from an unused root meaning to be fragrant; (compare סַם); the balsam plant; spice.
Transliteration:bâsâm
Pronunciation:baw-sawm'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term בָּשָׂם (bâsâm, `{{H1313}}`) derives from an unused root that conveys the fundamental meaning "to be fragrant." This etymological root immediately establishes the primary semantic range of the word, centering on aromatic qualities. The definition explicitly draws a comparison to סַם (sam, `{{H5561}}`), a related term for "spice" or "aromatic powder," further solidifying its core meaning.
The two main applications of בָּשָׂם are:
1. **The Balsam Plant:** This refers to a specific aromatic tree or shrub, likely *Commiphora gileadensis* (or similar species), known for its resinous sap used in perfumes, medicines, and anointing oils. This highlights a natural, botanical source of fragrance.
2. **Spice:** In a broader sense, בָּשָׂם can denote any aromatic substance or mixture of such substances, used for their pleasant scent, often for anointing, incense, or perfumery. While not primarily culinary in biblical usage, its value and use in sacred contexts underscore its preciousness.
The connotations of בָּשָׂם therefore include fragrance, preciousness, luxury, sacredness, and an association with beauty and delight.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term בָּשָׂם (bâsâm, `{{H1313}}`) appears several times in the Hebrew Bible, revealing distinct contextual usages:
* **Sacred Offerings and Anointing:** In [[Exodus 35:28]], בָּשָׂם is listed among the valuable materials contributed for the construction and furnishing of the Tabernacle, specifically "spices for the anointing oil and for the fragrant incense." This highlights its essential role in the preparation of sacred elements used in worship, signifying purity, consecration, and a pleasing aroma to the Lord.
* **Valuable Gifts and Commodities:** The word frequently appears in accounts of wealth and tribute. The Queen of Sheba's lavish gift to King Solomon included "a great quantity of spices" (בָּשָׂם) alongside gold and precious stones ([[1 Kings 10:10]], repeated in [[2 Chronicles 9:9]]). Similarly, annual tribute brought to Solomon included "spices" (בָּשָׂם) among other valuable items like silver, gold, and horses ([[1 Kings 10:25]], also [[2 Chronicles 9:1]]). These occurrences underscore the high economic value and esteemed status of בָּשָׂם as a luxury good, often imported from distant lands.
* **Poetic and Romantic Imagery:** The Song of Solomon extensively employs בָּשָׂם to evoke beauty, desirability, and sensory delight within a romantic context. The beloved's garden is described as having "beds of spices" (בָּשָׂם) ([[Song of Solomon 5:13]], [[Song of Solomon 6:2]]), and the lover is likened to "my spice" ([[Song of Solomon 5:1]]). The imagery of "mountains of spices" ([[Song of Solomon 8:14]]) paints a picture of a fragrant, delightful, and alluring landscape. Here, בָּשָׂם serves to enhance the sensory richness and aesthetic appeal of the beloved and their surroundings.
Across these contexts, בָּשָׂם consistently conveys a sense of preciousness, pleasantness, and often, an association with honor or sacred purpose.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field surrounding בָּשָׂם (bâsâm, `{{H1313}}`) includes several related Hebrew terms and broader concepts:
* **סַם (sam, `{{H5561}}`):** Directly compared in the definition, this general term for "spice" or "aromatic powder" shares a close semantic range with בָּשָׂם, often referring to ingredients for perfumes or incense.
* **מֹר (mor, `{{H4753}}`):** Myrrh, another highly valued aromatic resin frequently mentioned alongside other spices in anointing oils and perfumes (e.g., [[Exodus 30:23]], [[Song of Solomon 1:13]]).
* **קִנָּמוֹן (qinnamôn, `{{H7075}}`):** Cinnamon, another specific spice used in the holy anointing oil (e.g., [[Exodus 30:23]]).
* **קְטֹרֶת (qetoret, `{{H6999}}`):** Incense, often a compound of various aromatic spices, including those implied by בָּשָׂם, burned in worship as a pleasing aroma to God.
* **שֶׁמֶן (shemen, `{{H8081}}`):** Oil, particularly "anointing oil," with which spices like בָּשָׂם were often mixed for sacred or ceremonial purposes (e.g., [[Exodus 30:25]]).
* **Concepts:** The word evokes broader concepts such as fragrance, anointing, sacred offerings, luxury goods, beauty, pleasure, and exotic trade, often implying origins from distant, rich lands (like Sheba).
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of בָּשָׂם (bâsâm, `{{H1313}}`) is multifaceted:
* **Divine Presence and Worship:** Its prominent use in the preparation of the holy anointing oil and fragrant incense for the Tabernacle underscores its role in facilitating worship and creating an atmosphere suitable for God's presence. The "pleasing aroma" (רֵיחַ נִיחֹחַ) of offerings, often associated with fragrant spices, symbolized acceptance and favor from God. The fragrance of בָּשָׂם thus points to the delightful and pure nature of communion with the divine.
* **Preciousness and Consecration:** As a valuable commodity, the offering of בָּשָׂם in worship signifies a costly and devoted act of consecration. It represents giving one's best to the Lord, acknowledging His supreme worthiness. This echoes the principle that worship should involve genuine sacrifice and honor.
* **Symbol of Blessing and Prosperity:** Its presence among the lavish gifts and tributes to King Solomon highlights its status as a sign of wealth, abundance, and divine favor. In a broader sense, the availability of such precious commodities can be seen as a manifestation of God's blessing upon the nation.
* **Beauty and Delight in Relationship:** In the Song of Solomon, בָּשָׂם contributes to the rich tapestry of imagery portraying the beauty, desirability, and mutual delight within a loving relationship. Theologically, this can be allegorically extended to the profound beauty and intimacy of the covenant relationship between God and His people, or Christ and the Church. The "fragrance" of the beloved can symbolize the attractive virtues and character of those who walk with God.
* **Purity and Wholeness:** Aromatic substances were often associated with cleansing, purification, and the masking of unpleasant odors. Symbolically, this can point to the desire for spiritual purity and a life that is pleasing and fragrant in God's sight.
### Summary
The Hebrew word בָּשָׂם (bâsâm, `{{H1313}}`) signifies a precious, fragrant substance, referring either to the balsam plant itself or to aromatic spices in general. Its biblical occurrences reveal a rich semantic range, from its essential role in sacred worship (as an ingredient for anointing oil and incense in [[Exodus 35:28]]) to its prominence as a valuable commodity and luxurious gift (as seen in the accounts of King Solomon's wealth in [[1 Kings 10:10]] and [[2 Chronicles 9:9]]). Furthermore, בָּשָׂם is extensively used in the poetic and romantic imagery of the Song of Solomon ([[Song of Solomon 5:1]], [[Song of Solomon 6:2]], [[Song of Solomon 8:14]]), where it evokes beauty, desire, and sensory delight. Theologically, בָּשָׂם points to the preciousness and purity of worship, the pleasantness of God's presence, the abundance of divine blessing, and the profound beauty inherent in a loving relationship, whether human or divine. It consistently evokes a sense of preciousness, pleasantness, and honor.
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