or רִמֹּן; from רָמַם; a pomegranate, the tree (from its upright growth) or the fruit (also an artificial ornament); pomegranate.
Transliteration:rimmôwn
Pronunciation:rim-mone'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word רִמּוֹן (rimmôwn), Strong's H7416, refers primarily to the "pomegranate." Its etymology is linked to the root רָמַם (ramam), meaning "to be high" or "to rise up," which the base definition attributes to the pomegranate tree's "upright growth." This indicates that the name itself may reflect a characteristic of the plant. The semantic range of רִמּוֹן encompasses both the fruit itself and the tree that bears it. Furthermore, the definition explicitly includes "an artificial ornament" shaped like a pomegranate, highlighting its significance in ancient Israelite decorative arts, particularly in sacred contexts. Thus, רִמּוֹן spans from a tangible agricultural product to a symbolic motif in religious architecture and attire.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word רִמּוֹן (rimmôwn) appears numerous times throughout the Hebrew Bible, offering rich contextual insights into its significance.
1. **Symbol of the Promised Land's Fertility:** The pomegranate is frequently mentioned as one of the staple fruits of the land of Canaan, symbolizing its abundance and the divine provision promised to Israel. In [[Deuteronomy 8:8]], it is listed among the seven species, describing the land as "a land of wheat and barley, of vines and fig trees and pomegranates, a land of olive trees and honey." This imagery is reinforced when the spies bring back pomegranates, along with grapes and figs, as evidence of Canaan's fruitfulness in [[Numbers 13:23]]. Conversely, the lack of pomegranates in the wilderness is a point of complaint for the Israelites, highlighting their longing for the promised abundance ([[Numbers 20:5]]).
2. **Sacred Ornamentation:** Pomegranates held significant symbolic value in the design of sacred objects and structures:
* **High Priest's Garments:** On the hem of the high priest's ephod, golden bells and pomegranates alternated, as prescribed in [[Exodus 28:33-34]] and [[Exodus 39:24-26]]. This combination likely symbolized the priest's role in both audibly serving God (bells) and bearing fruit in his ministry (pomegranates).
* **Temple Architecture:** Pomegranates adorned the capitals of the two great bronze pillars, Jachin and Boaz, at the entrance to Solomon's Temple ([[1 Kings 7:18, 20, 42]]; [[Jeremiah 52:22-23]]). They also decorated the bronze sea ([[1 Kings 7:20, 42]]). Their use in the Temple's grand design underscores their association with beauty, divine order, and the fruitfulness of God's dwelling place.
3. **Poetic and Figurative Language:** In the Song of Solomon, the pomegranate is a recurring motif, used to describe the beauty and allure of the beloved, often associated with the cheeks or temples ([[Song of Solomon 4:3]], [[Song of Solomon 6:7]]). It also appears in descriptions of gardens and orchards, symbolizing the lushness and fruitfulness of love and intimacy ([[Song of Solomon 4:13]], [[Song of Solomon 6:11]], [[Song of Solomon 7:12]], [[Song of Solomon 8:2]]).
4. **Prophetic Contexts:** In prophetic books, the presence or absence of pomegranates can signify blessing or judgment. [[Joel 1:12]] laments the drying up of the pomegranate tree due to locusts, symbolizing widespread desolation. Conversely, [[Haggai 2:19]] promises future blessing and agricultural prosperity, including pomegranates, as a sign of God's renewed favor.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of רִמּוֹן (rimmôwn) benefits from examining its connections to other biblical terms and concepts:
* **Root רָמַם (ramam):** The proposed etymological link to "upright growth" or "exaltation" (similar to `{{H7225}}` for "high" or "exalted") subtly connects the physical fruit to a sense of prominence or distinction.
* **Other Fruits of Canaan:** רִמּוֹן is often mentioned alongside other foundational fruits of the Promised Land, such as figs (תְּאֵנָה, `{{H8384}}`), grapes (גֶּפֶן, `{{H1612}}`), and olives (זַיִת, `{{H2132}}`). Together, these terms paint a picture of the land's agricultural richness and divine blessing.
* **Tabernacle/Temple Motifs:** The pomegranate shares its ornamental space with other significant decorative elements like bells (פַּעֲמוֹן, `{{H6472}}`), cherubim (כְּרוּב, `{{H3742}}`), and palm trees (תָּמָר, `{{H8558}}`). These collectively contribute to the rich symbolic tapestry of Israel's sacred spaces, emphasizing beauty, order, and the presence of the divine.
* **Fertility and Abundance:** Beyond specific words, the concept of fertility and abundance is strongly tied to רִמּוֹן. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, the pomegranate, with its numerous seeds, often symbolized life, progeny, and prosperity. This cultural understanding resonates deeply with its biblical usage.
### Theological Significance
The pomegranate (רִמּוֹן) carries profound theological significance, embodying several key aspects of God's character and His relationship with humanity:
1. **Divine Provision and Blessing:** As a prominent fruit of the Promised Land, the pomegranate stands as a tangible sign of God's faithfulness to His covenant promises. It represents the abundance, richness, and prosperity that God bestows upon His people when they walk in obedience. Its absence in the wilderness narratives underscores the Israelites' dependence on God and the stark contrast between hardship and the promised land of blessing.
2. **Holiness and Sacred Beauty:** Its inclusion in the high priest's vestments and the Temple's architecture elevates the pomegranate beyond a mere fruit. It becomes a symbol of the beauty, order, and sacredness associated with God's dwelling place and the worship rendered to Him. The alternating pomegranates and bells on the priestly robe can be interpreted as symbolizing the fruitfulness of a consecrated life and the audible testimony of worship that accompanies it. The multitude of seeds within a single fruit may also subtly point to the vastness of God's blessings or the generative power of His presence.
3. **Life, Fertility, and Love:** In the poetic imagery of the Song of Solomon, the pomegranate speaks to the vitality, beauty, and fruitfulness of human love, reflecting a divine design for intimacy and procreation. This illustrates how even aspects of creation can serve as powerful metaphors for the deepest human experiences, pointing to the Creator's artistry and goodness.
4. **Hope and Restoration:** In prophetic contexts, the return of the pomegranate's bounty after periods of desolation signifies God's promise of restoration, renewed favor, and the return of agricultural and spiritual prosperity. It serves as a symbol of hope for a future characterized by divine blessing and abundance.
### Summary
The Hebrew word רִמּוֹן (rimmôwn), H7416, denotes the pomegranate fruit and tree, its name possibly reflecting its "upright growth." Its biblical occurrences reveal a rich semantic tapestry. Primarily, it symbolizes the divine provision and fertility of the Promised Land, contrasting sharply with the barrenness of the wilderness. Its significant role as an ornamental motif on the high priest's garments and in the Solomonic Temple underscores its association with sacred beauty, divine order, and the fruitfulness inherent in God's presence. In poetic literature, רִמּוֹן beautifully depicts vitality, abundance, and the lushness of love. Theologically, the pomegranate encapsulates themes of God's bountiful blessing, the holiness and aesthetic grandeur of His dwelling, and the life-giving fruitfulness that flows from His covenant relationship with humanity, often serving as a symbol of hope and restoration.
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