Tree of life

One of two trees situated in the centre of the Garden of Eden. It is also mentioned in Revelation, where it symbolises life and salvation.

The tree of life in the Garden of Eden

Genesis 2:8–17 See also Genesis 3:22–24

The tree of life in Revelation

Revelation 22:1–2 See also Revelation 2:7, Revelation 22:14–15, Revelation 22:18–19

Then the angel showed me a river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of the main street of the city. On either side of the river stood a tree of life, bearing twelve kinds of fruit and yielding a fresh crop for each month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations.

The tree of life as a metaphor

Proverbs 15:4 See also Proverbs 3:13–18, Proverbs 11:30, Proverbs 13:12

A soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.