Bible Dictionary
Date
A date is the fruit of the date palm, a common and valuable tree in biblical Palestine. Palm branches and their produce were associated with ordinary life and with Israel’s festivals.
Definition
A date is the fruit of the date palm, Phoenix dactylifera, a common tree in Palestine.
Biblical Usage
Palm branches were carried on festive occasions, especially at the Feast of Tabernacles. The date palm and its fruit are associated with the ordinary produce of the land.
Historical Background
The date palm was common in Palestine and was a significant fruit-bearing tree.
Scripture References
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
The fruit of a species of palm (q.v.), the Phoenix dactilifera. This was a common tree in Palestine (Joel 1:12; Neh. 8:15). Palm branches were carried by the Jews on festive occasions, and especially at the feast of Tabernacles (Lev. 23:40; Neh. 8:15).