The death of Judas Iscariot one of the twelve disciples of Jesus is described in the Bible as a suicide by hanging. But the specific tree that he used to hang himself has been a source of mystery and debate among Bible scholars for centuries. In this article, we’ll explore the clues from the Bible and other sources to uncover the truth about this fateful tree.
The Biblical Accounts
The two main Bible stories about Judas’ death are in Matthew 27:5 and Acts 1:18. Let’s look at what each one says:
Matthew 27:5 says, “He threw down the silver coins in the temple, left, and went to hang himself.” “.
Acts 1 18 – “Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out.”
At first glance, these accounts seem contradictory. Matthew states that Judas hanged himself, while Acts describes him falling headlong and bursting open. But scholars generally reconcile them this way: Judas hanged himself on a tree, and at some point the rope broke or the branch sagged, causing him to plunge to the ground below.
Both talk about Judas’ death, but neither talks about the tree itself. For that, we need to look beyond the Bible.
The Judas Tree Tradition
Starting in the Middle Ages, a legend began associating Judas’s death with a specific tree known as the Judas Tree or Judas-Tree (Cercis siliquastrum). This small flowering tree is native to the Mediterranean region, including Israel/Palestine. Here are some key points about the Judas Tree legend:
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Its pink flowers bloom directly on the trunk before the leaves emerge in spring. This unusual growth pattern allegedly represents Judas’s bleeding.
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Its heart-shaped leaves are said to symbolize Judas’s greed and wicked heart.
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It can grow tall enough (around 30 feet) to function as a hanging tree.
This compelling mythology developed over centuries, with the earliest known reference dating to the 7th century AD. The Judas Tree name became widely established in English by the 17th century.
Thus, while the Bible itself does not identify the tree species, the Judas Tree emerged as the predominant traditional answer. Even today, it is commonly associated with Judas’s death.
Other Theories
However, some Bible experts think that Judas may have used other trees. These ideas disagree on whether or not the Judas Tree existed in Judea during the time of the Bible. Potential candidates include:
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Fig Tree – Known for its sturdy, low branches. The fig tree appears frequently in the Bible itself, including in relation to Judas’s life story.
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Olive Tree – Widespread in Israel both today and in ancient times. Some scholars claim olive trees can live exceptionally long, raising the possibility that the “original” Judas tree still exists.
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Terebinth – A type of pistachio tree capable of growing very large and old. It was well-established in the Middle East since ancient times.
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Date Palm – With its tall, straight trunk and ability to support weight, it could serve as a hanging tree. Phoenix dactylifera date palms are common in the region.
While these alternatives are plausible, they lack the rich mythology and literary history that surrounds the Judas Tree. For this reason, the Judas Tree remains the most widely accepted answer, even if others are hypothetically possible.
Does It Really Matter?
Some may argue that the exact tree species used in Judas’s suicide is trivial. After all, the theological meaning of his betrayal and death does not depend on botanical details. However, the extensive speculation this question has inspired speaks to our fascination with understanding the complete narrative. For scholars, religious teachers, artists, and anyone compelled by biblical stories, even minor details can have great significance.
So while we may never know the identity of the fateful tree with total certainty, its mystery continues to captivate audiences. The solemn story of Judas’s final moments can inspire us to reflect on the nature of sin, repentance, despair, and redemption. And the Judas Tree tradition, though unverified, provides a vivid window into how people throughout history sought meaning in this enigmatic tale.
The flowers look like hummingbirds
People say that Cercis flowers look like the little birds that eat their nectar in warmer climates because their showy blooms end in long, thin stems that look like beaks. They’re also edible – the flowers, that is!.
It was around long before we were
Fossilised remains of Cercis tree bark have been found in Malta and dated to around 45 million years ago, long before humans appeared on the scene.
Jesus Christ Superstar. Here is the tree on which Judas hanged himself on it in the movie (Israel)
FAQ
What kind of tree did Judas hang?
Arboretum Drive around Easter, take a moment to look at the Judas tree, Cercis siliquastrum, which is on the north side of the small parking lot, just north of the tall grove of giant sequoia trees. Its common name derives from the belief that Judas Iscariot hanged him- self from this tree species after he betrayed Jesus.
What is the Judas tree in the Bible?
Judas Tree is a common name for a flowering tree, Cercis siliquastrum with the common name a reference to the biblical New Testament suicide of Judas Iscariot after betraying the Messiah Jesus Christ in the Land of Palestine where the tree species is endemic to.
Where did Judas Iscariot hang himself from?
Judas committed suicide by hanging himself in a place called the “Field of blood. It was Judas Iscariot who killed himself after feeling guilty about betraying Jesus but not truly sorry for it.
Is a Judas tree the same as a redbud tree?
Redbud (Cercis canadensis), also known as Eastern Redbud or Judas Tree, is abundant in the southern two-thirds of Ohio, with scattered distribution in the northern one-third of the state .