The Hebrew word chăthunnâh, represented by H2861, signifies a wedding; espousal. This term is exceptionally specific, appearing only 1 time across 1 unique verse in the Bible. Its single occurrence captures a moment of royal celebration and formal commitment.
The sole use of H2861 is found in Song of Solomon 3:11. In this verse, the daughters H1323 of Zion H6726 are commanded to go forth H3318 and behold H7200 king H4428 Solomon H8010. The scene focuses on the crown H5850 that his mother H517 crowned H5849 him with on the day H3117 of his espousals H2861, an occasion also described as the day H3117 of the gladness H8057 of his heart H3820.
Several related words from its only context help illuminate the meaning of an espousal:
- H3117 yôwm (day): This word for a space of time is used twice in the verse to frame the espousal as a distinct and momentous event, separating it as a time of gladness from other times, such as a "day of trouble" Nahum 1:7.
- H8057 simchâh (gladness): This term denotes blithesomeness or glee and is directly connected to the feeling in Solomon's heart on his wedding day Song of Solomon 3:11. It is frequently associated with religious or festival joy.
- H5850 ʻăṭârâh (crown): This is the physical object that marks the ceremony. A crown signifies honor, glory, and high status, as seen when Solomon is crowned for his espousals Song of Solomon 3:11 and when a virtuous woman is called a crown to her husband Proverbs 12:4.
- H4428 melek (king): This word for a king identifies the central figure, Solomon, and elevates the espousal from a personal affair to an event of royal and public importance Song of Solomon 3:11. God Himself is also identified as the King of Israel Isaiah 44:6.
The theological weight of H2861 is derived entirely from its singular, powerful context:
- A Day of Supreme Joy: The direct linking of espousals H2861 to the day H3117 of the gladness H8057 of the heart H3820 establishes a wedding as a pinnacle of celebration and personal delight Song of Solomon 3:11.
- A Publicly Witnessed Covenant: The call for the daughters of Zion H1323 to go forth and behold (H3318, H7200) frames the event as a communal celebration, meant to be seen and acknowledged by the people.
- A Moment of Crowning and Honor: The act of being crowned H5849 on one's wedding day connects the espousal to themes of honor, glory, and blessing. The ceremony is not just a union but an elevation, marked by a crown H5850.
In summary, though chăthunnâh H2861 appears just once, its context in Song of Solomon 3:11 provides a complete and vivid picture. It defines an espousal not merely as a contract but as a climactic day of public joy, royal honor, and heartfelt gladness, sealed with the symbol of a crown. The surrounding words in its single verse are essential to understanding its full significance.
TRV