Hazel
“Uncertain; possibly the almond tree”
Summary
The Hebrew word luz, translated "hazel" in some versions, more likely refers to the almond tree, one of the rods Jacob used in his breeding arrangement with Laban.
☩Identification Debate
The Hebrew word luz appears in Genesis 30:37 where Jacob peeled rods to place before the watering troughs. Authorities are divided between the hazel (or walnut) and the almond tree. The Arabic cognate louz clearly denotes the almond, and Arab authorities describe it in detail. However, since another Hebrew word (shaked) also refers to the almond, some scholars distinguish luz as meaning the wild almond tree, while shaked refers to the cultivated variety or specifically the fruit.
☩The Almond in Palestine
The almond thrives throughout the Mediterranean region but nowhere better than in Syria and Palestine. When Jacob sent a gift of Canaan's finest products to Egypt, he included almonds among "the best fruits of the land." The place name Luz (later Beth-el) may also derive from this tree, suggesting groves of almonds grew there in ancient times.
Related Verses1 mention
Genesis· 1 verse
See Also
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Hazel," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. IV (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.George Morrish, "Hazel," in Morrish's Concise Bible Dictionary (George Morrish, 1898).
- 3.F. N. Peloubet & M. A. Peloubet (ed.), "Hazel," in Smith's Bible Dictionary (Porter & Coates, 1884).
- 4.Andrew Robert Fausset, "Hazel," in The Englishman's Critical and Expository Bible Cyclopædia (Hodder & Stoughton, 1878).