Jump to: Smith's • ATS • ISBE • Easton's • Webster's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Botanical Identification: Camphire, referred to in the Bible, is commonly identified with the henna plant, scientifically known as Lawsonia inermis. This plant is a flowering shrub native to the Middle East and parts of North Africa and Asia. It is well-known for its fragrant white or yellowish flowers and its leaves, which are used to produce a reddish dye. Biblical References: Camphire is mentioned in the Song of Solomon, a poetic book of the Old Testament that celebrates love and beauty. The references to camphire highlight its pleasant fragrance and its association with beauty and desire. · Song of Solomon 1:14 : "My beloved is to me a cluster of henna blossoms in the vineyards of En Gedi." · Song of Solomon 4:13 : "Your plants are an orchard of pomegranates with pleasant fruits, fragrant henna with spikenard." Cultural and Symbolic Significance: In the biblical context, camphire is symbolic of beauty, love, and fertility. The Song of Solomon uses the imagery of camphire to evoke the lushness and allure of romantic love. The henna plant's blossoms are associated with the vineyards of En Gedi, a fertile oasis, suggesting abundance and the flourishing of love. The use of henna as a dye also has historical significance. In ancient times, henna was used for body art and hair dye, symbolizing joy and celebration. This practice continues in many cultures today, particularly in wedding ceremonies, where henna is applied to the bride as a symbol of beauty and blessing. Historical and Geographical Context: The mention of En Gedi in connection with camphire situates the plant within a specific geographical and historical context. En Gedi is an oasis located near the Dead Sea, known for its lush vegetation and water sources in an otherwise arid region. This setting underscores the contrast between the desert and the life-giving properties of the oasis, enhancing the imagery of camphire as a symbol of life and beauty. Theological Implications: From a theological perspective, the references to camphire in the Song of Solomon can be seen as part of the broader biblical theme of God's creation and the beauty inherent in it. The use of natural imagery to describe love and relationships reflects the divine order and the goodness of creation. The pleasant fragrance and visual appeal of camphire serve as reminders of the sensory richness of God's world and the blessings of love and companionship. Conclusion: While camphire is not a central theme in the Bible, its mention in the Song of Solomon enriches the text with vivid imagery and cultural significance. The plant's association with beauty, love, and fertility provides insight into the values and aesthetics of the biblical world, offering a glimpse into the ways in which the natural world is woven into the tapestry of Scripture. Smith's Bible Dictionary CamphireThere can be no doubt that "camphire" is the Lawsonia alba of botanists, the henna of Arabian naturalists. The henna plant grows in Egypt, Syria, Arabia and northern India. The flowers are white and grow in clusters, and are very fragrant. The whole shrub is from four to six feet high, (Solomon 4:13) ATS Bible Dictionary CamphireIn So 1:14 4:13, is not the gum Camphor of our apothecaries, but the Cyprus-flower, as it is sometimes called, the Athena of the Arabs, a whitish fragrant flower, hanging in clusters like grapes. Oriental ladies make use of the dried and powdered leaves to give their nails, feet, and hands a reddish orange tinge. The nails of Egyptian mummies are found thus dyed. See EYELIDS. The flowers of the Alhenna are fragrant; and being disposed in clusters, the females of Egypt are fond of carrying it in their bosoms. Easton's Bible Dictionary (Hebrews copher), mentioned in Cant. 1:14 (R.V., "henna-flowers"); 4:13 (R.V., "henna"), is the al-henna of the Arabs, a native of Egypt, producing clusters of small white and yellow odoriferous flowers, whence is made the Oleum Cyprineum. From its leaves is made the peculiar auburn dye with which Eastern women stain their nails and the palms of their hands. It is found only at Engedi, on the shore of the Dead Sea. It is known to botanists by the name Lawsonia alba or inermis, a kind of privet, which grows 6 or 8 feet high. The margin of the Authorized Version of the passages above referred to has "or cypress," not with reference to the conifer so called, but to the circumstance that one of the most highly appreciated species of this plant grew in the island of Cyprus. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (n.) An old spelling of Camphor.International Standard Bible Encyclopedia CAMPHIREkam'-fir. Strong's Hebrew 3724. kopher -- the price of a life, ransom... in); (specifically) bitumen (as used for coating), and the henna plant (as used for dyeing); figuratively, a redemption-price -- bribe, camphire, pitch, ransom ... /hebrew/3724.htm - 5k Library Chapter i The Incomparable Bridegroom and his Bride Death and Life in Christ A Bundle of Myrrh Gethsemane The Pilgrim's Progress Thesaurus Camphire (2 Occurrences)...CAMPHIRE. kam'-fir. See HENNA. ...Camphire (2 Occurrences). Song of Songs 1:14 My beloved is unto me as a cluster of camphire in the vineyards of Engedi. (KJV). ... /c/camphire.htm - 8k Enge'di (1 Occurrence) Engedi (6 Occurrences) Campfires (2 Occurrences) Camphor (2 Occurrences) Pleasant (119 Occurrences) Cyprus (12 Occurrences) Resources Camphire: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Camphire (2 Occurrences)Song of Songs 1:14 Song of Songs 4:13 Subtopics Camphire: (Henna, RV)): A Shrub Bearing Fragrant Flowers (Not Related to Camphor) Related Terms |
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