עַרְמוֹן
𐤏𐤓𐤌𐤅𐤍
ʻarmôwn
H6196 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A species of broad-leaved deciduous tree, specifically the Oriental plane tree (Platanus orientalis), known for its smooth, shedding bark. In the Hebrew Bible, it refers to a large, flourishing tree often found along rivers or in moist, fertile regions.
Semantic Range
plane tree, especially Oriental plane (Platanus orientalis); in some traditions, chestnut tree; generically, a large, smooth-barked deciduous tree
Root / Etymology
From the Hebrew root ערם (ʻ-r-m), which carries core meanings of 'to make bare, strip, be smooth.' עַרְמוֹן derives from this root likely due to the characteristic smooth, exfoliating bark of the plane tree. The semantic relationship is based on visual features, not function.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In Ezekiel 31:8, עַרְמוֹן is listed among impressive trees to highlight the greatness of Assyria, demonstrating its status as a symbol of majesty and natural beauty in ancient Near Eastern landscapes. There is some translational ambiguity, with some versions translating it as 'plane tree,' 'chestnut tree,' or occasionally 'elm,' based on Greek and Latin tradition and perceived characteristics. However, botanical and lexical evidence favors identification with the Oriental plane. The word is rare, attested only in Ezekiel, and does not appear elsewhere in the Hebrew Bible. It is not to be confused with related Hebrew words such as אֶלָּה (ʻallah; 'terebinth' or 'oak') or עֲצוּץ (ʻatzutz; 'willow' or 'poplar'), which denote entirely different species both botanically and symbolically.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
probably from עָרַם; the plane tree (from its smooth and shed bark); chestnut tree.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
ערם (ʿ-r-m) — to strip, make bare, be smooth
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H4636 | מַעֲרֹם | their barenesses |
| H5903 | עֵירֹם | bare |
| H6174 | עָרוֹם | bare one |
| H6175 | עָרוּם | shrewd one |
| H6191 | עָרַם | shrewd (masculine singular) |
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H6196-02 |
וְ/עֶרְמ֑וֹן | veeremon | HC/Ncmsa |
and plane | smooth-barked plane tree | 1 |
H6196-01 |
וְ/עַרְמֹנִ֥ים | vearemonim | HC/Ncmpa |
and plane trees | and smooth-barked plane trees | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H6196-02 |
Genesis 30:37 | וְ/עֶרְמ֑וֹן | veeremon | HC/Ncmsa |
and plane | smooth-barked plane tree |
H6196-01 |
Ezekiel 31:8 | וְ/עַרְמֹנִ֥ים | vearemonim | HC/Ncmpa |
and plane trees | and smooth-barked plane trees |