feminine of בֶּשֶׂם (the second form); fragrance; Bosmath, the name of a wife of Esau, and of a daughter of Solomon; Bashemath, Basmath.
Transliteration:Bosmath
Pronunciation:bos-math'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma בׇּשְׂמַת (Bosmath), transliterated as H1315, is a feminine proper noun. Its etymological root is closely related to בֶּשֶׂם (besem), which signifies "spice," "perfume," or "fragrance" (cf. `{{H1313}}`, `{{H1314}}`). Thus, the name Bosmath inherently carries the semantic meaning of "fragrance," "sweet smell," or "perfume." As a proper noun, its primary function is to identify specific individuals within the biblical narrative. However, the underlying meaning of the name often contributes a layer of symbolic or allusive significance to the character or context in which it appears.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Bosmath appears in the Old Testament referring to two distinct individuals:
1. **A Wife of Esau:**
* [[Genesis 26:34]] introduces "Basemath daughter of Elon the Hittite" as one of Esau's wives, along with Judith. These marriages were a source of "bitterness of spirit" to Isaac and Rebekah ([[Genesis 26:35]]), highlighting Esau's departure from the patriarchal customs of marrying within their kin.
* Later, [[Genesis 36:3]] identifies another of Esau's wives as "Basemath, Ishmael’s daughter, Nebaioth’s sister." This individual is also referred to as Mahalath in [[Genesis 28:9]]. The presence of two distinct wives named Basemath (one a Hittite, one an Ishmaelite) or a textual complexity regarding the names underscores the foreign alliances Esau made, which contrasted sharply with Jacob's marital choices. In this context, the name "fragrance" might stand in ironic tension with the "bitterness" these unions brought to Esau's parents, or it might simply reflect a common, beautiful name of the era.
2. **A Daughter of Solomon:**
* [[1 Kings 4:15]] mentions "Basemath, Solomon’s daughter," who was married to Ahimaaz, one of Solomon's twelve district governors. This verse is part of a list detailing Solomon's extensive administrative organization. The marriage of royal daughters to key officials was a common practice in ancient Near Eastern monarchies to solidify political alliances and integrate administrative structures. Here, the name "fragrance" could symbolize the splendor, prosperity, and perhaps even the "sweetness" of Solomon's reign, a period often characterized by peace and abundance.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary linguistic connection for H1315 is its root, בֶּשֶׂם (besem), which refers to aromatic substances, spices, and perfumes. This root is found in various contexts:
* **Spices for anointing oil and incense:** In the Tabernacle and Temple rituals, specific spices were prescribed for the holy anointing oil and the sacred incense, creating a "pleasing aroma" to the Lord (e.g., [[Exodus 30:23]], [[Exodus 30:34]]).
* **Aromatic plants and resins:** The word often denotes valuable commodities used for trade, medicine, or personal adornment (e.g., [[Genesis 37:25]], [[Isaiah 3:24]]).
* **Figurative use of "fragrance":** The concept of a "pleasing aroma" (often רֵיחַ נִיחֹחַ) is frequently used metaphorically in Scripture to describe offerings, obedience, or lives that are acceptable and pleasing to God (e.g., [[Ephesians 5:2]], [[Philippians 4:18]]).
The name Bosmath, therefore, aligns with a broader semantic field of pleasantness, beauty, value, and sometimes, sacredness, derived from the concept of fragrance.
### Theological Significance
As a proper noun, Bosmath does not carry direct theological doctrine. However, the inherent meaning of the name—"fragrance"—offers points of theological reflection, particularly when considered against the backdrop of its biblical occurrences:
* **Irony and Divine Providence:** For Esau's wives, the name "fragrance" stands in stark contrast to the "bitterness of spirit" they caused Isaac and Rebekah. This highlights the complex interplay between human choices and divine providence. Even names with positive connotations can be associated with circumstances that deviate from God's ideal, underscoring the reality of human fallenness and its impact on family dynamics within the biblical narrative.
* **Symbol of Blessing and Prosperity:** In the context of Solomon's daughter, the name "fragrance" could subtly reflect the era of peace, wisdom, and material abundance that characterized Solomon's reign, a period often seen as a reflection of God's blessing on Israel. The administrative structure, solidified by marriages like Basemath's, contributed to the stability and "sweetness" of the kingdom.
* **The Broader Theme of "Pleasing Aroma":** While Bosmath is a person's name, its etymological root connects it to the pervasive biblical theme of "pleasing aroma" or "soothing aroma" (רֵיחַ נִיחֹחַ). This phrase is frequently used to describe sacrifices and offerings that are acceptable to God, symbolizing obedience, devotion, and reconciliation. While not directly applied to these individuals, the name's meaning subtly resonates with the broader theological concept of that which is pleasing in the sight of God.
### Summary
H1315 Bosmath is a Hebrew feminine proper noun, meaning "fragrance" or "perfume," derived from the root בֶּשֶׂם (besem). It identifies two distinct individuals in the Old Testament: a wife (or wives) of Esau ([[Genesis 26:34]], [[Genesis 36:3]]) and a daughter of King Solomon ([[1 Kings 4:15]]). For Esau's wives, the name's meaning potentially offers an ironic contrast to the familial discord their marriages caused. For Solomon's daughter, it may subtly reflect the splendor and prosperity of her father's reign. While not a theological term in itself, the name's inherent meaning connects to broader biblical themes of pleasantness, value, and the concept of a "pleasing aroma" in the context of divine acceptance and human offerings.
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