oak

Definition

An oak, or oak tree, is a tall shade tree with a large trunk and wide spreading branches.

• Oak trees have strong, hard wood that was used to build ships and to make farming plows, oxen yokes and walking sticks.
• The seed of an oak tree is called an acorn.
• The trunks of certain oak trees could be measured up to 6 meters around.
• Oak trees were symbolic of long life and had other spiritual meanings. In the Bible, they were often associated with holy places.

Translation Suggestions

• Many translations will find it important to use the term “oak tree” rather than just the word “oak.”
• If oak trees are not known in the receptor area, “an oak” could be translated as “an oak, which is a large shade tree like…,” then give the name of a local tree that has similar characteristics.

(See: How to Translate Unknowns)

(See also: holy)

Bible References

• 1 Samuel 10:3-4
• Genesis 13:18
• Genesis 14:13-14
• Genesis 35:4-5
• Judges 6:11-12

Word Data

• Strong’s: H0352, H0424, H0427, H0436, H0437, H0438