English · KJV
H668

אַפִּרְיוֹן

ʼappiryôwn /ap-pir-yone'/ Ask about this word
Rootprobably of Egyptian derivation
Meaninga palanquin
KJV usagechariot.

Word Study

In depth

A plain-language study of ʼappiryôwn — the range of meaning it carries, how Scripture actually uses it, and where it points. Written for readers who don’t know the original language.

Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Hebrew word ʼappiryôwn, represented by H668, refers to a palanquin or chariot. It is described as probably being of Egyptian derivation. This term is exceptionally rare, appearing only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the entire Bible.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

The single appearance of H668 is found in Song of Solomon 3:9, where the text states, "King Solomon made himself a chariot of the wood of Lebanon." In this context, the word denotes a luxurious conveyance, an object of royal craftsmanship and high value. It is not a vehicle for war, but a stately palanquin or chariot constructed by a king H4428 for his own use, emphasizing its splendor and special purpose.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words from its only context help to illuminate the meaning of H668:

  • H4428 melek (a king): This term establishes the royal setting for the chariot. The authority and status of a king are central to the object's significance, as the LORD Himself is ultimately described as king over all the earth Zechariah 14:9.
  • H8010 Shᵉlômôh (Solomon): The specific king who commissioned the chariot, his name means "peaceful." Solomon is a figure associated with great wealth and fame, which is highlighted when other rulers came to witness his renown 1 Kings 10:1.
  • H3844 Lᵉbânôwn (Lebanon): The source of the fine wood H6086 for the chariot. Lebanon was renowned for its quality timber, and its name is often associated with majesty and glory, as seen in the promise that "the glory of Lebanon shall be given unto it" Isaiah 35:2.

Theological Significance

The significance of H668 is derived entirely from its singular, specific use.

  • Royal Majesty: The chariot is an object of royalty, made by King H4428 Solomon H8010 himself. It symbolizes honor, wealth, and the splendor associated with a king.
  • Valuable Craftsmanship: The verse specifies that the chariot was made H6213 from the wood H6086 of Lebanon H3844, a prized material. This underscores the intentionality and value invested in its creation.
  • A Symbol of Exaltation: As a palanquin or chariot, its purpose is to carry and elevate its occupant. In the poetic context of the Song of Solomon, it functions as a powerful symbol of the honor and distinction bestowed upon the beloved.

Summary

In summary, H668 ʼappiryôwn is a highly specific term for a royal chariot or palanquin. Its sole appearance in Song of Solomon 3:9 firmly connects it to themes of kingly splendor, deliberate and valuable craftsmanship, and the exaltation of its occupant. Though rare, its context provides a rich illustration of an object built to reflect majesty and honor.

How the KJV Renders It

Translation

Strong’s lists the renderings but not their weight. These are counted from the King James text of the tagged verses — the bar under each is how often the translators actually reached for it. Select one to filter the occurrences below.

Grammatical Forms

Morphology

In the Hebrew Old Testament, this word appears as a noun across 1 occurrence, inflected in 1 grammatical form — each row is one form, and the bar is how often it is that form. Select any form to read what each part of its name means, and to filter the occurrence list to it.

  • אַפִּרְיוֹן

Related Words

Related

Other entries the study above points to — each one is drawn from a reference it makes. Follow the trail to see how the words connect.

H4428 מֶלֶךְ from מָלַךְ; a king; king, royal. H8010 שְׁלֹמֹה from שָׁלוֹם; peaceful; Shelomah, David's successor; Solomon. H3844 לְבָנוֹן from לְבַב; (the) white mountain (from its snow); Lebanon, a mountain range in Palestine; Lebanon. H6086 עֵץ from עָצָה; a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks); [phrase] carpenter, gallows, helve, [phrase] pine, H6213 עָשָׂה a primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application; accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at,

Theographic Context

Context

The people, places, and span of history the verses containing this word touch on — drawn from the theographic tagging of Scripture. Select any name to isolate its verses in the occurrence list.

Biblical Distribution

Distribution

1 verse, all in Song of Solomon — and none of the other 38 Old Testament books.

Every Occurrence

Concordance

Every verse where the word is tagged in the King James text. Filter by book, by the English word the translators chose, by grammatical form, or search within the verses.

Sources. Definition and numbering: James Strong, Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible (1890). Morphology: STEPBible / Tyndale House (CC BY). Verse tagging: the King James text keyed to Strong’s numbers. Every count on this page is computed from the tagged corpus, not estimated.