of uncertain derivation; probably meadow-saffron; rose.
Transliteration:chăbatstseleth
Pronunciation:khab-ats-tseh'-leth
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The lemma חֲבַצֶּלֶת (chăbatstseleth), Strong's `{{H2261}}`, is a term of uncertain etymological derivation, yet consistently points to a type of flowering plant. The base definition suggests "meadow-saffron" or "rose," underscoring the ambiguity surrounding its precise botanical identification. While some scholars propose species like the crocus, narcissus, or a specific type of lily, the Septuagint's rendering as κρίνον (lily) suggests a broader category of beautiful, possibly fragrant, blossoms. The core semantic range of חֲבַצֶּלֶת therefore encompasses a beautiful, thriving flower, often associated with flourishing in natural, perhaps wild, settings. Its rarity in the biblical corpus adds to its poetic and symbolic weight, suggesting a unique and striking form of natural beauty.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word חֲבַצֶּלֶת occurs only twice in the Hebrew Bible, each instance imbued with profound symbolic meaning:
1. **[[Song of Solomon 2:1]]**: "I am the rose of Sharon, and the lily of the valleys." Here, the speaker, traditionally understood as the Shulamite or allegorically as the Church or Israel, describes herself as "the חֲבַצֶּלֶת of Sharon" (חֲבַצֶּלֶת הַשָּׁרוֹן). The Sharon plain, while fertile, was not renowned for its cultivated gardens but rather for its natural, wild beauty. This imagery evokes a sense of natural, unadorned beauty, perhaps even humility, contrasting with exotic or hothouse flowers. The pairing with "the lily of the valleys" (שֽׁוֹשַׁנַּת הָעֲמָקִים, `{{H7799}}`) further emphasizes delicate grace and simple elegance, highlighting the beloved's inherent charm and allure within a poetic, romantic context.
2. **[[Isaiah 35:1]]**: "The wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad for them; and the desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose." In this prophetic passage, חֲבַצֶּלֶת is again translated as "rose." The imagery is one of miraculous transformation and divine restoration. The desolate and barren wilderness is promised to "rejoice, and blossom like the חֲבַצֶּלֶת." This signifies a radical change from desolation to vibrant life, from barrenness to abundant beauty. The context is eschatological, pointing to a future era of God's blessing and renewal, where the very landscape is revitalized as a sign of spiritual and physical redemption. The blossoming of the חֲבַצֶּלֶת here symbolizes a glorious, divinely orchestrated flourishing.
In both contexts, חֲבַצֶּלֶת serves as a powerful symbol of beauty, vitality, and flourishing, often in environments that might otherwise be considered ordinary or desolate, thereby accentuating the striking nature of its appearance.
### Related Words & Concepts
Given its botanical nature and symbolic usage, חֲבַצֶּלֶת is conceptually linked to other Hebrew terms for flora and related ideas:
* **שושנה (shoshannah)**, `{{H7799}}`: Frequently translated as "lily," this word is often associated with beauty and purity, as seen in its direct pairing with חֲבַצֶּלֶת in [[Song of Solomon 2:1]]. It broadly refers to various lily-like flowers and is a common emblem of delicate beauty.
* **פרח (perach)**, `{{H6524}}`: A more general term for "flower" or "blossom," emphasizing the act of flowering itself. חֲבַצֶּלֶת represents a specific, highly esteemed instance of this general concept of blooming.
* **צמח (tsemach)**, `{{H6780}}`: Meaning "sprout" or "growth," this term refers to vegetation in general and carries significant messianic overtones (e.g., the "Branch" or "Shoot" of David). The flourishing of חֲבַצֶּלֶת is a vivid example of צמח in its most beautiful manifestation.
* **כרמל (karmel)**, `{{H3759}}`: While primarily a place name (Mount Carmel), its root suggests "fruitful field" or "garden land," conceptually linking to the fertile environments where חֲבַצֶּלֶת might thrive, such as the Sharon plain.
These related words collectively contribute to a biblical lexicon of natural beauty, growth, and the divine capacity to bring forth life and abundance from the earth.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of חֲבַצֶּלֶת is profound, stemming from its strategic placement in two key biblical texts.
In [[Song of Solomon 2:1]], the "rose of Sharon" has been widely interpreted allegorically in Christian tradition as a type of Christ. This interpretation sees Christ as embodying perfect beauty, humility, and purity, flourishing even in seemingly ordinary or uncultivated "plains" of human existence. He is the one who brings fragrance and life to the mundane. Alternatively, within a literal interpretation of the Song, it underscores the sacred and God-given beauty of human love and the beloved, reflecting the divine artistry in creation and relationship. It highlights the value of natural, unadorned beauty as a reflection of God's design.
In [[Isaiah 35:1]], חֲבַצֶּלֶת functions as a powerful symbol of divine restoration and ultimate eschatological hope. The prophecy of the desert blossoming "like the חֲבַצֶּלֶת" speaks to God's transformative power, turning barrenness into vibrant life and desolation into overflowing joy. This imagery points to a future state of unparalleled blessing, where the effects of the curse are reversed, and creation itself participates in the glory of God's redemption. It signifies the spiritual and physical renewal that God will bring, promising that even the most desolate circumstances can be made to flourish by His grace. This vision of a blooming desert is a testament to God's faithfulness and His ultimate triumph over all forms of decay and death.
### Summary
The Hebrew word חֲבַצֶּלֶת (chăbatstseleth), Strong's `{{H2261}}`, refers to a beautiful flowering plant, often translated as "rose" or "meadow-saffron," despite its uncertain precise botanical identity. Its two occurrences in the Hebrew Bible are highly significant. In [[Song of Solomon 2:1]], the "rose of Sharon" (חֲבַצֶּלֶת הַשָּׁרוֹן) describes the beloved's unadorned beauty and grace, often allegorically pointing to the humble yet glorious presence of Christ. In [[Isaiah 35:1]], the חֲבַצֶּלֶת symbolizes miraculous divine restoration, where the desolate wilderness blossoms forth in vibrant life, signifying God's power to transform barrenness into abundant flourishing in the eschatological age. Conceptually related to terms like שושנה (lily, `{{H7799}}`) and פרח (flower, `{{H6524}}`), חֲבַצֶּלֶת consistently conveys themes of natural beauty, vitality, and the transformative power of divine blessing, making it a rich and evocative term in biblical poetry and prophecy that speaks to both present beauty and future hope.
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