### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **rimmôwn**, represented by `{{H7416}}`, refers to the **pomegranate**. It appears **32 times** across **25 unique verses** in the Bible. Its base definition includes the **pomegranate** tree, noted for its upright growth, as well as the fruit itself. The word is also used to describe an artificial ornament, reflecting its distinct and beautiful shape.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical accounts, `{{H7416}}` is used in several key ways. It is a symbol of the fertility and blessing of the promised **land** `{{H776}}`, listed among native fruits like **wheat** `{{H2406}}`, **barley** `{{H8184}}`, **vines** `{{H1612}}`, and **fig trees** `{{H8384}}` [[Deuteronomy 8:8]]. Conversely, the lack of **pomegranates** characterized the **evil** `{{H7451}}` **place** `{{H4725}}` the Israelites lamented in the wilderness [[Numbers 20:5]]. It is also a significant decorative element in sacred contexts, with hundreds of brass **pomegranates** adorning the **chapiters** `{{H3805}}` of the temple **pillars** `{{H5982}}` ([[1 Kings 7:20]], [[Jeremiah 52:22]]). In the Song of Solomon, it is used poetically to describe the beloved's beauty, whose **temples** `{{H7541}}` are compared to a **piece** `{{H6400}}` of a **pomegranate** [[Song of Solomon 4:3]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help illustrate the contexts in which the pomegranate appears:
* `{{H1612}}` **gephen** (vine): Often mentioned alongside the **pomegranate** to represent agricultural bounty. Its languishing, along with the **pomegranate** tree, signifies a time of distress [[Joel 1:12]].
* `{{H8384}}` **tᵉʼên** (fig tree): As another of the key fruits of the land, it is frequently listed with the **pomegranate** as a sign of God's provision and blessing, which the spies brought back from the **brook** `{{H5158}}` of Eshcol [[Numbers 13:23]].
* `{{H3805}}` **kôthereth** (chapiter): The capital of a column. **Pomegranates** were a primary ornamental feature on the **chapiters** of the temple pillars, often arranged in **rows** `{{H2905}}` [[1 Kings 7:18]].
* `{{H6472}}` **paʻămôn** (bell): On the **hem** `{{H7757}}` of the high priest's **robe** `{{H4598}}`, ornamental **pomegranates** were alternated with **golden** `{{H2091}}` **bells** [[Exodus 28:34]].
### Theological Significance
The theological and symbolic weight of `{{H7416}}` is evident in its varied applications.
* **Blessing and Provision:** The **pomegranate** is consistently presented as part of the abundant fruitfulness of the land promised by **Yᵉhôvâh** `{{H3068}}`. The spies brought them back as proof of the land's richness [[Numbers 13:23]], and its presence is part of God's promise to **bless** `{{H1288}}` His people [[Haggai 2:19]].
* **Sacred Ornamentation:** As an artificial ornament, **pomegranates** were integral to the divinely commanded design of the priest's garments. Made of **blue** `{{H8504}}`, **purple** `{{H713}}`, and **scarlet** `{{H8144}}`, they adorned the **hem** `{{H7757}}` of the **robe** `{{H4598}}` used for ministering before the **LORD** `{{H3068}}` ([[Exodus 28:33]], [[Exodus 39:26]]). They also decorated the temple, with hundreds of brass pomegranates on the **chapiters** `{{H3805}}` [[2 Chronicles 4:13]].
* **Symbol of Love and Beauty:** In the Song of Solomon, the **pomegranate** serves as a rich metaphor. The beloved's beauty is compared to a **piece** `{{H6400}}` of a **pomegranate** [[Song of Solomon 6:7]], and an **orchard** `{{H6508}}` of **pomegranates** symbolizes a place of **pleasant** `{{H4022}}` **fruits** `{{H6529}}` and love [[Song of Solomon 4:13]]. The **juice** `{{H6071}}` of the pomegranate is part of a **spiced** `{{H7544}}` **wine** `{{H3196}}` representing deep affection [[Song of Solomon 8:2]].
### Summary
In summary, **rimmôwn** `{{H7416}}` is a word that carries significance far beyond the fruit itself. It functions as a tangible sign of God's covenant blessing and the fertility of the promised land. As a meticulously crafted ornament on both priestly robes and temple architecture, it reflects sacred beauty and divine order. Finally, in poetic language, it captures ideals of human beauty and the flourishing of love. The pomegranate illustrates how an element of the natural world can be infused with deep spiritual and relational meaning throughout Scripture.
TRV