bay tree Summary and Overview

named only in Ps. 37:35, Authorized Version. The Hebrew word so rendered is "ereh", which simply means "native born", i.e., a tree not transplanted, but growing on its native soil, and therefore luxuriantly. If the psalmist intended by this word to denote any particular tree, it may have been the evergreen bay laurel (Laurus nobilis), which is a native of Israel. Instead of "like a green bay tree" in the Authorized Version, the Revised Version has, "like a green tree in its native soil."

A species of laurel. Laurus nobilis. An evergreen, with leaves like our mountain laurel. #Ps 37:35|

BAY TREE . Ps 37:35. "It may be questioned whether any particular tree is intended by the Psalmist; but if so, it must have been an evergreen, and may possibly be the sweet bay (Laurus nobilis), which is a native of Palestine. It is not very common, but may be found in most of the wooded dells of northern and western Palestine." -- Tristram. The leaves of the bay are much like those of the American mountain-laurel, but are fragrant when crushed, and often come to our market packed with figs.