from an unused root meaning to hide; winter (as the dark season); winter.
Transliteration:çᵉthâv
Pronunciation:seth-awv'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word çᵉthâv (`{{H5638}}`) is derived from an unused root that conveys the meaning "to hide" or "to conceal." This etymological connection informs its primary and singular definition: "winter." The association with "hiding" suggests winter as the season when the land is dormant, concealed by cold, darkness, or the absence of vibrant life, or when people seek shelter and hide from the elements. It denotes the coldest, often wettest, and least productive season of the year in the ancient Near East.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word çᵉthâv (`{{H5638}}`) appears only once in the entire Hebrew Bible, specifically in [[Song of Solomon 2:11]]. The verse reads: "For behold, the winter is past; the rain is over and gone."
In this highly poetic and evocative context, "winter" (çᵉthâv) serves as a metaphor for a season of hardship, cold, and heavy rains. Its declaration as "past" signifies a joyful transition to a new season—spring—characterized by warmth, cessation of rain, and the blossoming of nature. This transition symbolizes the end of a period of difficulty, separation, or dormancy, and the dawning of a time of beauty, intimacy, and renewal in the relationship between the beloved and the lover. The explicit mention of "rain" (geshem, `{{H1653}}`) alongside "winter" reinforces the typical characteristics of the rainy season in ancient Israel, which aligned with the winter months.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **Seasons:** Other Hebrew terms denote different seasons or periods:
* Choreph (`{{H2779}}`): Can also refer to "winter" or "autumn," often emphasizing the chilling aspect or the time of harvest.
* Kayitz (`{{H7019}}`): "Summer," the season of fruit and heat.
* Aviv (`{{H0024}}`): "Spring," specifically the month of Nisan, marking the beginning of the barley harvest and new growth.
* **Rain:** Geshem (`{{H1653}}`), meaning "rain," is intrinsically linked to çᵉthâv, as winter is the primary season for rainfall essential for agriculture in the Levant.
* **Darkness/Concealment:** The root meaning "to hide" connects çᵉthâv to concepts of darkness, dormancy, or periods of obscurity, contrasting with light, warmth, and vibrant life.
* **Renewal/Transition:** The context in [[Song of Solomon 2:11]] inherently implies a transition *from* winter *to* spring, highlighting themes of renewal, hope, and the joyous conclusion of a challenging period.
### Theological Significance
Despite its singular biblical occurrence, çᵉthâv (`{{H5638}}`) in [[Song of Solomon 2:11]] carries profound theological resonance. It functions as a powerful metaphor for periods of spiritual barrenness, emotional coldness, or divine absence, which are presented as temporary conditions. The declaration "the winter is past" serves as a message of hope and divine promise, signifying that seasons of difficulty will give way to times of flourishing, warmth, and renewed intimacy with God. This passage subtly reflects the broader biblical theme of divine faithfulness to bring forth new life and beauty even after periods of desolation or trial. The cyclical nature of seasons, culminating in winter's end and the advent of spring, points to God's orderly creation and His sovereign power to transform circumstances, bringing forth fruitfulness and joy out of what was once dormant or seemingly unproductive. It can be seen as an echo of the greater redemptive narrative, where periods of suffering or waiting are ultimately superseded by resurrection and new creation.
### Summary
The Hebrew word çᵉthâv (`{{H5638}}`), meaning "winter," derives from a root implying "to hide" or "darkness." Its sole, yet highly significant, appearance in [[Song of Solomon 2:11]] vividly portrays winter as a season of cold, rain, and dormancy. The joyful declaration that "the winter is past" symbolizes a transition from hardship or separation to renewal, warmth, and reunion. Though rare, its usage in this poetic context underscores the biblical understanding of seasons as reflective of life's spiritual cycles. The word thus conveys a profound theological message of hope, underscoring the promise of divine restoration and the consistent bringing forth of life and beauty even after periods of trial or spiritual barrenness.
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