from an unused root (meaning to erect); cinnamon bark (as in upright rolls); cinnamon.
Transliteration:qinnâmôwn
Pronunciation:kin-naw-mone'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma קִנָּמוֹן (qinnâmôwn), transliterated as "qinnâmôwn," refers specifically to "cinnamon." Its etymology is linked to an unused root suggesting the meaning "to erect," likely describing the characteristic "upright rolls" into which cinnamon bark curls as it dries. This definition highlights the physical form of the spice. As an aromatic bark, קִנָּמוֹן was highly valued in the ancient Near East for its distinct fragrance, flavor, and preservative qualities. Its semantic range is quite narrow, consistently denoting this specific spice.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
קִנָּמוֹן appears three times in the Hebrew Bible, each context providing a unique facet of its significance:
* **[[Exodus 30:23]]**: Cinnamon is prescribed as one of the four principal spices (alongside myrrh, sweet calamus, and cassia) for the holy anointing oil. This sacred oil was to be used exclusively for anointing the Tabernacle, its furnishings, and the priests, thereby consecrating them as "most holy" ([[Exodus 30:29]]). In this context, קִנָּמוֹן is associated with holiness, consecration, and the divine presence, contributing its precious fragrance to a substance set apart for God's service. The precise quantity specified (250 shekels) underscores its value and importance in this ritual.
* **[[Proverbs 7:17]]**: Here, the adulteress describes perfuming her bed with myrrh, aloes, and קִנָּמוֹן to entice her victim. This context starkly contrasts with its sacred use in Exodus. It associates cinnamon with sensual allure, seduction, and the trappings of illicit pleasure. This highlights the dual potential of created things: to be used for sacred purposes or to be perverted for profane and sinful ends. The fragrance, in this instance, serves as a deceptive lure.
* **[[Song of Solomon 4:14]]**: Cinnamon is listed among the exquisite aromatic plants in the beloved's garden, alongside nard, saffron, calamus, frankincense, myrrh, and aloes. In this poetic context, קִנָּמוֹן contributes to an atmosphere of beauty, abundance, and delight. It symbolizes the desirable qualities of the beloved and the richness of their pure, celebrated love. Here, its pleasant fragrance is appreciated for its aesthetic and sensory appeal within a context of righteous intimacy.
### Related Words & Concepts
קִנָּמוֹן is frequently mentioned in conjunction with other valuable aromatic substances and concepts:
* **Spices and Aromatics**: It belongs to a broader category of prized spices and perfumes, including `{{H4753}}` (myrrh), `{{H5480}}` (nard), `{{H1683}}` (cassia), `{{H6999}}` (qaneh bosem - sweet calamus), `{{H1745}}` (ahalim - aloes), and `{{H3828}}` (levonah - frankincense). These were integral to ancient economies, rituals, and personal adornment.
* **Holy Anointing Oil (`{{H4888}}` - mishchah)**: The inclusion of קִנָּמוֹן in this sacred compound in Exodus signifies its purity and its role in consecrating objects and individuals for divine service.
* **Purity vs. Impurity**: The contrasting uses of קִנָּמוֹן in Exodus and Proverbs highlight the biblical theme of holiness versus profanity, and the human responsibility in how created resources are utilized.
* **Beauty and Delight**: In the Song of Solomon, קִנָּמוֹן is part of the imagery of a flourishing garden, signifying aesthetic pleasure, abundance, and the joy found in pure relationships.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of קִנָּמוֹן is multifaceted, deriving from its varied biblical contexts:
* **Holiness and Consecration**: Its most profound theological role is as an ingredient in the holy anointing oil ([[Exodus 30:23]]). This oil was vital for consecrating the Tabernacle and the priesthood, rendering them "most holy" and set apart for God's exclusive use. Thus, קִנָּמוֹן symbolizes purity, divine acceptance, and the fragrance of holiness that ascends to God. It underscores the meticulous attention to detail required in worship and the sacredness of objects and persons dedicated to the Lord.
* **The Dual Nature of Creation and Human Choice**: The striking contrast between its sacred use in Exodus and its profane application by the adulteress in [[Proverbs 7:17]] reveals a crucial theological principle: created things, inherently good as God's design, can be used for either holy or sinful purposes. קִנָּמוֹן itself is neutral, but its deployment exposes the moral disposition of the user. This illustrates the human capacity for both sanctification and desecration, emphasizing the importance of righteous stewardship and pure intentions.
* **Divine Pleasure and the Goodness of Creation**: In [[Song of Solomon 4:14]], קִנָּמוֹן contributes to the imagery of a lush, fragrant garden, symbolizing the beauty and delight of God's creation. It speaks to the sensory richness that God provides for human enjoyment within the bounds of righteous relationships. This context affirms that pleasure, beauty, and intimacy, when pursued according to divine design, are reflections of God's goodness and intended for human flourishing.
* **Symbol of Value and Exclusivity**: Throughout its occurrences, קִנָּמוֹן consistently appears as a precious and valued commodity, whether for sacred rituals, seductive purposes, or expressions of love. This reinforces its status as something rare and highly esteemed, signifying exclusivity and importance in its given context.
### Summary
קִנָּמוֹן (qinnâmôwn), or cinnamon, is a precious aromatic bark whose meaning is rooted in its distinctive "upright rolls." Its three biblical appearances reveal a rich theological tapestry. In [[Exodus 30:23]], it is a sacred component of the holy anointing oil, symbolizing consecration and purity dedicated to divine service. Conversely, [[Proverbs 7:17]] depicts its use by an adulteress, highlighting the human capacity to pervert good creation for sinful ends. Finally, [[Song of Solomon 4:14]] places it among the delightful fragrances of a beloved's garden, signifying beauty, pleasure, and the richness of pure human love. The study of קִנָּמוֹן thus underscores themes of holiness, the moral choice inherent in using creation, and the appreciation of God's good gifts within their intended boundaries.
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