The Hebrew name Bosmath, represented by H1315, means fragrance. It is the name given to two women in the biblical record: a wife of Esau and a daughter of Solomon. The name appears 7 times across 7 unique verses, primarily within genealogical lists that establish key family lines.
In the biblical narrative, H1315 is primarily associated with the family of Esau. She is first mentioned as one of the wives Esau took when he was forty years old, identified as the daughter of Elon the Hittite Genesis 26:34. Later, in a separate genealogical account, she is called Ishmael's daughter and the sister of Nebajoth Genesis 36:3. Bashemath is the mother of Esau's son Reuel Genesis 36:4, and her grandsons—Nahath, Zerah, Shammah, and Mizzah—are listed as dukes of Edom, establishing her as a matriarch of a significant portion of Esau's posterity Genesis 36:17. A different Basmath is mentioned as a daughter of Solomon who was taken to wife by Ahimaaz 1 Kings 4:15.
Several related words help clarify the role and identity of Bashemath in scripture:
- H6215 ʻÊsâv (Esau, a son of Isaac, including his posterity): Bashemath is almost exclusively mentioned in relation to her husband, Esau, as his wife and the mother of his descendants Genesis 36:10.
- H802 ʼishshâh (a woman; wife): This word defines her primary role in the texts, as she is consistently identified as the wife of either Esau Genesis 26:34 or Ahimaaz 1 Kings 4:15.
- H1323 bath (a daughter): Her lineage is defined by her status as a daughter, identified as belonging to Elon the Hittite Genesis 26:34, Ishmael Genesis 36:3, or Solomon 1 Kings 4:15.
- H1121 bên (a son): Her genealogical importance is secured through her son, Reuel, whose own sons become dukes in Edom Genesis 36:17.
The significance of H1315 is found in its function within biblical genealogy and history.
- Founding an Edomite Lineage: Bashemath is a key matriarch in the line of Esau (H6215). Through her son Reuel, she is an ancestor of several dukes of Edom, solidifying her place in the recorded history of the nation that descended from Esau Genesis 36:17.
- Connecting Patriarchal Families: The accounts of Bashemath's parentage connect Esau's family line to both the Hittites Genesis 26:34 and the line of Ishmael (H3458) Genesis 36:3, highlighting the intermarriages that occurred among prominent families of that era.
- A Royal Name: The name's secondary appearance as a daughter of Solomon demonstrates its use within Israelite royalty 1 Kings 4:15. This shows the name was associated with prominent women in different patriarchal lines.
In summary, H1315 is more than a personal name; it is a genealogical marker. Primarily associated with a wife of Esau, the name Bashemath is instrumental in tracing the lineage of the Edomites. Its meaning, "fragrance," is attached to women whose primary role in the scriptural record is to establish family connections and produce heirs who would become leaders of nations.
TRV