Lexical Summary esheth: Wife, Woman Original Word: עֶשֶׁת Strong's Exhaustive Concordance bright From ashath; a fabric -- bright. see HEBREW ashath NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom ashath Definition plate NASB Translation carved (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs עֶ֫שֶׁת noun [masculine] plate (as smooth, shiny ? Late Hebrew id., lump or bar of metal); — construct שֵׁן ׳ע Songs 5:14 a plate of ivory (Löw in BuhlLex Bu). Topical Lexicon Biblical Occurrence Song of Songs 5:14 is the sole appearance of עֶשֶׁת. The Shulammite, extolling her Beloved, declares, “His body is polished ivory decorated with sapphires”. עֶשֶׁת draws the reader’s attention to the radiant, gleaming quality of ivory—smooth, costly, and brilliantly white. Cultural and Historical Setting Ivory was a luxury commodity throughout the ancient Near East. Phoenician traders brought it from distant coasts (1 Kings 10:22), and Israelite royalty incorporated it into palatial décor (1 Kings 22:39; Amos 3:15). Archaeological finds at Samaria, Megiddo, and Nimrud confirm the popularity of carved ivory in the ninth–eighth centuries B.C. Its whiteness, durability, and ability to take a high polish made it the perfect material for inlay, furniture ornamentation, and ceremonial objects. Symbolism in Old Testament Thought 1. Purity and Splendor: The gleam of ivory suggested moral purity and regal glory. This aligns with the repeated biblical association between white brilliance and righteousness (Isaiah 1:18; Daniel 12:10). Christological Insight from Song of Songs Conservative Christian interpretation has long viewed the Beloved of Song of Songs as anticipating Christ, with the bride portraying the covenant people. Within that framework, עֶשֶׁת paints a portrait of the Messiah: Wider Canonical Connections • Psalm 45:8: “From palaces adorned with ivory the harps make You glad.” Both the royal Bridegroom of Psalm 45 and the Beloved of Song of Songs are framed in ivory imagery, reinforcing messianic resonance. Practical Ministry Applications 1. Worship: Adoration modeled in Song of Songs reminds believers to ponder the multi-faceted beauty of Christ. Summary עֶשֶׁת, though occurring only once, opens a window into ancient artistry and enduring theology. The polished ivory of Song of Songs 5:14 magnifies the purity, worth, and robust beauty of the Beloved—a depiction that finds its fullest realization in Jesus Christ and calls His people to admiration, imitation, and proclamation. Forms and Transliterations עֶ֣שֶׁת עשת ‘e·šeṯ ‘ešeṯ EshetLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Songs 5:14 HEB: בַּתַּרְשִׁ֑ישׁ מֵעָיו֙ עֶ֣שֶׁת שֵׁ֔ן מְעֻלֶּ֖פֶת NAS: His abdomen is carved ivory KJV: his belly [is as] bright ivory INT: beryl his abdomen is carved ivory Inlaid |
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