עַרְמוֹן (ar.mon)
ar.mon
plane tree
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun armon refers specifically to a plane tree, a species known for its distinctive bark that peels away in patches. The lexicon sources highlight this physical characteristic by defining the word as a tree "stripped of bark," pointing to the visual texture that likely made it recognizable in the ancient landscape.
This single term appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in Genesis 35:4, where Jacob’s household buries their foreign gods and earrings under this specific tree. The choice of location is not random; the plane tree’s broad canopy provided natural shade, making it a common gathering place for important family or tribal matters in the ancient Near East.
While the word itself does not carry heavy theological symbolism, its solitary usage anchors a moment of decisive spiritual cleansing. By placing these idols under the armon, the text uses a tangible, earthly landmark to mark a clear break from past idolatry, grounding the narrative’s spiritual shift in a concrete, physical setting.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word armon identifies the plane tree, a species easily recognized by its bark that peels away in patches to reveal lighter wood underneath. This physical trait gives the Hebrew term its sense of being stripped or bare, creating a visual texture that stood out in the ancient landscape. Because these trees grow broad and provide deep shade, they often served as natural meeting places for families and tribes in the Near East.
Its single appearance in Genesis 35:4 marks a moment of decisive spiritual cleansing. Jacob’s household buried their foreign gods and earrings under this tree, using a tangible landmark to mark a clear break from past idolatry. This act grounds a major shift in faith within a concrete, physical setting, showing how everyday nature can frame moments of deep spiritual renewal.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ plane tree1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וְ/עֶרְמ֑וֹן1×