בְּרוֹת
𐤁𐤓𐤅𐤕
bᵉrôwth
H1266 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A type of coniferous tree, most likely cypress, used in construction, shipbuilding, and decorative work in the Hebrew Bible. The term refers generally to a resilient, valuable evergreen associated with strength and durability, especially in architectural uses. Its exact botanical identification is debated among scholars but is often linked to the Mediterranean cypress (Cupressus sempervirens) or a similar conifer.
Semantic Range
cypress, conifer, fir (possibly juniper); wood of such trees; building timber; material for ship masts and ornamental panels
Root / Etymology
Derived from the root בְּרוֹשׁ (brš), meaning 'cypress' or a related coniferous tree. The morphological variation בְּרוֹת represents either an alternate vocalization or a linguistic variant of בְּרוֹשׁ. There is no evidence for a distinct etymological history separate from ברושׁ.
Historical & Contextual Notes
בְּרוֹת occurs as a variant form of בְּרוֹשׁ, which is the standard biblical term for cypress or fir, particularly in passages relating to imported woods for building and ornamenting important Israelite structures (e.g., Solomon's Temple and palaces). The distinction between 'cypress,' 'juniper,' and 'fir' in older English translations reflects uncertainty over the species meant; however, the term generally signifies a high-quality, evergreen conifer valued for its straight grain and resilience. In the Hebrew Bible, such wood was prized for beams, panels, and ship masts. Use of the variant spelling בְּרוֹת is rare and typically reflects textual variants or dialectal forms. The term does not carry specialized symbolic or ritual connotations beyond its use as a prized building material. It should not be confused with אֶרֶז (cedar), which referred to a different tree often mentioned alongside בְּרוֹשׁ in biblical building contexts.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
lemma בֻּרוֹת first vowel, corrected to בְּרוֹת; a variation of בְּרוֹשׁ; the cypress (or some elastic tree); fir.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
ברשׁ (b-r-š) — cypress, conifer, resilience, durable timber
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H1266-01 |
בְּרוֹתִֽים | berotim | HNcmpa |
firs | cypresses | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H1266-01 |
Song of Songs 1:17 | בְּרוֹתִֽים | berotim | HNcmpa |
firs | cypresses |