◄ 1313. basam ►
Lexicon
basam: Spice, balsam, perfume

Original Word: בָּשָׂם
Part of Speech: Noun Masculine
Transliteration: basam
Pronunciation: baw-sawm'
Phonetic Spelling: (baw-sawm')
Definition: Spice, balsam, perfume
Meaning: the balsam plant

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
spice

From an unused root meaning to be fragrant; (compare cam) the balsam plant -- spice.

see HEBREW cam

NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Origin
the same as bosem, q.v.

Topical Lexicon
Word Origin: Derived from an unused root meaning to be fragrant.

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: • Strong's Greek Number 211: ἄρωμα (arōma) • Refers to spices or aromatic substances, similar to the Hebrew בָּשָׂם.
• Strong's Greek Number 218: ἄρρην (arrhēn) • While not directly related to בָּשָׂם, this term can sometimes be associated with fragrant offerings or substances in a broader sense.

These entries provide a comprehensive understanding of the term בָּשָׂם (bāsām) and its significance in the biblical text, highlighting its role in religious practices and its cultural value in ancient Israel.

Usage: The term בָּשָׂם (bāsām) is used in the Hebrew Bible to refer to aromatic substances, particularly those used in sacred anointing oils and perfumes. It is often translated as "spice" or "balsam" in English translations.

Context: The Hebrew word בָּשָׂם (bāsām) is frequently associated with aromatic substances used in religious and ceremonial contexts. In the ancient Near East, balsam was highly valued for its fragrance and was often used in the preparation of sacred anointing oils and incense. The term appears in several key biblical passages, highlighting its importance in worship and ritual.

In Exodus 30:23-25, the LORD instructs Moses to take the finest spices, including "liquid myrrh, fragrant cinnamon, fragrant cane, and cassia," to make a sacred anointing oil. The use of בָּשָׂם in this context underscores its role in the consecration of the tabernacle and its furnishings, as well as the priests who served there.

The Song of Solomon also makes reference to בָּשָׂם, emphasizing its association with love and beauty. In Song of Solomon 4:14, the beloved is described with a list of spices, including nard, saffron, calamus, and cinnamon, along with "every kind of incense tree, with myrrh and aloes, and all the finest spices." This poetic imagery highlights the luxurious and desirable nature of בָּשָׂם.

The use of בָּשָׂם in the Hebrew Bible reflects the cultural and religious significance of aromatic substances in ancient Israel. These spices were not only valued for their pleasant scent but also for their symbolic role in worship and personal adornment.

Links
Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts














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