Terebinth
NatureWhat is the meaning of Terebinth in the Bible?
The terebinth is a tree allied to the Pistacia vera, producing red berries and pinnate leaves that change color and fall in autumn. It can grow up to 40 ft high and has thick, dark-green foliage.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding the terebinth clarifies biblical descriptions of ancient landscapes and worship sites, distinguishing it from the oak to reveal the specific botanical settings of historical narratives.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Physical & Symbolic Reality: Physical objects and natural elements like Terebinth were everyday realities for biblical writers, frequently used as living metaphors for spiritual truths.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Terebinth in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Terebinth clarify?
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
"Terebinth." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/terebinth/