בְּרוֹשׁ (be.rosh)
be.rosh
cypress
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 13 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun berosh refers to a tall, sturdy coniferous tree, commonly translated as cypress, fir, or pine. In the Old Testament it appears in thirteen verses, primarily within the books of Isaiah, 1 Kings, and Zechariah. The sources identify it as a noble timber, valued for its straight trunk and durable wood.
This tree carries significant weight in biblical descriptions of construction and majesty. It was used for the beams and pillars of Solomon’s temple (1 Kings 5:6) and for the rafters of royal palaces (1 Kings 7:2). The prophets also employ it as a metaphor for grandeur and strength; Isaiah contrasts the lowly with the lofty by noting how the cypress replaces the thornbush in God’s restored garden (Isaiah 55:13).
Its physical characteristics—height, straightness, and resistance to decay—made it ideal for important architectural projects. Translators often choose "cypress" or "pine" depending on context, but the underlying sense remains one of solid, enduring quality. The word highlights how natural materials were integrated into sacred spaces, reflecting both practical craftsmanship and divine glory.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word beros points to a tree known for its height, straightness, and resistance to decay. In ancient Israel, this durable wood was reserved for the most important structures, including the walls of Solomon’s temple and the rafters of royal palaces. Its physical strength made it a fitting material for spaces dedicated to God’s presence.
For your faith journey, this image offers a quiet reminder of stability. Just as the cypress stood firm against the elements, Scripture invites you to find rest in something solid that does not rot or fade. When life feels unstable, looking toward the enduring nature of God’s promises can provide a steady anchor.
You do not need to manufacture your own strength. The same Creator who raised these tall trees also sustains your spirit. Trusting in His unchanging character allows you to stand firm, knowing that what is built on Him remains secure.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 13 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- cypresses4×
- pines/ its2×
- fir trees1×
- cypress[es]1×
- cypress1×
- a cypress1×
- [the] fir trees1×
- [is] fir trees1×
- O cypress1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- בְּרֹשָׁ֔י/ו2×
- בְּר֛וֹשׁ2×
- בְרוֹשִׁ֑ים2×
- בְּרוֹשִֽׁים\׃1×
- בְּרוֹשִׁ֥ים1×
- בְּרוֹשִׁ֛ים1×
- בְּרוֹשִׁ֔ים1×
- בְּרוֹשׁ֙1×
- בְרוֹשִׁ֛ים1×
- בְר֔וֹשׁ1×
Key Verses
-
I Kings 6:15
He built the walls of the house within with boards of cedar; from the floor of the house to the walls of the ceiling, he covered them on the inside with wood. He covered the floor of the house with cypress boards.
This verse specifies the cypress boards used for the temple floor, showing how this durable wood was integral to the sacred space itself.
-
Isaiah 55:13
Instead of the thorn the cypress tree will come up; and instead of the brier the myrtle tree will come up. It will make a name for Yahweh, for an everlasting sign that will not be cut off.”
Here the cypress replaces the thornbush in God’s restored garden, symbolizing a permanent and glorious outcome for His people.
-
II Samuel 6:5
David and all the house of Israel played before Yahweh with all kinds of instruments made of cypress wood, with harps, with stringed instruments, with tambourines, with castanets, and with cymbals.
The instruments made of cypress wood highlight how this sturdy timber was used to facilitate joyful worship before the Lord.