Strong's g1186

Pronunciation Guide: den’-dron (d as in “day,” en as in “end,” dron as in “drone”)

Basic Definition

Strong’s G1186: δένδρον (dendron) refers to a tree, particularly a living, mature tree with a developed trunk, branches, and foliage. The term typically designates cultivated or wild trees of substantial size, distinguishing them from shrubs or small plants. In biblical usage, it often serves as a metaphor for spiritual condition, divine judgment, or the visible manifestation of inner character.

Etymology and Morphology

• Part of Speech: Noun (neuter)
• Root: Possibly related to the Indo-European root *deru- (firm, solid, wood)
• Language Origin: Ancient Greek
• Primary Usage: Found in narrative passages, parables, and apocalyptic literature
• Frequency: Appears 25 times in the New Testament
• Context Pattern: Often used in teaching contexts and eschatological passages

δένδρον Morphology:

• δένδρον (nominative singular) – a tree
• δένδρου (genitive singular) – of a tree
• δένδρῳ (dative singular) – to/with/by a tree
• δένδρον (accusative singular) – a tree (direct object)
• δένδρα (nominative/accusative plural) – trees
• δένδρων (genitive plural) – of trees
• δένδροις (dative plural) – to/with/by trees

Origin & History

The term δένδρον has ancient roots in classical Greek, where it was used to distinguish larger woody plants from smaller bushes and shrubs. In works such as Homer’s “Odyssey,” δένδρον appears in descriptions of natural landscapes and cultivated orchards. Aristotle employs the term in his botanical classifications, distinguishing trees from other types of plants based on their woody structure and height.

In the Septuagint (LXX), δένδρον frequently translates the Hebrew עֵץ (ets), appearing throughout the creation narrative in Genesis and in prophetic literature where trees often symbolize nations or spiritual conditions. The term gained particular theological significance in wisdom literature, where the righteous person is compared to a flourishing tree (Psalm 1:3). This metaphorical usage laid important groundwork for the New Testament applications of tree imagery to represent spiritual productivity and divine judgment.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• A mature, living plant with a single woody stem (trunk) that branches at some distance from the ground
• A metaphor for human spiritual condition, particularly regarding fruitfulness or barrenness
• An object of divine assessment used to illustrate principle of judgment according to visible evidence of character
• A symbol of stability, growth, and provision in natural or spiritual realms

δένδρον Translation Options:

• Tree – Most common and appropriate translation in nearly all contexts, referring to a full-sized woody plant
• Large plant – In contexts where distinguishing from smaller vegetation is emphasized
• Timber – In rare contexts where the focus might be on the wood itself rather than the living plant (though this meaning is more commonly expressed by other Greek terms)
• Orchard tree – In contexts referring specifically to cultivated trees bearing fruit, emphasizing their productive purpose

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, δένδρον appears prominently in the teachings of John the Baptist and Yeshua (Jesus) the Messiah, often as a metaphor for spiritual evaluation. Its first appearance in Matthew 3:10 establishes a critical theological framework where John declares, “The axe is already at the root of the trees (δένδρων), and every tree (δένδρον) that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.” This agricultural metaphor powerfully communicates the imminence of judgment and the principle that genuine spiritual life produces visible evidence.

Yeshua expands this imagery in His teachings, using trees as illustrations of spiritual principles. In the Sermon on the Mount, He employs the fruit-bearing capacity of trees to teach about discerning false prophets (Matthew 7:15-20). The tree becomes a powerful metaphorical device throughout the Gospels to illustrate the connection between inner character and outward manifestation.

Key passages featuring δένδρον include:

• “Even now the axe is laid to the root of the trees (δένδρων). Every tree (δένδρον) therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.” Matthew 3:10
• “Either make the tree (δένδρον) good and its fruit good, or make the tree (δένδρον) bad and its fruit bad, for the tree (δένδρον) is known by its fruit.” Matthew 12:33
• “A healthy tree (δένδρον) cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree (δένδρον) bear good fruit.” Matthew 7:18
• “He also spoke a parable to them. ‘Can the blind guide the blind? Won’t they both fall into a pit? A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher. Why do you see the speck of chaff that is in your brother’s eye, but don’t consider the beam that is in your own eye? Or how can you tell your brother, “Brother, let me remove the speck of chaff that is in your eye,” when you yourself don’t see the beam that is in your own eye? You hypocrite! First remove the beam from your own eye, and then you can see clearly to remove the speck of chaff that is in your brother’s eye. For there is no good tree (δένδρον) that produces rotten fruit; nor again a rotten tree (δένδρον) that produces good fruit.” Luke 6:39-43
• “He said therefore, ‘What is the Kingdom of God like? To what shall I compare it? It is like a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and put in his own garden. It grew, and became a large tree (δένδρον), and the birds of the sky lived in its branches.'” Luke 13:18-19
• “These are hidden rocky reefs in your love feasts when they feast with you, shepherds who without fear feed themselves; clouds without water, carried along by winds; autumn trees (δένδρα) without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots.” Jude 1:12
• “The third angel sounded, and a great star fell from the sky, burning like a torch, and it fell on one third of the rivers, and on the springs of the waters. The name of the star is called ‘Wormwood.’ One third of the waters became wormwood. Many people died from the waters, because they were made bitter. The fourth angel sounded, and one third of the sun was struck, and one third of the moon, and one third of the stars; so that one third of them would be darkened, and the day wouldn’t shine for one third of it, and the night in the same way. The first woe is past. Behold, there are still two woes coming after this. The fifth angel sounded, and I saw a star from the sky which had fallen to the earth. The key to the pit of the abyss was given to him. He opened the pit of the abyss, and smoke went up out of the pit, like the smoke from a burning furnace. The sun and the air were darkened because of the smoke from the pit. Then out of the smoke came locusts on the earth, and power was given to them, as the scorpions of the earth have power. They were told that they should not hurt the grass of the earth, neither any green thing, neither any tree (δένδρον), but only those people who don’t have God’s seal on their foreheads.” Revelation 9:10-4

Cultural Insights

In the ancient Near Eastern world, trees held profound symbolic significance, representing life, prosperity, and divine blessing. The cedar of Lebanon, in particular, symbolized majesty and strength, while the olive tree represented peace and covenant faithfulness. When John the Baptist and Yeshua employed tree imagery in their teachings, they were drawing upon deeply rooted cultural associations that their audiences would have immediately recognized.

The imagery of fruit-bearing trees was especially resonant in an agrarian society where the success of harvests directly impacted survival. The Jewish people were well-acquainted with the agricultural cycle and understood the vital importance of trees that produced good fruit. The practice of cutting down unproductive trees to use the wood for fire was common agricultural wisdom, making this metaphor particularly powerful when applied to spiritual judgment. Additionally, in the Mediterranean climate of the Holy Land, where wood was a valuable commodity, the decision to remove a tree was significant and deliberate—highlighting the seriousness of divine judgment in the biblical metaphor.

The mustard tree (or large shrub) mentioned in Yeshua’s parable (Luke 13:18-19) provides another cultural insight. While not the tallest of trees, the black mustard plant could grow to substantial heights (up to 15 feet) in a single season from a tiny seed—a dramatic visual of exponential growth that would have been familiar to Yeshua’s audience. This rapid transformation from minuscule seed to substantial δένδρον perfectly illustrated the seemingly humble beginnings yet powerful expansion of God’s Kingdom.

Theological Significance

The metaphor of trees (δένδρον) in Scripture reveals profound theological truths about יהוה (Yahweh)’s character and His relationship with humanity. The consistent principle that trees are known by their fruit reinforces the divine value of authenticity and integrity—outward actions should reflect inner character. This imagery powerfully communicates that God is not deceived by appearances or words alone but looks for genuine spiritual productivity.

The striking imagery of the axe at the root of the tree (Matthew 3:10) reveals both God’s justice and His patience. The positioning of the axe indicates imminent judgment, yet the tree still stands—illustrating the tension between divine judgment and merciful opportunity for repentance. This metaphor reveals a God who is righteous in His standards yet compassionate in giving time for transformation before final judgment is executed.

In the Messiah’s parable of the mustard seed growing into a tree (Luke 13:19), we see a beautiful illustration of יהוה’s kingdom principles—what begins in seeming insignificance grows to provide shelter and blessing for many. This reveals God’s wisdom in working through humble means to accomplish His magnificent purposes, contrasting with human expectations of grandiose beginnings for divine movements. The birds finding refuge in the branches reflect the inclusive nature of God’s kingdom, offering shelter to all who come to Him.

The δένδρον metaphor also illuminates the organic nature of spiritual growth. Just as trees develop gradually through consistent nourishment rather than instantaneous transformation, spiritual maturity in the believer involves a process of steady growth through remaining connected to the divine source of life. This reveals God’s patience in the process of sanctification and His commitment to bringing His people to spiritual fruitfulness.

Personal Application

The biblical imagery of δένδρον invites us to consider what kind of “tree” we are becoming in our spiritual lives. Just as a tree cannot hide its true nature when fruit-bearing season arrives, our true spiritual condition eventually manifests in our words, actions, and attitudes. This calls us to honest self-examination: What kind of “fruit” is visible in our lives? Are we producing the spiritual fruit that evidences the work of the Spirit within us—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control?

The axe laid at the root reminds us of the urgency of spiritual transformation. Each day offers an opportunity to nurture our spiritual roots through prayer, Scripture meditation, and obedience to God’s voice. Rather than causing fear, this image should inspire gratitude for יהוה’s patience and a renewed commitment to bearing fruit worthy of repentance. As we deepen our relationship with the Messiah, allowing His life-giving presence to flow through us like sap through a tree, we discover the joy of becoming exactly what we were created to be—flourishing trees that display His glory and provide blessing to others.

Related Words

• φυτεύω (phyteuō, “to plant”) – This verb describes the action of establishing plants or trees in soil, emphasizing the intentional cultivation that precedes growth. It appears in Yeshua’s teachings about faith moving mountains and planting trees. Unlike δένδρον which focuses on the mature tree itself, φυτεύω highlights the initiating action of cultivation. See G5452
• καρπός (karpos, “fruit”) – This term refers to the produce or result of plants, trees, or human actions. In contexts where δένδρον appears, καρπός often follows as the evidence by which a tree’s nature is known. While δένδρον refers to the living organism itself, καρπός represents what the organism produces. See G2590
• ῥίζα (rhiza, “root”) – This word denotes the underground portion of plants that absorbs nutrients. It appears alongside δένδρον in metaphors of judgment (“the axe is laid at the root of the trees”). While δένδρον represents the visible, mature plant, ῥίζα represents the hidden foundation and source of life. See G4491
• κλάδος (klados, “branch”) – Referring to the limbs or offshoots of a tree, this term complements δένδρον in passages describing trees large enough for birds to nest in their branches. Δένδρον refers to the entire tree, while κλάδος specifies its extending parts. See G2798
• συκῆ (sykē, “fig tree”) – This term specifically identifies the fig tree, which features prominently in Yeshua’s teachings and serves as an important prophetic symbol for Israel. While δένδρον is the general category, συκῆ is a specific type of δένδρον with particular cultural and theological significance. See G4808

Did you Know?

• The modern botanical term “dendrology” (the study of trees and woody plants) derives directly from the Greek word δένδρον. This scientific discipline focuses on identifying and classifying trees, much like how the biblical usage of δένδρον emphasizes distinguishing between good and bad trees by their fruit. This linguistic connection reminds us that spiritual discernment, like botanical classification, requires careful observation of visible characteristics to determine true nature.
• In ancient Greek religious practice, certain trees were considered sacred and were associated with specific deities—the oak with Zeus, the laurel with Apollo, and the olive with Athena. When New Testament authors used δένδρον imagery, they were reclaiming this powerful symbol from pagan associations and redirecting it toward the true Creator who designed trees to reflect spiritual principles of His kingdom. This cultural subversion reinforced the Jewish understanding that יהוה alone is the source of life and fruitfulness.
• The biblical principle that a tree is known by its fruit (Matthew 12:33) has been incorporated into modern psychological and leadership literature as a principle of authentic character assessment. The idea that true character eventually manifests in observable actions regardless of pretense or claims has become a foundational concept in evaluating integrity and authentic leadership. This demonstrates how the agricultural wisdom embedded in Yeshua’s δένδρον metaphors continues to provide insight into human nature thousands of years later.

Remember This

The δένδρον of Scripture stands as both promise and warning—a living parable of the undeniable connection between inner spiritual reality and outward manifestation, reminding us that authentic faith inevitably produces visible fruit to the glory of the God who planted us for His divine purpose.