Bible Dictionary
Plane tree
The plane tree is a large tree known for shedding its outer bark. It grew near watercourses in Palestine and is mentioned in connection with Jacob’s rods and the trees of Assyria.
Definition
The plane tree is a large tree that commonly sheds its outer bark. It is identified with the Hebrew term rendered “chestnut” in the Authorized Version and is described as one of the finest trees found in Palestine.
Biblical Usage
The plane tree is mentioned in connection with Jacob’s rods and in the description of the trees of Assyria.
Historical Background
The plane grew especially well beside watercourses and was found on the coast and in northern Palestine. Its annual shedding of bark is associated with the Hebrew idea of being bare or naked.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Heb. ‘armon (Gen. 30:37; Ezek. 31:8), rendered “chesnut” in the Authorized Version, but correctly “plane tree” in the Revised Version and the LXX. This tree is frequently found in Palestine, both on the coast and in the north. It usually sheds its outer bark, and hence its Hebrew name, which means “naked.” (See CHESTNUT.)
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>plan'-tre ('armon; platanos (Ge 30:37), elate ("pine" or "fir") (Eze 31:8); the King James Version chestnut): `Armon is supposed to be derived from the root aram, meaning "to be bare" or "naked"; this is considered a suitable term for the plane, which sheds its bark annually. The chestnut of the King James Version is not an indigenous tree, but the plane (Planus orientalis) is one of the finest trees in Palestine, flourishing especially by water courses (compare Ecclesiasticus 24:14).</p>