(6) In Ecclesiasticus 24:16 terem (b)inthos, the King James Version turpentine tree," the Revised Version (British and American) "terebinth. read more
The terebinth of Genesis is not remotely related to true oaks, although they are sometimes referred to as oaks. Terebinths belong to the genus Pastacia, in the family Anacardiaceae. Oaks belong to the genus Quercus in the family Fagaceae. read more
Two of the most common trees in the Mediterranean forest are the elah (אלה) and the alon (אלון). Both of these Hebrew words are commonly translated as “oak” or “terebinth” in English Bibles, leading to quite a bit of confusion. read more
The oak and the terebinth are employed as emblems of strength and durability (Amos ii. 9; Isa. lxi. 3). According to Tristram, the following three species of oak are at present common in Palestine: (1) the prickly evergreen oak (Quercus pseudo-coccifera), abundant in Gilead; the most famous exemplar of this species is the so-called "Abraham's oak" near. read more