[Greek] ῥίζα (rhiza), [Latin] radix: root, foundation, base of a mountain, base of a tree or plant; Mt.3:10, Mt.13:6,21, Mk.4:6, Mk.4:17, Lk.3:9, Lk.8:13, Ron.11:16-18, 1Tim.6:10, Heb.12:15, Rev.5:5, Rev.22:16
Background Information:
Greek Hellenism: This term, used both literally and metaphorically, can take on a wide variety of meanings. This term can mean herb root, a base of a mountain, a city foundation (beginning), origin, and family progeny. Euripides’ Iphigenia in Tauris 610 states, “O brave spirt, how you were born from noble stock.” Plato’s Timaeus 90a states, “For it is by suspending our head and root (origin) from that region whence the substance of soul first came from that divine power.” Pindar’s Pythian Odes 4,15 states, “For I say that from this wave-washed land one day the daughter of Epaphus will have planted in her a root (settlement) of cities that are dear to men in the temple of Zeus.”
Old Testament: This term, having few references to plants, can also refer to footprints, depths (of the sea and mountains), origins, foundations, and new beginnings. This term plays a very important role in Messianic theology, referencing the Messiah coming from the root (family line) of Jesse. The New Testament makes further reference of Jesus as the new root from the stump of Jesse. A root provides a source of stability, nourishment, and strength. Israel is presented as a vine which God has planted. The Israelites are also presented as a people planted on good soil. Planting and farming terminology continue in the New Testament in the parable of the sower. Let there be no root that would bear such poison and wormwood among you (Deut.29:17). How shall we persecute him, seeing that the root of the matter is found in him? (Job. 19:28). You put my feet in the stocks; you watch all my paths and trace out my footsteps (Job.13:27). He sets His hand to the flinty rock, an overturns the moutains at their foundations (Job.28:9). But a shoot shall sprout from the stump of Jesse, and from his roots a bud shall blossom (Isa.11:1). No man is built up by wickedness, but the root of the just will never be disturbed (Prov.12:3).
New Testament: Like the Old Testament, this term is used in literal and metaphorical (figurative) ways. This term refers to the parable of the sower, withered trees, Israel, Jesus, money, and evil. Trees without roots will wither as they will not produce good fruit. Jesus is the root of the stump of Jesse (and David). In the parable of the sower, the root needs good ground for the seed to grow. Money becomes the root (source) of evil. Bitter roots often provide the foundation for apostasy. The Gentiles will have new hope in new shoot (Jesus) in establishing the coming kingdom.
Scripture:
“For the love of money is the root of all evils, and some people in their desire for it have strayed from the faith and have pierced themselves with many pains.” 1Tim. 6:10
This type of root becomes the source or origin for all evils. This is a metaphorical example of a root.
“I am the root and offspring of David, the bright morning star.” Rev. 22:16
Jesus is the root from the family line of David. Jesus fulfills his Messianic role in this genealogy.
“If the first fruits are holy, so is the whole batch of dough; and if the root is holy, so are the branches.” Rom.11:16
Israel and the Jews have always held a special relationship with God. Even in the midst of Christianity, the Israel and the Jews are holy.
Licorice: Licorice, an extract, derives from the Greek glukurrhiza, meaning sweet root. The Latin term is liquiritia. The licorice plant is a perennial legume (grown as a crop) native to parts of southern Europe, Asia, and India. Licorice flavors are often used as sweeteners and in candles. Licorice extracts have been used in herbalism and traditional medicine.
Conclusion:
Rhizome, rhizosphere, licorice, radish
It is interesting to note that the Hellenistic culture uses this term to convey a family tree (progeny). This becomes a precursor to the Messianic shoot (Jesus) in the Judeo-Christian world. I did not expect to see that this term would also be used as a settlement of a city.
I was surprised to learn that this term rarely refers to a plant. The most important and significant use of this term refers to the Messianic shoot Jesus. I think most of us are already aware of the imagery of God as the farmer or the vineyard keeper and Israel as the vine.
In the parable of the sower, seeds need to take root in the soil in order to produce good fruit. This idea provides more insight into this parable. Roots, depending on the circumstances, can either produce good fruit or bad fruit. Love of money and apostasy are examples of bad fruit.
From the Latin radix, we get the term radish. We all know what radishes are. To be honest, I never really was fully aware that licorice comes from a root. Like many others, I just was more concerned about eating licorice. I guess you can say my ignorance was the root (source) for not knowing this. This information was hidden from me (like those licorice roots).