### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **tsᵉrîy**, represented by `{{H6875}}`, refers to **balm** or balsam. The term derives from a root suggesting distillation from pressure and appears **6 times** across **6 unique verses**. It consistently denotes a valuable, aromatic substance known for its healing properties, originating from the region of Gilead.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H6875}}` is used both as a literal commodity and a powerful metaphor for healing. As a valuable trade good, it is carried by Ishmaelite merchants from Gilead to Egypt [[Genesis 37:25]] and listed by Jacob among the "best fruits in the land" to be given as a present [[Genesis 43:11]]. In a figurative sense, Jeremiah uses it to question the spiritual state of his people, asking rhetorically, "Is there no **balm** in Gilead; is there no physician there?" to lament their unhealed condition [[Jeremiah 8:22]]. This metaphor extends to other nations, as he mockingly tells Egypt to take **balm**, though her medicines will be in vain [[Jeremiah 46:11]], and suggests taking **balm** for Babylon's pain in the faint hope she might be healed [[Jeremiah 51:8]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand upon the concept of healing and affliction associated with balm:
* `{{H7495}}` **râphâʼ** (to cure, heal, physician): This word is directly linked to the function of balm. When Jeremiah asks if there is no balm in Gilead, he immediately follows with, "is there no **physician** there?" [[Jeremiah 8:22]], making the connection explicit.
* `{{H724}}` **ʼărûwkâh** (wholeness, health): This term describes the desired outcome of applying balm. The lack of **health** for the people is the reason Jeremiah invokes the image of balm and a physician [[Jeremiah 8:22]].
* `{{H4341}}` **makʼôb** (anguish, pain, sorrow): This represents the condition that balm is intended to treat. A call is made to take balm for Babylon's **pain** after she has fallen [[Jeremiah 51:8]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H6875}}` is primarily found in its metaphorical application.
* **Symbol of Spiritual Healing:** The balm of Gilead becomes a potent symbol for the means of spiritual restoration. The question in [[Jeremiah 8:22]] suggests that the resources for healing are available to God's people, yet they remain spiritually sick, highlighting their failure to turn to the true source of recovery.
* **Insufficiency of Earthly Remedies:** The balm's failure to bring a cure for Egypt [[Jeremiah 46:11]] illustrates a key theological point: when God's judgment is determined, human and earthly remedies are ultimately powerless. No amount of "medicines" can reverse a divine decree.
* **Valuable Commodity:** As a literal substance, its high value in trade and as a gift underscores the preciousness of the healing it represents. It was included among the **best fruits** of the land [[Genesis 43:11]] and was a significant part of regional commerce [[Ezekiel 27:17]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H6875}}` is more than a simple reference to a medicinal substance. It functions on two levels: as a tangible, valuable balm from Gilead used in trade, and as a profound biblical metaphor for healing and restoration. The word powerfully illustrates the connection between physical affliction and spiritual brokenness, demonstrating that while earthly solutions have their place, true healing for a nation's deepest wounds comes from a source beyond any physical remedy.
TRV