from צוּף; comb of honey (from dripping); honeycomb.
Transliteration:tsûwph
Pronunciation:tsoof
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term H6688 (צוּף, *tsûwph*) refers specifically to the "honeycomb" or "comb of honey." Its etymological root is connected to the verb צוּף (tsûwph), which carries the meaning "to overflow," "to float," or "to drip." This underlying semantic connection is crucial, as it highlights the viscous, flowing nature of honey contained within the structured cells of the comb. The word thus encapsulates not only the physical structure but also the inherent quality of its contents—a natural, sweet, and often dripping substance. H6688 therefore denotes a natural product of remarkable sweetness and purity, often associated with abundance and delight due to its rich, concentrated form.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term H6688 appears in two distinct contexts within the Hebrew Bible, each shedding light on its multifaceted significance:
* **[[1 Samuel 14:27]]**: "But Jonathan had not heard when his father charged the people with an oath, so he put out the tip of the staff that was in his hand and dipped it in the honeycomb, and put his hand to his mouth, and his eyes brightened." Here, the honeycomb is presented as a readily available, natural source of immediate sustenance and refreshment. Jonathan, weary from battle and unaware of his father's rash oath, finds his strength and vision restored by tasting the honey. This passage underscores the honeycomb's practical value as a life-giving provision, capable of invigorating and reviving. It is a symbol of natural goodness found in the wilderness, offering strength in a moment of dire need.
* **[[Song of Solomon 5:1]]**: "I have come to my garden, my sister, my bride; I have gathered my myrrh with my spice, I have eaten my honeycomb with my honey, I have drunk my wine with my milk. Eat, friends, drink, and be drunk with love!" In this poetic and deeply intimate context, the honeycomb (צוּף) is presented alongside other rich, delightful, and pure elements, such as myrrh, spice, wine, and milk. It symbolizes the exquisite sweetness, richness, and profound satisfaction found in the beloved's presence and in the consummation of love. The phrase "honeycomb with my honey" emphasizes the fullness and concentrated essence of pleasure and intimacy, suggesting the purest and most delightful aspect of their shared experience.
In both instances, H6688 is associated with natural goodness, profound sweetness, and a source of delight or vital sustenance, whether physical or emotional.
### Related Words & Concepts
The meaning of H6688 is deeply intertwined with several related Hebrew terms and theological concepts:
* **Honey (דְּבַשׁ - `{{H1706}}`)**: The most obvious connection, as the honeycomb is the container and source of honey. Honey itself is a recurring biblical symbol of sweetness, prosperity, and divine blessing, often appearing in descriptions of the Promised Land as "a land flowing with milk and honey."
* **Dripping/Flowing (צוּף - Verb/Root)**: The base verb from which H6688 is derived emphasizes the "dripping" or "overflowing" quality. This links the honeycomb to the natural process of honey production and its viscous, abundant nature.
* **Sweetness (מָתוֹק - `{{H4966}}`)**: The primary characteristic of the honeycomb is its sweetness. This connects it to broader biblical themes where sweetness is a metaphor for pleasantness, delight, and desirable qualities, such as the sweetness of God's Word (e.g., Psalm 19:10, though not using H6688, the concept of "drippings of the honeycomb" is used to describe the Law's sweetness).
* **Provisions/Food (לֶחֶם - `{{H3899}}`, אֹכֶל - `{{H400}}`)**: As a source of nourishment, the honeycomb relates to general terms for food and sustenance, particularly those provided naturally or supernaturally by God.
* **Purity (טָהוֹר - `{{H2889}}`)**: Honey, especially in its natural comb, is often seen as pure and unadulterated, a gift directly from creation.
### Theological Significance
The honeycomb, H6688, carries rich theological implications, extending beyond its literal meaning:
* **Divine Provision and Blessing**: As a natural source of pure sweetness and energy, the honeycomb symbolizes God's abundant and gracious provision for His people. Its presence in the wilderness (1 Samuel) highlights God's ability to sustain even in arid conditions. In the context of "a land flowing with milk and honey," the honeycomb epitomizes the rich blessings and prosperity of the Promised Land, a tangible sign of God's covenant faithfulness.
* **Purity and Goodness of Creation**: The honeycomb, being a product of diligent bees and natural processes, represents the inherent goodness and purity of God's creation. It is unblemished and naturally perfect, reflecting the divine artistry and wisdom embedded in the natural world.
* **Spiritual Refreshment and Wisdom**: The physical invigoration Jonathan experienced from the honeycomb parallels the spiritual refreshment and clarity that comes from divine wisdom or God's Word. While not explicitly stated with H6688, the broader metaphor of God's Word being "sweeter than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb" (Psalm 19:10) underscores this connection. The honeycomb, therefore, can represent the concentrated, life-giving essence of spiritual truth.
* **Intimacy and Delight in Relationship**: In the Song of Solomon, the honeycomb profoundly illustrates the deep, delightful, and pure intimacy between lovers. Theologically, this can serve as a powerful metaphor for the reciprocal love between God and His people, or Christ and the Church. The "eating of the honeycomb" signifies the full and complete experience of this rich, satisfying, and pure relationship.
### Summary
The Hebrew word H6688 (צוּף, *tsûwph*) denotes the "honeycomb," a term rooted in the concept of "dripping" or "overflowing." Biblically, it appears in contexts that highlight its dual nature as both a source of vital, natural sustenance and refreshment, as seen in Jonathan's invigoration in [[1 Samuel 14:27]], and as a powerful symbol of profound sweetness, purity, and intimate delight in love, as depicted in [[Song of Solomon 5:1]]. Inseparably linked to honey (`{{H1706}}`), H6688 embodies the concentrated essence of natural goodness. Theologically, it resonates with themes of God's abundant and pure provision, the inherent goodness of creation, the refreshing power of divine blessings and wisdom, and the deep, satisfying joy found in pure, intimate relationships. Its very nature, a vessel of dripping sweetness, evokes the overflowing and generous character of God's gifts to humanity.
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