Bible Dictionary
WILLOW TREE
The willow tree is a water-associated tree identified with the Hebrew term in Ezekiel 17:5. The translation is supported by comparison with related Semitic words for willow.
Definition
The willow tree is identified with the Hebrew word tsaphtsaphah. Comparison with the Arabic cafcaf, meaning “the willow,” makes this identification very probable.
Biblical Usage
The willow tree occurs in Ezekiel 17:5, where the translation is regarded as probably correct.
Historical Background
The identification rests on comparison with a related Arabic term for the willow.
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>wil'-o-tre (tsaphtsaphah): Comparison with the Arabic cafcaf, "the willow," makes it very probable that thc translation of Eze 17:5 is correct.</p>