shitah

Shitah is a term that appears in some translations of the Hebrew Bible, specifically in the King James Version and the New King James Version, to refer to a type of tree or wood. In other translations, such as the New International Version and the Revised Standard Version, the word "acacia" is used instead. The precise identity of the tree referred to as "shitah" or "shittah" in ancient Hebrew has been a subject of scholarly debate.

The wood of this tree was highly valued in biblical times for its durability and attractive grain. It is mentioned as being used in the construction of the Tabernacle, the portable sanctuary described in the Book of Exodus. Specifically, shitah wood was used for the ark of the covenant, the table of showbread, the altar of incense, and the planks and pillars of the Tabernacle itself. Its strength and resistance to decay made it suitable for these important religious artifacts.

While the exact botanical classification remains uncertain, many scholars believe the shitah tree corresponds to species within the Acacia genus, such as Acacia seyal or Acacia tortilis, which are native to the Sinai Peninsula and surrounding desert regions. These trees are known for their thorny branches and the production of valuable wood. The consistent use of acacia in the regions where the Israelites traveled lends support to this identification. The term "shitah" itself is believed to derive from the Hebrew word *shittah*.