Bible Dictionary
Ash
Ash is the traditional rendering of a tree mentioned in Isaiah. Since the true ash was not native to Palestine, the reference may be to a pine, larch, or another related tree.
Definition
Ash is the traditional rendering of a tree named in Isaiah. The term may refer to a fir, pine, larch, or another tree rather than to the ash tree known in English usage.
Biblical Usage
The tree is mentioned in Isaiah in a description of wood used by a craftsman. The Revised Version renders the term “fir tree.”
Historical Background
The true ash was not known as a native tree of Syria. The Hebrew term has been associated with an Arabian tree and with pine or larch species.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
(Heb. o’ren, “tremulous”), mentioned only Isa. 44:14 (R.V., “fir tree”). It is rendered “pine tree” both in the LXX. and Vulgate versions. There is a tree called by the Arabs aran, found still in the valleys of Arabia Petraea, whose leaf resembles that of the mountain ash. This may be the tree meant. Our ash tree is not known in Syria.
Smith's Bible Dictionary
(Heb. oren), only in (Isaiah 44:14) As the true ash is not a native of Palestine, some understand this to be a species of pine tree. Perhaps the larch (Laryx europaea) may be intended.