Word Study for H7076 (קִנָּמוֹן)

qinnâmôwn /kin-naw-mone'/ Ask about this word

Rootfrom an unused root (meaning to erect)

Meaningcinnamon bark (as in upright rolls)

KJV usagecinnamon.

Word Study

In depth

A plain-language study of qinnâmôwn — 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 qinnâmôwn, represented by H7076, is the word for cinnamon. Its definition suggests it comes from an unused root meaning "to erect," referring to the shape of cinnamon bark as upright rolls. It appears 3 times across 3 unique verses, highlighting its specific use as a valuable aromatic spice.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In scripture, H7076 is featured in distinct contexts. It is a required ingredient for the holy anointing oil, with a specific measure of two hundred and fifty shekels of "sweet cinnamon" to be taken Exodus 30:23. In Proverbs, it is used as a perfume to prepare a bed for seduction, along with myrrh and aloes Proverbs 7:17. Lastly, it is mentioned in the Song of Solomon as one of the precious plants in a lush, metaphorical garden, alongside spikenard, saffron, and frankincense Song of Solomon 4:14.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words clarify the context of H7076 as a valuable aromatic:

H1314 besem (spice, sweet): This word for fragrance or spicery is used to describe cinnamon in the holy anointing oil recipe Exodus 30:23 and is part of the list of "chief spices" in the garden of Song of Solomon Song of Solomon 4:14.
H4753 môr (myrrh): This bitter, fragrant resin is mentioned alongside cinnamon in all three of its biblical appearances, whether as a component of sacred oil, a perfume for a bed, or a plant in a poetic garden (Exodus 30:23, Proverbs 7:17, Song of Solomon 4:14).
H174 ʼăhâlîym (aloes): This term for aloe wood appears with cinnamon in the description of a perfumed bed Proverbs 7:17 and among the spices in the garden of Song of Solomon Song of Solomon 4:14.

Theological Significance

The uses of H7076 carry distinct symbolic weight, highlighting its potential for both sacred and worldly applications.

Ingredient for Consecration: Its primary role is as a component of the holy anointing oil specified for the sanctuary. This sets cinnamon apart as an element used in sanctifying objects and people for divine service Exodus 30:23.
Symbol of Preciousness: In the Song of Solomon, cinnamon is included in a list of the finest and most desirable spices, like frankincense and myrrh. This context establishes it as a symbol of great value and luxury Song of Solomon 4:14.
Tool of Temptation: In contrast, Proverbs uses cinnamon as a perfume for the bed of a seductress, illustrating how a valuable and pleasing substance can be co-opted for sensual temptation and sinful purposes Proverbs 7:17.

Summary

In summary, qinnâmôwn H7076 is a specific and valuable commodity in the biblical text. Though appearing only three times, its uses are potent. It is an ingredient in a sacred formula for consecration, a desirable plant in a garden of delights, and a powerful scent used in temptation. The story of H7076 demonstrates how a single item can represent both holiness and worldly allure, its meaning defined entirely by its application.

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 3 occurrences, inflected in 2 grammatical forms — 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.

קִנָּמוֹן
קִנְּמָן

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

Appears in 3 verses across 3 of the 39 books. Most frequent in Exodus, Proverbs, and Song of Solomon (1 verse each); never once in the other 36.

Exodus

Proverbs

Song of Solomon

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.