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תְּאַשּׁוּר

𐤕𐤀𐤔𐤅𐤓

tᵉʼashshûwr

H8391 noun

SILEX Entry

Root אשר to be straight, to be upright, to go straight

Definition

A tree species characterized by its upright growth, associated in the Hebrew Bible with strength, durability, and ornamental qualities. Typically identified as the box tree (Buxus sempervirens) or cypress, sometimes interpreted as a type of tall, straight conifer. In biblical contexts, often listed alongside other valuable or impressive trees for symbolic or decorative purposes.

Semantic Range

box tree, cypress, pine, a tree of stately/erect growth, ornamental tree; figurative symbol of strength or beauty

Root / Etymology

From the root אָשַׁר (א-ש-ר), meaning 'to be straight, to be upright.' תְּאַשּׁוּר is formed as a noun referring to a tree with an upright or straight stature. The specific identification is debated, but the emphasis is on its erect, straight growth.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In the Hebrew Bible, תְּאַשּׁוּר appears in poetic and prophetic passages (e.g., Isaiah 41:19; 60:13), usually within lists of trees that denote beauty, strength, and enduring quality. Older translations (including KJV) rendered it as 'box tree,' though the botanical identification remains uncertain; alternatives include cypress or pine. The key nuance is not only the species, but the symbolism of the tree's stately and upright form. Unlike cedar (אֶרֶז), which is more consistently identified, תְּאַשּׁוּר entered lists to evoke a slightly different hue of strength and utility, perhaps emphasizing ornamental or architectural use. Later periods attempted various identifications. English translations frequently reflect botanical uncertainties, using 'box tree,' 'pine,' or simply transliterating. The Greek Septuagint and Latin Vulgate often harmonize with neighboring terms, showing the longstanding uncertainty in identification.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from אָשַׁר; a species of cedar (from its erectness); box (tree).

Bantu Hebrew

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Root Family

אשר (ʾ-š-r) — to be straight, to be upright, to go straight

Strong's Lemma SIBI-P1
H7789 שׁוּר Ashshur
H804 אַשּׁוּר Ashshur
H833 אָשַׁר Declare fortunate!
H834 אֲשֶׁר that-which
H835 אֶשֶׁר his happinesses

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
H8391-01 וּ/תְאַשּׁ֖וּר uteashur HC/Ncfsa and box tree upright-growing tree 2

Occurrences in Scripture

2 total occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
H8391-01 Isaiah 41:19 וּ/תְאַשּׁ֖וּר uteashur HC/Ncfsa and box tree upright-growing tree
H8391-01 Isaiah 60:13 וּ/תְאַשּׁ֖וּר uteashur HC/Ncfsa and the box tree upright-growing tree
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