Encyclopedia entry
Fir
The uniform rendering in the Authorized Version (marg. R.V., “cypress”) of berosh (2 Sam. 6:5; 1 Kings 5:8, 10; 6:15, 34; 9:11, etc.), a lofty tree (Isa. 55:13) growing on Lebanon (37:24). Its wood was used in making musical instruments and doors of houses, and for ceilings (2 Chr. 3:5), the decks of ships (Ezek. 27:5), floorings and spear-shafts (Nah. 2:3, R.V.). The true fir (abies) is not found in Palestine, but the pine tree, of which there are four species, is common.
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The precise kind of tree meant by the “green fir tree” (Hos. 14:8) is uncertain. Some regard it as the sherbin tree, a cypress resembling the cedar; others, the Aleppo or maritime pine (Pinus halepensis), which resembles the Scotch fir; while others think that the “stone-pine” (Pinus pinea) is probably meant. (See PINE.)
Also from Smith's (1884) +−
(Isaiah 14:8; Ezekiel 27:5) etc. As the term “cedar” is in all probability applicable to more than one tree, so also “fir” in the Authorized Version represents probably one or other of the following trees:
Pinus sylvestris, or Scotch fir; Larch; Cupressus sempervirens, or cypress, all which are at this day found in the Lebanon. The wood of the fir was used for ship-building, (Ezekiel 27:5) for musical instruments, (2 Samuel 6:5) for beams and rafters of houses, (1 Kings 5:8,10; 2 Chronicles 2:8) It was a tall evergreen tree of vigorous growth.
In the Bible
21
Verses where Fir is named. Berean Standard Bible (public domain).
- 1 Kings 5:8
Then Hiram sent a reply to Solomon, saying: “I have received your message; I will do all you desire regarding the cedar and cypress timber.
- 1 Kings 5:10
So Hiram provided Solomon with all the cedar and cypress timber he wanted,
- 1 Kings 6:15
He lined the interior walls with cedar paneling from the floor of the temple to the ceiling, and he covered the floor with cypress boards.
- 1 Kings 6:34
The two doors were made of cypress wood, and each had two folding panels.
- 1 Kings 9:11
King Solomon gave twenty towns in the land of Galilee to Hiram king of Tyre, who had supplied him with cedar and cypress logs and gold for his every desire.
- 2 Chronicles 2:8
Send me also cedar, cypress, and algum logs from Lebanon, for I know that your servants have skill to cut timber there. And indeed, my servants will work with yours
+15 more verses naming Fir.
Scripture on Fir
19
Voices on Fir
24
Surfaced by name match — accuracy varies by title clarity.
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Sources · Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897) · Smith's Bible Dictionary (1884)
Public-domain text. Modernized only where archaic spelling impedes reading; original facts preserved. Verify against an authoritative modern reference before quoting.