δένδρον (G1186) — Greek Lexicon

δένδρον

déndron

G1186 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

A tree—any perennial plant with a woody trunk and branches. In a broad sense, denotes a large, upright plant structure bearing fruit or foliage; in specific contexts, may include fruit-bearing and non-fruit-bearing species. The term does not specify type or species unless indicated by a qualifier.

Semantic Range

tree (generic), live tree, large woody plant, metaphor for person/behavior (bearing fruit), genealogical metaphor

Root / Etymology

From the root δένδρον; etymology uncertain, but possibly related to ὄζος (branch) or to Indo-European roots referring to trees. Not limited to oaks, despite some ancient associations with specific tree types.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, δένδρον referred generically to a tree of any type, often with further specification by context or compound (e.g., καλλίδενδρον, 'beautiful tree'). In the Septuagint, δέντρον typically translates Hebrew עֵץ ('tree'), and is used in both literal and metaphorical senses, including genealogies and parables. In the New Testament (e.g., Matthew 3:10; 7:17-19), it is used metaphorically for people or actions bearing results ('good tree bears good fruit'), and literally in descriptions of vegetation. The term δένδρον does not intrinsically differentiate between fruit-bearing and non-fruit-bearing trees, nor ever specifically denote an 'oak.' English translation as "tree" is generally sufficient, but metaphorical uses should be clarified by context; usage remains consistent from classical through Koine periods, without significant narrowing or expansion of meaning. Contrasted with ξύλον, which in some contexts means 'wood' or 'tree' as an object rather than a living plant.

Translation Consistency

primary "tree" 25 occurrences

“Tree” is the natural, common English noun that covers the full, typical semantic range of δένδρον — a large woody perennial, living tree, and the metaphorical uses (bearing fruit, genealogical image). Using the singular base form provides a consistent headword that can be inflected as needed (trees, the tree, etc.) and aligns with the majority of existing renderings.

✓ All renderings match approved senses

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

probably from (an oak); a tree:--tree.

Root Family

δένδρον (dendron) — tree, living woody plant

Root δενδρ- tree, living woody plant

Word Forms

2 distinct forms

SIDANCE	Surface	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2	Occurrences
`G1186-02`	δένδρων	dendron	`N GEN N PL`	tree	of trees	tree	21
`G1186-01`	δένδρα	dendra	`N ACC N PL`	trees	trees	trees	4

Occurrences in Scripture

25 occurrences

Filter by SIDANCE:

SIDANCE	Reference	Word	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2
`G1186-02`	Matthew 3:10	δένδρων	dendron	`N GEN N PL`	trees	of trees	of trees
`G1186-02`	Matthew 3:10	δένδρον	dendron-2	`N NOM N SG`	tree	of trees	tree
`G1186-02`	Matthew 7:17	δένδρον	dendron	`N NOM N SG`	tree	of trees	tree
`G1186-02`	Matthew 7:17	δένδρον	dendron-2	`N NOM N SG`	tree	of trees	tree
`G1186-02`	Matthew 7:18	δένδρον	dendron	`N NOM N SG`	tree	of trees	a tree
`G1186-02`	Matthew 7:18	δένδρον	dendron-2	`N NOM N SG`	tree	of trees	a tree
`G1186-02`	Matthew 7:19	δένδρον	dendron	`N NOM N SG`	tree	of trees	tree
`G1186-02`	Matthew 12:33	δένδρον	dendron	`N ACC N SG`	tree	of trees	tree
`G1186-02`	Matthew 12:33	δένδρον	dendron-2	`N ACC N SG`	tree	of trees	tree
`G1186-02`	Matthew 12:33	δένδρον	dendron-3	`N NOM N SG`	tree	of trees	tree
`G1186-02`	Matthew 13:32	δένδρον	dendron	`N NOM N SG`	a tree	of trees	a tree
`G1186-02`	Matthew 21:8	δένδρων	dendron	`N GEN N PL`	trees	of trees	of trees
`G1186-01`	Mark 8:24	δένδρα	dendra	`N ACC N PL`	trees	trees	trees
`G1186-02`	Luke 3:9	δένδρων	dendron	`N GEN N PL`	trees	of trees	of trees
`G1186-02`	Luke 3:9	δένδρον	dendron-2	`N NOM N SG`	tree	of trees	tree
`G1186-02`	Luke 6:43	δένδρον	dendron	`N NOM N SG`	tree	of trees	tree
`G1186-02`	Luke 6:43	δένδρον	dendron-2	`N NOM N SG`	tree	of trees	tree
`G1186-02`	Luke 6:44	δένδρον	dendron	`N NOM N SG`	tree	of trees	tree
`G1186-02`	Luke 13:19	δένδρον	dendron	`N ACC N SG`	tree	of trees	a tree
`G1186-01`	Luke 21:29	δένδρα	dendra	`N ACC N PL`	trees	trees	trees
`G1186-01`	Jude 1:12	δένδρα	dendra	`N NOM N PL`	trees	trees	trees
`G1186-02`	Revelation 7:1	δένδρον	dendron	`N ACC N SG`	tree	of trees	tree
`G1186-01`	Revelation 7:3	δένδρα	dendra	`N ACC N PL`	trees	trees	trees
`G1186-02`	Revelation 8:7	δένδρων	dendron	`N GEN N PL`	trees	of trees	of trees
`G1186-02`	Revelation 9:4	δένδρον	dendron	`N ACC N SG`	tree	of trees	tree

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