Hazel
NatureWhat is the meaning of Hazel in the Bible?
A deciduous tree species referenced in Genesis 30:37, where Jacob uses peeled branches of hazel, almond, and plane trees to influence the breeding patterns of livestock.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding the botanical characteristics of the hazel tree clarifies the agricultural context of Jacob's stratagem, revealing how ancient pastoralists utilized local flora in their economic practices.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Physical & Symbolic Reality: Physical objects and natural elements like Hazel were everyday realities for biblical writers, frequently used as living metaphors for spiritual truths.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Hazel in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Hazel clarify?
Scripture Passages Mentioned:
Genesis 30:37
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
"Hazel." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/hazel/