בֶּ֫שֶׂם (be.sem)
be.sem
spice
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 24 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun besem refers to aromatic substances, covering everything from individual spices and perfumes to the balsam tree itself. Its core sense is that of a sweet smell or fragrance, a meaning that connects it to the root for "sweetness." In the Old Testament, this word appears in contexts ranging from the sacred incense of the tabernacle to the luxurious goods traded by King Solomon.
Translators often render besem as "spice," but the term carries a sensory richness that goes beyond mere seasoning. It describes the pleasant odor emitted by these plants, whether used in religious rituals or celebrated in poetry. For instance, Song of Solomon 4:16 calls for the north wind to blow upon the garden’s spices, evoking an image of released fragrance rather than just physical ingredients.
The word also identifies the balsam shrub, a valuable plant native to the region known for its resinous sap. This dual usage highlights how ancient Hebrew speakers linked the source with its scent. Whether referring to the precious oils in Exodus 30:23 or the exotic imports in 1 Kings 10:10, besem consistently points to something prized for its delightful aroma and economic value.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word besem reminds us that God cares about the senses and the beauty of creation. In Scripture, spices were not just commodities but symbols of holiness, wealth, and deep affection. When used in the tabernacle, they created a sweet incense that rose before God, showing that worship involves offering our best to Him. This physical fragrance points to a spiritual reality: our lives should carry a pleasant aroma of kindness and integrity.
In the Song of Solomon, spices represent the richness of love and intimacy. The imagery suggests that relationships, when rooted in faith, are filled with depth and delight. Even in times of judgment or loss, the mention of spices highlights what is precious and worth mourning. We can find comfort in knowing that God values the details of our lives, from the sacred rituals of ancient Israel to the personal moments of connection we experience today.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 24 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- spices8×
- and/ spices5×
- the/ spices2×
- spice2×
- like the/ spice2×
- <the>/ spice2×
- with <the>/ balsam oil1×
- the/ spice1×
- spices/ its1×
- perfume1×
- of the/ spices1×
- and/ the/ spices1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וּ/בְשָׂמִ֛ים2×
- וּ/בְשָׂמִ֔ים2×
- הַ/בְּשָׂמִ֜ים2×
- בְּשָׂמִ֧ים2×
- בְּשָׂמִ֣ים2×
- בְשָׂמִֽים\׃2×
- לַ/בְּשָׂמִֽים\׃1×
- כַּ/בֹּ֣שֶׂם1×
- כַ/בֹּ֨שֶׂם1×
- וּ/בְשָׂמִים֙1×
- וְ/לִ/בְשָׂמִים֙1×
- וְ/הַ/בְּשָׂמִֽים\׃1×
Key Verses
-
Exodus 30:23
“Also take fine spices: of liquid myrrh, five hundred shekels; and of fragrant cinnamon half as much, even two hundred and fifty; and of fragrant cane, two hundred and fifty;
This verse lists specific spices for the holy anointing oil, showing that besem was essential for consecrating things and people to God's service.
-
Song of Solomon 4:16
Awake, north wind, and come, you south! Blow on my garden, that its spices may flow out. Let my beloved come into his garden, and taste his precious fruits.
Here the speaker invites the wind to blow on the spices, using the word to evoke a vivid image of released fragrance and intimate invitation.
-
I Kings 10:10
She gave the king one hundred twenty talents of gold, and a very great quantity of spices, and precious stones. Never again was there such an abundance of spices as these which the queen of Sheba gave to King Solomon.
The queen of Sheba’s gift of abundant spices demonstrates their high economic value and status as a tribute worthy of a wise king.
-
II Chronicles 16:14
They buried him in his own tomb, which he had dug out for himself in David’s city, and laid him in the bed which was filled with sweet odors and various kinds of spices prepared by the perfumers’ art; and they made a very great fire for him.
King Asa was buried with spices, indicating that this aromatic substance was used in burial practices to honor the deceased and preserve dignity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hebrew word besem mean?
How is besem used in the Bible?
Why are spices significant in Scripture?
Every Occurrence (24 verses across 8 books)
Exodus 4 verses
oil for the light, spices for the anointing oil and for the sweet incense,
Exodus 30:23“Also take fine spices: of liquid myrrh, five hundred shekels; and of fragrant cinnamon half as much, even two hundred…
Exodus 35:8oil for the light, spices for the anointing oil and for the sweet incense,
Exodus 35:28with the spice and the oil for the light, for the anointing oil, and for the sweet incense.