תֹּ֫מֶר (to.mer)
to.mer
palm
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun tomer primarily denotes a palm tree, specifically the date palm, which was a valuable and recognizable feature of the landscape in ancient Israel. Its presence is noted in just two verses, appearing in Judges and Jeremiah, where it serves as a concrete geographical marker or a symbol of stability and fruitfulness in an arid environment.
Lexical sources also link tomer with architectural elements such as posts or columns. This secondary meaning likely arises from the tree’s straight, sturdy trunk, which was naturally suited for use as a support beam or decorative pillar. The connection between the living tree and the structural post highlights how ancient builders utilized local materials, blending nature with construction in a way that felt both practical and aesthetically pleasing.
While the word appears infrequently, its dual usage reflects the close relationship between the natural world and human activity in biblical times. The palm tree was not merely scenery; it provided food, shade, and building materials, making it an integral part of daily life. This practical significance helps explain why the same term could refer to both the living plant and the wooden structures derived from it.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word tomer points to the date palm, a tree that thrived in the arid landscapes of ancient Israel. Its straight trunk and abundant fruit made it a symbol of resilience and provision. When you encounter this image in Scripture, it reminds us of God’s ability to bring life and stability in dry places.
In Judges, Deborah holds court under the shade of a tomer. This was not just a random spot; the palm tree represented a place of justice and community where people gathered for guidance. It suggests that God often meets us in the ordinary, sturdy structures of daily life to offer direction.
Jeremiah uses the image differently, comparing idols to a carved palm tree—static and unable to act. This contrast highlights the difference between living faith and lifeless objects. The true tomer is rooted in God’s presence, offering shade and sustenance that never fades, inviting us to trust in His enduring care.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- [the] palm tree of1×
- [are] like/ a scarecrow of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- תֹּ֜מֶר1×
- כְּ/תֹ֨מֶר1×
Key Verses
-
Judges 4:5
She lived under Deborah’s palm tree between Ramah and Bethel in the hill country of Ephraim; and the children of Israel came up to her for judgment.
The palm tree serves as a fixed landmark for justice, showing how God uses stable, natural places to gather His people for guidance.
-
Jeremiah 10:5
They are like a palm tree, of turned work, and don’t speak. They must be carried, because they can’t move. Don’t be afraid of them; for they can’t do evil, neither is it in them to do good.”
Here the palm is compared to an idol to show its inability to act, contrasting lifeless craftsmanship with the living God who moves and speaks.