain…
Leviticus 14:52He shall cleanse the house with the blood of the bird, and with the running water, with the living bird, with the cedar…