The Tree of Life: A Symbol That Spans the Whole Biblical Story
A historical look at how the Tree of Life emerged in Scripture and became one of Christianity’s most enduring symbols of origin, hope, and continuity.
The Tree of Life is one of the earliest and most far-reaching symbols inherited by Christianity from the biblical tradition, becoming notable because it appears at both the beginning and the conclusion of the biblical narrative. Categorized as a symbol, the Tree of Life is first introduced in the opening chapters of Genesis and reappears in the closing vision of Revelation, framing Christian history within a story that stretches from creation to fulfillment. Its historical significance lies in how early Christians understood this symbol as a thread linking the origins of humanity, the experience of loss, and the promise of restoration, shaping Christian memory and interpretation across centuries.
