### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **bâsâm**, represented by `{{H1313}}`, is defined as **spice** or the balsam plant. It is derived from an unused root that means "to be fragrant." This specific term is quite rare, appearing just **1 time** in **1 unique verse** within the biblical text, highlighting its specialized usage.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The single use of `{{H1313}}` is found in a scene of great sensory richness and intimate communion. In [[Song of Solomon 5:1]], the speaker enters a garden and proclaims, "I have gathered my myrrh with my **spice**." The word appears in a list of luxurious and delightful things being enjoyed, including myrrh, honeycomb, honey, wine, and milk. This context establishes **spice** as an element of abundance, pleasure, and celebration.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several other words found in this verse enrich the context of abundance and blessing:
* `{{H4753}}` **môr** (myrrh): This word, defined as **myrrh**, is paired directly with **spice** in its only biblical appearance, indicating a close association as valuable, fragrant substances gathered from a garden [[Song of Solomon 5:1]].
* `{{H1706}}` **dᵉbash** (honey): Defined as **honey** or syrup, this word symbolizes natural sweetness and provision. In the same verse, it is eaten with honeycomb, and elsewhere it is a key descriptor of the promised land's abundance [[Exodus 3:8]].
* `{{H2461}}` **châlâb** (milk): Meaning **milk**, this term represents richness and sustenance. It is drunk with wine in the celebratory feast [[Song of Solomon 5:1]] and is frequently used alongside honey to describe the bounty of the land promised to Israel [[Numbers 14:8]].
* `{{H3196}}` **yayin** (wine): Defined as **wine**, this word is associated with feasting and joy. Its presence in the garden scene emphasizes the celebratory and abundant nature of the gathering [[Song of Solomon 5:1]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H1313}}` is derived entirely from its rich contextual associations.
* **Symbol of Blessing:** As part of a collection including myrrh, honey, and wine, **spice** contributes to an atmosphere of immense blessing and delightful provision [[Song of Solomon 5:1]].
* **Element of Joyful Communion:** The term is used in a setting of intimate love and fellowship, where the beloveds share in the garden's bounty, suggesting that such precious items are fitting for profound and joyful relationships.
* **Connection to Promised Abundance:** While `{{H1313}}` itself is not used to describe the promised land, its companions in the verse, **milk** `{{H2461}}` and **honey** `{{H1706}}`, are the quintessential symbols of the land "flowing with milk and honey," a sign of God's covenantal favor [[Ezekiel 20:6]].
### Summary
In summary, though **bâsâm** `{{H1313}}` appears only once, its meaning is magnified by its surroundings. It is more than just a fragrant substance; it is a component in a biblical portrait of perfect abundance, blessing, and celebratory joy. Its sole appearance in [[Song of Solomon 5:1]] firmly places it within a vocabulary of sensory richness that signifies a deep and satisfying fellowship.
TRV