לִבְנֶה
𐤋𐤁𐤍𐤄
libneh
H3839 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A species of tree characterized by its pale or white coloration, likely a poplar (Populus species), though precise botanical identification is uncertain. The term refers specifically to the tree in contexts where whiteness or pale bark serves as a distinguishing feature.
Semantic Range
a whitish or pale-barked tree, likely poplar or similar pale or streaked tree; poplar tree; pale tree
Root / Etymology
From the root לָבַן (l-b-n), meaning 'to be white, to become white.' The noun לִבְנֶה is derived from this root and directly references the whiteness characteristic of the tree's bark, rather than specifying a botanical species.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In the Hebrew Bible, לִבְנֶה appears in descriptions of trees, particularly in Genesis 30:37, where it is grouped with other trees bearing distinctive barks. The context suggests a tree with notably white, pale, or streaked bark. Traditional identifications include the white poplar, but there is uncertainty as ancient botanical terms often do not map cleanly onto modern taxonomy. The translation 'storax' is based on later traditions but is not linguistically or botanically certain. The focus in biblical usage is visual—on white bark—as indicated by association with the root meaning 'white.' English translations sometimes render it as 'poplar,' but this is conventional and not definitive. The term is distinct from other Hebrew arboreal terms such as עָרָבֶה ('willow') or אַדֶּרֶת ('oak'), highlighting its association with pale coloration rather than a specific species.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from לָבַן; some sort of whitish tree, perhaps the storax; poplar.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
לבן (l-b-n) — to be white, to become pale
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H3828 | לְבוֹנָה | frankincense resin |
| H3829 | לְבוֹנָה | to Lebonah |
| H3835 | לָבַן | I will whiten |
| H3836 | לָבָן | the white one |
| H3837 | לָבָן | with Laban |
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H3839-01 |
לִבְנֶ֛ה | liveneh | HNcmsa |
of poplar | white-barked tree | 1 |
H3839-02 |
וְ/לִבְנֶ֛ה | veliveneh | HC/Ncmsa |
and poplar | pale-barked tree | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H3839-01 |
Genesis 30:37 | לִבְנֶ֛ה | liveneh | HNcmsa |
of poplar | white-barked tree |
H3839-02 |
Hosea 4:13 | וְ/לִבְנֶ֛ה | veliveneh | HC/Ncmsa |
and poplar | pale-barked tree |