or שׁוֹשָׁן; or שֹׁשָׁן; and (feminine) שׁוֹשַׁנָּה; from שׂוּשׂ; a lily (from its whiteness), as aflower of architectural ornament; also a (straight) trumpet (from the tubular shape); lily, Shoshannim.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **shûwshan**, represented by `{{H7799}}`, is a term for the **lily**. It appears 15 times across 15 unique verses in the Bible. Based on its use and origin, it signifies a lily, often noted for its whiteness, and is applied both as a flower in nature, an element of architectural ornament, and a term for a trumpet or musical direction, "Shoshannim."
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical usage, `{{H7799}}` appears in several distinct contexts. In the Song of Solomon, it is a recurring symbol of love and beauty. The beloved is described as one who "feedeth among the lilies" [[Song of Solomon 2:16]] and is compared to a "lily among thorns" [[Song of Solomon 2:2]]. The physical attributes of the lovers are likened to the flower, such as lips "like lilies" [[Song of Solomon 5:13]]. The word also describes architectural details in the temple, where the tops of the pillars featured "lily work" ([[1 Kings 7:19]], [[1 Kings 7:22]]) and the brim of the molten sea was wrought "with flowers of lilies" [[1 Kings 7:26]]. In the Psalms, it appears as "Shoshannim" in the titles, likely as a musical notation ([[Psalms 45:1]], [[Psalms 69:1]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help illustrate the lily's symbolic environment:
* `{{H1314}}` **besem** (smell, spice, sweet (odour)): This word for fragrance is closely associated with the garden imagery where lilies are found. The beloved is said to go to "the beds of spices" to "gather lilies" [[Song of Solomon 6:2]].
* `{{H2261}}` **chăbatstseleth** (rose): This term appears directly alongside lily in a declaration of identity and beauty: "I am the rose of Sharon, and the lily of the valleys" [[Song of Solomon 2:1]], showing their parallel use as symbols of natural splendor.
* `{{H6525}}` **perach** (blossom, bud, flower): This general term for a flower is used to specify the "flowers of lilies" that adorned the brim of the cup in the temple, linking the specific lily form to the broader concept of a blossom [[2 Chronicles 4:5]].
### Theological Significance
The theological and symbolic weight of `{{H7799}}` is significant. It is used to convey concepts of divine blessing, purity, and sacred beauty.
* **Symbol of Restoration:** The prophet Hosea uses the lily as a direct metaphor for God's promise to restore Israel. God declares, "I will be as the dew unto Israel: he shall grow as the lily" [[Hosea 14:5]], connecting the flower's growth to national renewal.
* **Emblem of Purity and Love:** Throughout the Song of Solomon, the lily represents a pure and cherished love, set apart from the ordinary. The lover is unique, "as the lily among thorns" [[Song of Solomon 2:2]], and the setting for their intimacy is a place where they "feed among the lilies" [[Song of Solomon 4:5]].
* **Sanctified Beauty:** By incorporating "lily work" into the design of the temple pillars and vessels ([[1 Kings 7:19]], [[1 Kings 7:26]]), natural beauty is brought into the place of worship, signifying that the elegance of God's creation has a role in glorifying Him.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H7799}}` is far more than a simple botanical term. It serves as a powerful and versatile symbol within Scripture. From its use as a metaphor for divine restoration in prophecy to its role as an emblem of pure love in poetry and a motif of sanctified beauty in temple architecture, **shûwshan** illustrates how a single image from the natural world can convey profound spiritual and aesthetic meaning.
TRV