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TEREBINTH does not occur at all in AV [Note: Authorized Version.] , and only thrice in RV [Note: Revised Version.] , being substituted in Isa_6:13 for ‘tail tree,’ in Hos_4:13 for ‘elm,’ and in Sir_24:16 for ‘turpentine tree.’ Strong reasons, however, can be urged for rendering by ‘terebinth’ in a great many instances where EV [Note: English Version.] has ‘oak’ (see Oak). The terebinth or turpentine tree (Sir_24:16)—Pistacia terebinthus, the butm of the Arabs—is one of the most imposing trees in Palestine. In almost every locality where it is allowed to attain its full growth—30 to 40 feet high—it is associated with a sacred tomb or grove: many such groves are still deeply venerated in Galilee. Dwarfed trees occur everywhere among the oak brushwood. The tree has pinnate, lancet-shaped leaves and small reddish clusters like immature grape clusters; it is also often covered with curious red galls—like pieces of coral. The dark overhanging foliage affords a grateful shade in summer, but in autumn the leaves change colour and fall off. Cf. Mamre.
E. W. G. Masterman.