Root root (shoresh; rhiza): Frequently mentioned in the Old Testament and New Testament, but almost always in a figurative sense, e.g. "root of the righteous" (Proverbs 12:3, Proverbs 12:12); "root that beareth gall" (Deuteronomy 29:18); "Their root shall be as rottenness" (Isaiah 5:24); "root of bitterness" (Hebrews 12:15). Also of peoples: "they whose root is in Amalek" (Judges 5:14); of Assyria (Ezekiel 31:7); "Ephraim is smitten, their root is dried up" (Hosea 9:16); "Judah shall again take root downward" (2 Kings 19:30; compare Isaiah 27:6, Isaiah 37:31); the root of Jesse (Isaiah 11:10, Romans 15:12); root of David (Revelation 5:5, Revelation 22:16).