Bible Dictionary
Chestnut tree
The tree called chestnut in older English versions was probably the oriental plane tree. Its shedding of outer bark may explain the Hebrew association with nakedness; it was also noted for strength and beauty.
Definition
The tree called chestnut in older English versions was probably the oriental plane tree, Platanus orientalis, rather than the true chestnut. It was valued for strength and beauty and was noted for shedding its outer bark.
Biblical Usage
Jacob used the tree in his artifice concerning the cattle. Ezekiel compares the strength and beauty of the Assyrian empire with trees including this one, translated “plane trees” in the Revised Version.
Historical Background
The oriental plane tree grows in low, moist places in northern Palestine and resembles the sycamore or buttonwood. Its annual shedding of outer bark explains the association with nakedness. The true chestnut is not native to Palestine.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
(Heb. ’armon; i.e., “naked”), mentioned in connection with Jacob’s artifice regarding the cattle (Gen. 30:37). It is one of the trees of which, because of its strength and beauty, the Assyrian empire is likened (Ezek. 31:8; R.V., “plane trees”). It is probably the Oriental plane tree (Platanus orientalis) that is intended. It is a characteristic of this tree that it annually sheds its outer bark, becomes “naked.” The chestnut tree proper is not a native of Palestine.
Smith's Bible Dictionary
(Heb. ’armon .) (Genesis 30:37; Ezekiel 31:8) Probably the “palm tree” (Platanus orientalis) is intended. This tree thrives best in low and rather moist situations in the north of Palestine, and resembles our sycamore or buttonwood (Platanus occidentalis).