### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ginnâh**, represented by `{{H1594}}`, is a term for **garden**. It appears 4 times across 4 unique verses in the Bible. It consistently refers to a cultivated or enclosed space, whether a place of natural bounty or an area adjoining a royal palace.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H1594}}` is used in two distinct settings. In the Song of Solomon, it is a natural space filled with life, described as a "**garden** of nuts" where one goes down to observe if the vine has flourished and the pomegranates have budded [[Song of Solomon 6:11]]. In the book of Esther, the word consistently refers to the royal **garden** adjacent to the palace, serving as a venue for a magnificent feast [[Esther 1:5]] and as a private space for the king to process his wrath [[Esther 7:7]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help define the context of a `ginnâh`:
* `{{H1055}}` **bîythân** (a palace (i.e. large house); palace): This word for palace is directly connected to `ginnâh` in Esther, where the garden is part of the royal grounds, referred to as the "king's palace" [[Esther 1:5]].
* `{{H2691}}` **châtsêr** (a yard (as inclosed by a fence); also a hamlet (as similarly surrounded with walls); court, tower, village): This term for an enclosed yard or court is used to describe the specific location of the royal feast within the palace garden [[Esther 1:5]].
* `{{H1612}}` **gephen** (a vine (as twining), especially the grape; vine, tree): This word for vine is one of the fruitful plants observed within the garden, highlighting its role as a place of natural cultivation and life [[Song of Solomon 6:11]].
### Theological Significance
The use of `{{H1594}}` carries specific thematic weight depending on its context:
* **An Extension of Royal Authority:** In Esther, the garden is not merely decorative but functions as an extension of the palace. It is the site of a grand royal feast for all people [[Esther 1:5]] and a private area where the king retreats before making a life-or-death judgment ([[Esther 7:7]], [[Esther 7:8]]).
* **A Symbol of Natural Bounty:** The use in Song of Solomon portrays the garden as a place of vibrant, flourishing life. It is a location to be visited to witness the budding of pomegranates `{{H7416}}` and the growth of vines `{{H1612}}`, representing natural beauty and fruitfulness [[Song of Solomon 6:11]].
* **A Stage for Pivotal Events:** The `ginnâh` serves as the backdrop for key moments in the biblical narrative. Whether hosting a kingdom-wide banquet or providing the space for a king's fateful decision, the garden is a setting where the course of events is significantly altered.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H1594}}` provides a specific depiction of a **garden**. Though used infrequently, its occurrences are significant, painting a picture of the garden as both a place of royal power and display in Esther and a symbol of intimate, natural beauty and fruitfulness in Song of Solomon. It illustrates how a setting can be integral to the narrative, representing themes of life, authority, and critical moments in scripture.
TRV