Who or what is Elm in the Bible?

Ancient Context: Elm

⚡ IN BRIEF (SUMMARY)

The King James Version translates a Hebrew term as 'elm' in Hosea 4:13, whereas the Revised Version substitutes 'terebinth', reflecting divergent scholarly interpretations of the original Hebrew word 'elah'.

What is the meaning of Elm in the Bible?

The King James Version translates a Hebrew term as 'elm' in Hosea 4:13, whereas the Revised Version substitutes 'terebinth', reflecting divergent scholarly interpretations of the original Hebrew word 'elah'.

SIGNIFICANCE

Comparing these translations clarifies how specific botanical references in the Bible impact the understanding of ancient Israelite religious practices and landscape descriptions.

Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide

Physical & Symbolic Reality: Physical objects and natural elements like Elm were everyday realities for biblical writers, frequently used as living metaphors for spiritual truths.

Bible Study Reflection Prompts:

Why did the biblical author mention Elm in this passage?
What cultural or historical assumption does Elm clarify?

Scripture Passages Mentioned: Hosea 4:13

Source Attribution & Provenance

Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE) and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been editorially modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and formatted for fast contextual reference.

How to Cite This Entry

          "Elm." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/elm/
        

Elm