קִנָּמוֹן
cinnamon bark (as in upright rolls)
Definition
קִנָּמוֹן refers to cinnamon, specifically the aromatic bark of the cinnamon tree used as a spice. In the Bible, it consistently denotes a valuable ingredient for sacred and luxurious purposes. In Exodus 30:23, it is a component of the holy anointing oil for consecrating the tabernacle and its priests. In more domestic contexts, such as Proverbs 7:17 and Song of Solomon 4:14, it is associated with perfuming a bed and garden, symbolizing sensory delight and romantic allure.
Biblical Usage
This word is used only three times in the Old Testament, always as a precious, imported spice. Its usage spans different literary contexts: ritual law (Exodus 30:23), wisdom literature warning against adultery (Proverbs 7:17), and love poetry (Song of Solomon 4:14). In each case, it signifies something costly, fragrant, and desirable, enhancing either sacred worship or intimate pleasure.
Etymology
Derived from an unused Hebrew root meaning 'to erect,' likely referring to the way cinnamon bark grows in upright, tubular rolls. The word is a loanword, related to similar terms in other Semitic languages, reflecting its status as an exotic import from Southeast Asia, likely obtained through ancient trade routes.
Semantic Range
Cinnamon's inclusion in the holy anointing oil (Exodus 30:23) elevates it from a mere luxury to a component of divine consecration, symbolizing how God sanctifies the ordinary for sacred use. Its appearance in Song of Solomon also allows it to symbolize the beauty and delight found in God-given human love. Understanding its value and fragrance enriches the symbolism of holiness and blessedness in scripture.
In the ancient Near East, cinnamon was an extremely expensive import, likely from Sri Lanka or India, transported via long trade routes. Its use in the anointing oil and for perfuming beds (Proverbs 7:17) highlights its association with extreme wealth, royalty, and sacred ceremony. Modern readers may underestimate its rarity and symbolic weight as a marker of opulence and divine favor.
בֹּשֶׂם (bōśem, H1314) — a general term for spice or fragrant gum. קְטֹרֶת (qəṭōreth, H7004) — specifically refers to incense or smoke of sacrifice.
Word Details
How this works
Hebrew definitions are from Brown-Driver-Briggs (1906) and Strong's Exhaustive Concordance (1890), both public domain. BDB was groundbreaking for its era but reflects 19th-century assumptions about Semitic etymology. Modern scholarship (HALOT, DCH) has revised many entries. Use these definitions as a starting point for exploration, not as the final word on a term's meaning in context.
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