בָּֽשְׂמַת (bos.mat)
bos.mat
Basemath
N:N-F-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 7 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-F-P
Word Overview
The name Basemath, meaning "spice" or "fragrance," appears in Genesis and Kings to identify two distinct women in biblical history. In Genesis 36:39, she is the Hittite wife of Esau and daughter of Ishmael, linking the patriarch’s lineage to Arabian tribes through her brother Nebaioth. This early mention establishes a familial connection between Edom and the Ishmaelite clans.
Centuries later, the name reappears in 1 Kings 4:15 as the daughter of King Solomon and wife of Ahimaaz, a royal official responsible for commissariat duties. While sharing the same root meaning, this Basemath represents a different historical moment and social circle within the United Monarchy. The recurrence of such a specific name across generations suggests it was a known term in the region, likely chosen for its pleasant association with valuable trade goods.
The lexical data confirms these are two separate individuals rather than a single person living an unusually long life. One belongs to the pre-monarchic era of the patriarchs, while the other lives during Solomon’s reign. The name itself points to the cultural value placed on aromatic substances in the ancient Near East, where spices were both luxury items and symbols of status.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Basemath carries a gentle meaning, pointing to fragrance or spice. In the ancient world, aromatics were precious gifts that signified honor and welcome. Seeing this name attached to women in Scripture reminds us that God values beauty and pleasantness in His creation. It is a small detail, yet it reflects a culture where even names could speak of something sweet and valuable.
When we read about Basemath as Esau’s wife or Solomon’s daughter, we see ordinary people living out their lives within God’s larger story. Their identities are preserved in the text, showing that every person matters to the Lord. We do not need to know every detail of their hearts to trust that God is faithful to His promises across generations.
This word invites us to appreciate the richness of biblical history. It encourages a quiet gratitude for the diverse threads woven into Scripture. May we find peace in knowing that our lives, too, are held securely in God’s hands, fragrant with His grace.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 7 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Basemath6×
- and/ Basemath1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- בָּשְׂמַ֥ת2×
- בָשְׂמַ֖ת2×
- וּ/בָ֣שְׂמַ֔ת1×
- בָּשְׂמַ֖ת1×
- בָּ֣שְׂמַ֔ת1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 26:34
When Esau was forty years old, he took as wife Judith, the daughter of Beeri the Hittite, and Basemath, the daughter of Elon the Hittite.
This verse introduces Basemath as one of Esau’s wives, establishing her presence early in the patriarchal narrative alongside Judith.
-
Genesis 36:10
these are the names of Esau’s sons: Eliphaz, the son of Adah, the wife of Esau; and Reuel, the son of Basemath, the wife of Esau.
Here Basemath is identified as the mother of Reuel, clarifying her role in the lineage of Edom through Esau.
-
I Kings 4:15
Ahimaaz, in Naphtali (he also took Basemath the daughter of Solomon as wife);
This occurrence shifts to the United Monarchy, showing Basemath as Solomon’s daughter and wife of Ahimaaz, linking royal families.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Basemath mean?
Is Basemath one person or two?
Why is this name important?
Every Occurrence (7 verses across 2 books)
Genesis 6 verses
When Esau was forty years old, he took as wife Judith, the daughter of Beeri the Hittite, and Basemath, the daughter of…
Genesis 36:3and Basemath, Ishmael’s daughter, sister of Nebaioth.
Genesis 36:4Adah bore to Esau Eliphaz. Basemath bore Reuel.
Genesis 36:10these are the names of Esau’s sons: Eliphaz, the son of Adah, the wife of Esau; and Reuel, the son of Basemath, the…
Genesis 36:13These are the sons of Reuel: Nahath, Zerah, Shammah, and Mizzah. These were the descendants of Basemath, Esau’s wife.
Genesis 36:17These are the sons of Reuel, Esau’s son: chief Nahath, chief Zerah, chief Shammah, chief Mizzah. These are the chiefs…