The Judas Tree is one of the most beautiful flowering trees there is, so how come it’s got such a morbid backstory? Is there any truth to the claims that Judas Iscariot hanged himself from a Cercis tree, or is this lovely species a victim of a long ago translation mistake? Here we look further into the Judas Tree story and at the many benefits of this stunning tree.
It’s commonly believed that after Judas betrayed Jesus, he was so ashamed that he hanged himself. So far, so Biblical. But then over the years, folklore has sprung up about the specific tree that he used. The story goes that the Redbud tree used to have white flowers, but it was so embarrassed about its connection to the betrayer of Christ that they turned to a blush colour.
So where does this story come from? It may be as simple as a translation error.
It’s true that Cercis trees have grown in the middle east for thousands of years – especially in the region of Judea. In French, the common name for this tree is ‘Arbre de Judee’ (Judea’s tree) and it looks like ‘Judea’s tree’ has been corrupted over the years to ‘Judas tree’. An unfortunate slip, but one that has stuck!
There are, however, alternative names. It’s sometimes called the Love Tree, due to its large, heart-shaped leaves (and also, what’s not to love?) or Redbud. The Latin name Cercis is rather more prosaic – it comes from the Greek kerkis, meaning a weaver’s shuttle, which is what people thought the seed pods looked like.
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
There are two primary biblical accounts of Judas’s death, found in Matthew 27:5 and Acts 1:18. Let’s look at what each one says:
Matthew 27:5 – “And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged 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.
So while both mention Judas’s death, neither specifies 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 have proposed alternate trees that Judas may have used. These theories dispute whether the Judas Tree was even present in Judea during biblical times. 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
With their showy blooms tapering off into long, thin beak-like stems, Cercis flowers are said to resemble the little birds that feed on their nectar in warmer climates. 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, pause to consider the Judas tree, Cercis siliquastrum, located on the north side of the small parking lot that’s just north of the towering grove of giant sequoia. 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.” “The death of Judas Iscariot was a suicide committed after he was filled with remorse (but not repentance) for his betrayal of Jesus.
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 .