3750. karkom

Lexicon

karkom: Saffron

Original Word: כַּרְכֹּם
Part of Speech: Noun Masculine
Transliteration: karkom
Pronunciation: kar-KOHM
Phonetic Spelling: (kar-kome')
Definition: Saffron
Meaning: the crocus

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

saffron

Probably of foreign origin; the crocus -- saffron.

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
of uncertain derivation
Definition
saffron
NASB Translation
saffron (1).

Brown-Driver-Briggs

כַּרְכֹּם noun [masculine] saffron (crocus sativus) (Late Hebrew id.; and verb denominative כִּרְכֵּם; Hithpa`el grow yellow, pale; Aramaic כּוּרְכְּמָא, Arabic = κρόκος, crocus; Lag^{Ges. Abh. 58, No. 147}; so also JHMordt^{sab Denkm. 83 f.}; otherwise DHM^ib., who compare Sabean כמכם, Arabic = Greek κάγκαμον); — Songs 4:14; on meaning see especially Löw^{No. 162}.

Topical Lexicon

Word Origin: Derived from a foreign origin, likely related to the Sanskrit word "kunkuma," which refers to saffron.

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: There is no direct Greek equivalent for the Hebrew word כַּרְכֹּם (karkom) in the Strong's Concordance. However, the concept of saffron and its uses can be related to Greek terms for spices and aromatic plants, though these are not directly linked in the Strong's numbering system.

Usage: The word "karkom" appears in the context of describing the beauty and richness of the natural world, particularly in relation to its vivid color and aromatic properties.

Context: • The Hebrew word כַּרְכֹּם (karkom) is mentioned in the Old Testament in the context of the Song of Solomon, a poetic book that celebrates love and beauty. In Song of Solomon 4:14, the crocus is listed among other exotic plants and spices, highlighting its value and desirability: "nard and saffron, calamus and cinnamon, with all the trees of frankincense, myrrh and aloes, with all the finest spices" (BSB).
• The crocus, particularly the saffron crocus, is known for its deep orange-red stigmas, which are harvested to produce saffron, a highly prized spice. This plant is native to the Mediterranean and parts of Asia, and its inclusion in the Song of Solomon underscores the luxurious and opulent imagery associated with the beloved's garden.
• The use of "karkom" in biblical literature reflects the cultural and economic significance of saffron in ancient times, where it was used not only as a spice but also for its medicinal properties and as a dye. The reference to crocus in the Song of Solomon serves to evoke a sense of exotic beauty and richness, contributing to the overall theme of love and admiration.

Forms and Transliterations

וְכַרְכֹּ֗ם וכרכם vecharKom wə·ḵar·kōm wəḵarkōm

Englishman's Concordance

Songs 4:14
HEB: נֵ֣רְדְּ ׀ וְכַרְכֹּ֗ם קָנֶה֙ וְקִנָּמ֔וֹן
NAS: Nard and saffron, calamus
KJV: Spikenard and saffron; calamus
INT: Nard and saffron calamus and cinnamon

1 Occurrence

Strong's Hebrew 3750
1 Occurrence

wə·ḵar·kōm — 1 Occ.