### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **tsûwph**, represented by `{{H6688}}`, refers to a **comb of honey** or **honeycomb**, derived from a root word meaning to drip. It appears **2 times** across **2 unique verses** in the Bible. In scripture, it is used metaphorically to represent that which is supremely pleasant, valuable, and restorative.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{H6688}}` serves as a powerful simile for things of immense worth and delight. In Psalms, God's judgments are described as more desirable than gold and "sweeter also than honey and the **honeycomb**" [[Psalms 19:10]]. This comparison establishes a benchmark for value, placing divine law above both material wealth and the finest natural pleasures. Similarly, Proverbs uses the term to illustrate the positive impact of kind communication, stating that "Pleasant words are as an **honeycomb**, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones" [[Proverbs 16:24]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help illustrate the qualities associated with the honeycomb:
* `{{H1706}}` **dᵉbash** (honey): This word for **honey** is used in direct conjunction with `{{H6688}}` in both of its occurrences ([[Psalms 19:10]], [[Proverbs 16:24]]). It is famously part of the description of the promised land as a place "flowing with milk and **honey**" [[Exodus 3:8]].
* `{{H4966}}` **mâthôwq** (sweet): This adjective directly describes the quality of the honeycomb. God's judgments are **sweeter** than it [[Psalms 19:10]], and pleasant words are **sweet** to the soul just like it [[Proverbs 16:24]].
* `{{H5278}}` **nôʻam** (agreeableness, i.e. delight, suitableness, splendor or grace): This term is used to describe the words that are compared to a honeycomb, as in "**Pleasant** words" [[Proverbs 16:24]], linking the idea of the honeycomb to agreeableness and delight.
* `{{H2530}}` **châmad** (to delight in): God's judgments are more to be **desired** than gold and sweeter than the honeycomb [[Psalms 19:10]], connecting the honeycomb to the concept of deep desire and preciousness.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H6688}}` is expressed through its powerful metaphorical applications.
* **Benchmark for Divine Goodness:** The honeycomb is presented as the pinnacle of natural sweetness and desirability, only to be surpassed by the value of God's judgments, which are "sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb" [[Psalms 19:10]].
* **Source of Spiritual Nourishment:** The effects of the honeycomb are described as being "sweet to the **soul** `{{H5315}}`" [[Proverbs 16:24]]. This illustrates that the concepts it represents—pleasant words and divine law—provide deep, internal restoration and satisfaction.
* **Illustration of Restorative Power:** The comparison in Proverbs extends beyond mere pleasantness to physical well-being, noting that pleasant words are "health `{{H4832}}` to the bones `{{H6106}}`" [[Proverbs 16:24]]. This connects godly speech with healing and wholeness.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H6688}}` is far more than a reference to a natural food. It functions as a key biblical symbol for the ultimate standard of goodness, desirability, and restorative power. Through its use in comparing both God's law and wholesome words, scripture teaches that spiritual truths and righteous communication offer a nourishment that is sweeter and more healing than even the richest of earthly delights.
TRV