עָרָב
𐤏𐤓𐤁
ʻârâb
H6155 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A species of tree, generally identified as a type of willow (Salix spp.), characterized by its flexible branches and frequent growth beside watercourses. Most frequently, עָרָב refers specifically to a willow tree used in ritual or cultic practice, particularly in harvest celebrations, as well as in descriptions of riverine flora. While often translated simply as 'willow,' the term can refer to any similar tree with pliant branches and leaves suited for weaving or festal use.
Semantic Range
willow tree, osier, any water-loving tree with flexible branches, especially for ritual or festal use; branches of the willow used in ceremony; generic reference to trees along riverbanks
Root / Etymology
Root: ערב. While the root ע-ר-ב has core meanings such as 'to mix, mingle' (as a verb), in this nominal form it refers to a species of tree (willow). The connection to the root meaning is uncertain, though it may relate to interwoven branches, as willow branches are used for weaving. The exact botanical identification is debated, but the word is traditionally applied to willows or similar trees in the region.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In the Hebrew Bible, עָרָב appears primarily in cultic and poetic contexts, most notably in Leviticus 23:40 concerning the festival of Sukkot, where it designates one of the four species used in ritual processions and celebrations. Later Jewish tradition identifies this as the brook willow (Salix babylonica or Salix acmophylla), but in antiquity, the precise species was likely more broadly defined. The context often emphasizes its association with water, as in Ezekiel 17:5 ('by abundant waters'). The use of willow branches in the Sukkot festival demonstrates a symbolic or ritual function apart from its ordinary botanical presence. The English 'willow' usually captures the sense, but may not reflect the full ritual connotation of the term in some contexts. Not to be confused with אֶשֶׁל (ʾeshel), another term for a different kind of tree. In English translations, especially the King James Version, 'willow' is standard, though sometimes more generic (e.g., 'tree'). The later English word 'Jew' does not appear in connection with this tree; see Historical Terminology Rules above.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from עָרַב; a willow (from the use of osiers as wattles); willow.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
ערב (ʿ-r-b) — to mix, to weave, to be pleasant
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H1026 | בֵּית הָעֲרָבָה | the arid plain |
| H4627 | מַעֲרָב | in your trade-goods |
| H4628 | מַעֲרָב | the sunset-region |
| H6148 | עָרַב | he became surety |
| H6149 | עָרֵב | you were pleasing |
Word Forms
5 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H6155-01 |
עֲרָבִ֥ים | aravim | HNcfpa |
the willows | willow trees | 1 |
H6155-03 |
הָ/עֲרָבִ֖ים | haaravim | HTd/Ncfpa |
of the Arabim | the willows | 1 |
H6155-04 |
כַּ/עֲרָבִ֖ים | kaaravim | HR/Ncfpa |
like willows | willow trees | 1 |
H6155-02 |
עַרְבֵי | arevey | HNcfpc |
willows | willows of | 1 |
H6155-05 |
וְ/עַרְבֵי | vearevey | HC/Ncfpc |
and-willows | and willows of | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
5 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H6155-05 |
Leviticus 23:40 | וְ/עַרְבֵי | vearevey | HC/Ncfpc |
and-willows | and willows of |
H6155-03 |
Isaiah 15:7 | הָ/עֲרָבִ֖ים | haaravim | HTd/Ncfpa |
of the Arabim | the willows |
H6155-04 |
Isaiah 44:4 | כַּ/עֲרָבִ֖ים | kaaravim | HR/Ncfpa |
like willows | willow trees |
H6155-01 |
Psalms 137:2 | עֲרָבִ֥ים | aravim | HNcfpa |
the willows | willow trees |
H6155-02 |
Job 40:22 | עַרְבֵי | arevey | HNcfpc |
willows | willows of |