Box-Tree
NatureWhat is the meaning of Box-Tree in the Bible?
The biblical term te'ashshur likely refers to Buxus sempervirens or Buxus colchica, species native to the Levant and Anatolia, characterized by their dense growth and durable timber used for carving.
SIGNIFICANCE
Identifying the box-tree clarifies the material properties of ancient wooden artifacts and instruments mentioned in scripture, such as the carved elements of the Temple or musical instruments, by linking them to a specific, durable local wood source.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Physical & Symbolic Reality: Physical objects and natural elements like Box-Tree were everyday realities for biblical writers, frequently used as living metaphors for spiritual truths.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Box-Tree in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Box-Tree clarify?
Related Topics
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Box-Tree." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/boxtree/