The Hebrew word chânaṭ, represented by H2590, is a primitive root with a dual meaning related to preservation and maturation. It is used to mean to spice, to embalm, or to ripen. It appears 5 times across 4 unique verses in the Bible, illustrating two distinct applications: the process of embalming the dead and the natural ripening of fruit.
The word H2590 is prominently used in the account of the deaths of the patriarchs in Genesis. Joseph H3130 commanded his servants H5650, the physicians H7495, to embalm his father H1 Israel H3478 Genesis 50:2. The process is noted to fulfill a period of forty H705 days H3117 Genesis 50:3. Later, after his own death, Joseph was also embalmed and placed in a coffin H727 in Egypt H4714 Genesis 50:26. In a completely different context, the word describes the process of ripening in nature. In Song of Solomon, the fig tree H8384 putteth forth its green figs H6291, signaling a time of new life and beauty Song of Solomon 2:13.
Several related words clarify the contexts in which H2590 is used:
- H7495 râphâʼ (physician, heal): This word, meaning to cure or heal, is used for the physicians who were commanded to embalm Israel Genesis 50:2.
- H1058 bâkâh (weep, mourn): This term describes the action of the Egyptians who mourned for Israel while the days of embalming were fulfilled Genesis 50:3.
- H8384 tᵉʼên (fig tree): The subject of the ripening process described by H2590. The fig tree "putteth forth" its green figs, linking the word to agricultural cycles Song of Solomon 2:13.
- H1612 gephen (vine): Mentioned in parallel with the fig tree, the vine with its tender grape also signifies a time of natural fruition and pleasant aroma Song of Solomon 2:13.
The dual meaning of H2590 points to significant themes of preservation and transition:
- Preservation and Honor in Death: The act of embalming Jacob and Joseph in Egypt was a sign of great honor and importance. Joseph commanded physicians to embalm his father, Israel, marking the end of the patriarchal age in Genesis and preserving the body with spices Genesis 50:2. The practice underscores the transition from life to death and the preparation for what comes after.
- The Ripening of Life and Love: In contrast, the use of H2590 in Song of Solomon signifies the burgeoning of life. When the fig tree putteth forth its figs, it is a sign of spring and fruitfulness Song of Solomon 2:13. This application points to natural cycles, growth, and the maturation of life, used metaphorically in a context of love and beauty.
- A Bridge Between Endings and Beginnings: The word connects the end of life with the beginning of a new season. The forty H705 days required for embalming Genesis 50:3 marks a defined period of preparation after death, while the ripening of fruit marks a natural transition toward harvest and abundance.
In summary, chânaṭ H2590 is a unique word that bridges the concepts of death and life. Through its application to embalming, it conveys a sense of honor, preservation, and the careful handling of the dead, as seen in the final accounts of Israel and Joseph in Egypt. Simultaneously, its use to describe a fig tree that putteth forth fruit illustrates the natural process of ripening and maturation. This dual function highlights transitions—one marking the end of physical life and the other signaling the peak of natural fruitfulness.
TRV