Flowers: The Rose
Jump to: Torrey'sLibrarySubtopicsTerms
Topical Encyclopedia
The rose, a flower of exquisite beauty and fragrance, holds a significant place in biblical literature and Christian symbolism. While the rose as we know it today may not be explicitly mentioned in the Bible, its symbolic representation is often inferred from various scriptural passages and has been embraced by Christian tradition.

Biblical References and Symbolism

The Song of Solomon, a poetic book celebrating love and beauty, contains a reference that is often associated with the rose. In Song of Solomon 2:1, the beloved declares, "I am a rose of Sharon, a lily of the valley." . The "rose of Sharon" is frequently interpreted as a symbol of beauty and love, reflecting the deep affection between the bride and groom in the text. The exact identity of the "rose of Sharon" is debated, with some scholars suggesting it may refer to a type of wildflower native to the Sharon plain in Israel, rather than the modern rose.

In Christian symbolism, the rose is often associated with the Virgin Mary, representing purity, love, and the beauty of divine grace. This association is partly due to the rose's delicate and captivating nature, which mirrors the virtues attributed to Mary. The rose is also linked to the concept of paradise and the Garden of Eden, symbolizing the original beauty and perfection of God's creation.

Historical and Cultural Context

In ancient times, roses were highly valued for their beauty and fragrance, often used in perfumes and as decorative elements in gardens and homes. The cultivation of roses dates back to ancient civilizations, including the Greeks and Romans, who revered the flower for its aesthetic and symbolic qualities.

The rose's significance extends beyond its physical attributes, as it has been used in Christian art and literature to convey spiritual truths. In medieval Christian art, the rose often appears in depictions of the Virgin Mary and the saints, symbolizing their virtues and the divine love that flows through them.

Theological Reflections

The rose's beauty and fragrance can serve as a metaphor for the Christian life, reflecting the transformation that occurs when one is rooted in Christ. Just as a rose blooms and spreads its fragrance, believers are called to grow in grace and exhibit the fruits of the Spirit, becoming a pleasing aroma to God and those around them.

The thorns of the rose also hold theological significance, reminding Christians of the suffering and sacrifice of Christ. The juxtaposition of the rose's beauty with its thorns can be seen as a reflection of the Christian journey, where joy and suffering coexist, ultimately leading to spiritual growth and maturity.

Conclusion

While the rose may not be explicitly mentioned in the Bible, its symbolic presence in Christian tradition and art underscores its enduring significance. As a symbol of beauty, love, and divine grace, the rose continues to inspire and uplift believers, pointing them toward the ultimate source of all beauty and love—God Himself.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Isaiah 35:1
The wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad for them; and the desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

What the Flowers Say.
... I told you that there is such a thing as the language of flowers, that is, that
each flower has its special meaning. Well, what does the rose say? ...
/.../the life of duty a years plain sermons v 2/sermon lxi what the flowers.htm

The Lovliest Rose in the World
... Once there reigned a Queen, in whose garden were found the most glorious flowers
at all ... the most various kinds of this flower, from the wild dog-rose, with the ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/the lovliest rose in the.htm

Epilogue: a victim of Divine Love
... In the morning, when the Holy Viaticum was carried to the Infirmary, the cloisters
were thickly strewn with wild flowers and rose-petals. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/therese/story of a soul/epilogue a victim of divine.htm

Song 3. The Rose.
... hour,. And they wither and die in a day. Yet the Rose has one powerful
virtue to boast,. Above all the flowers of the field! When ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watts/divine and moral songs/song 3 the rose.htm

Song 3. The Rose. 12,8,12,8
... Yet the Rose has one powerful virtue to boast, Above all the flowers of
the field! When its leaves are all dead and fine colours ...
/.../watts/divine songs for children/song 3 the rose 128128.htm

How one in the Province of the Northumbrians, Rose from the Dead ...
... death of the soul, a certain man, who had been some time dead, rose again to ... was
a wide and pleasant plain full of such fragrance of blooming flowers th4t the ...
/.../bede/bedes ecclesiastical history of england/chap xii how one in.htm

How a Little Child who had Entered the Order Saw St Francis in ...
... HERE BEGIN THE LITTLE FLOWERS OF SAINT FRANCIS OF ASSISI CHAPTER XVII HOW A LITTLE ...
When all the other friars were fast asleep, St Francis rose from sleep, and ...
/.../the little flowers of st francis of assisi/chapter xvii how a little.htm

The Angel
... with beautiful flowers""which of these shall we take with us to plant in heaven?"
asked the angel. Now there stood near them a slender, beautiful rose bush ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/wells/bible stories and religious classics/the angel.htm

On the Words, and Rose Again from the Dead on the Third Day, and ...
... Our Salvation then took place at the same season as the Fall: when the flowers appeared,
and ... He not only rose, but had also the dead with Him when He rose [1719 ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/lecture xiv on the words.htm

False Profession.
... There is the grape, and the wild grape; the vine, and the wild vine; the rose, and
the canker-rose; flowers, and wild flowers; the apple, and the wild apple ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bunyan/the riches of bunyan/xx false profession.htm

Resources
Flowers, and pictures, and cakes ' oh my! | GotQuestions.org

What is the menorah? | GotQuestions.org

Who was Hadassah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Flowers: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Subtopics

Flowers

Flowers of the Grass

Flowers: Appear in Spring

Flowers: Beautiful

Flowers: Cultivated in Gardens

Flowers: Evanescent

Flowers: Garlands of, Used in Worship of Idols

Flowers: Glory of Man

Flowers: Kingdom of Israel

Flowers: Representations of, on The: Golden Candlestick

Flowers: Representations of, on The: Sea of Brass

Flowers: Representations of, on The: Wood Work of the Temple

Flowers: Rich Men

Flowers: Shortness of Man's Life

Flowers: Sweet

Flowers: The Graces of Christ

Flowers: The Lily

Flowers: The Lily of the Valley

Flowers: The Rose

Flowers: The Rose of Sharon

Flowers: Wild in Fields

Related Terms

Flower (33 Occurrences)

Buds (20 Occurrences)

Fig-tree (33 Occurrences)

Figtree

Bloom (9 Occurrences)

Knobs (9 Occurrences)

Knops (8 Occurrences)

Blossoms (16 Occurrences)

Lily (9 Occurrences)

Fig (45 Occurrences)

Bud (23 Occurrences)

Openings (27 Occurrences)

Ornamented (14 Occurrences)

Flourish (26 Occurrences)

Floral (2 Occurrences)

Myrtle (7 Occurrences)

Bowls (47 Occurrences)

Bulbs (6 Occurrences)

Cups (28 Occurrences)

Carvings (6 Occurrences)

Carved (36 Occurrences)

Capitals (21 Occurrences)

Calyxes (6 Occurrences)

Saffron (1 Occurrence)

Drop (32 Occurrences)

Flowerlike (2 Occurrences)

Dries (10 Occurrences)

Palm-trees (23 Occurrences)

Shaft (13 Occurrences)

Hammered (22 Occurrences)

Cherubs (52 Occurrences)

Branch (60 Occurrences)

Tree (245 Occurrences)

Palm (49 Occurrences)

Lights (71 Occurrences)

Winged (69 Occurrences)

Blossom (23 Occurrences)

Designs (118 Occurrences)

Candlestick (34 Occurrences)

Lampstand (38 Occurrences)

Beaten (73 Occurrences)

Pillar (72 Occurrences)

Support (135 Occurrences)

Design (84 Occurrences)

Metal (69 Occurrences)

Vegetable (3 Occurrences)

Nisan (2 Occurrences)

Lamp-stand (17 Occurrences)

Lilies (15 Occurrences)

Garden (68 Occurrences)

Foliage (14 Occurrences)

Flowering (6 Occurrences)

Flax (11 Occurrences)

Thread (32 Occurrences)

Tops (37 Occurrences)

Tongs (6 Occurrences)

Resemble (15 Occurrences)

Radiant (14 Occurrences)

Damask (1 Occurrence)

Mandrakes (4 Occurrences)

Plated (29 Occurrences)

Blind (91 Occurrences)

Camphire (2 Occurrences)

Crocus (1 Occurrence)

Candlesticks (11 Occurrences)

Almond-blossoms (4 Occurrences)

Almonds (6 Occurrences)

Shaped (10 Occurrences)

Mankind (80 Occurrences)

Lieth (135 Occurrences)

Hyacinth (1 Occurrence)

Almond (7 Occurrences)

Overlaid (50 Occurrences)

Crown (94 Occurrences)

Lamps (45 Occurrences)

Itself (203 Occurrences)

Base (127 Occurrences)

Botany

Floweth (16 Occurrences)

Flowers: The Lily of the Valley
Top of Page
Top of Page