Bible Dictionaries
Root

Holman Bible Dictionary

The part of a plant buried in and gaining nourishment through the ground. In Scripture root generally appears in a figurative sense. Root indicates source as when the unrighteous are pictured as a root bearing bitter and poisonous fruit (Deuteronomy 29:18; Hebrews 12:15 ) or when the love of money is described as the root of all kinds of evil (1 Timothy 6:10 ). Deep-sinking roots picture stability (Psalm 80:9; Proverbs 12:3 ) and prosperity (Proverbs 12:12; compare Psalm 1:3 ). Exile is termed being uprooted (1 Kings 14:15; Jeremiah 24:6 ), while taking root again pictures return from Exile and the renewal of God's blessing (2 Kings 19:30; Isaiah 27:6; Isaiah 37:31 ).

Seed that fails to take root pictures those whose commitment to Christ is not firm enough to withstand trouble or persecution (Matthew 13:6 ,Matthew 13:6,13:21 ). To be rooted in Christ is to be established in faith (Colossians 2:6 ). Root of Jesse (Isaiah 11:10; Romans 15:12 ) and root of David (Revelation 5:5; Revelation 22:16 ) serve as titles of the Messiah. In Paul's allegory of the grape vine Israel is the root of the plant, the church the branches (Romans 11:16-18 ).