כַּרְכֹּם (kar.kom)
kar.kom
saffron
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun karkom refers to saffron, the orange-yellow flower of the crocus family. This word appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in Song of Solomon 4:14, where it is listed among the spices in the beloved’s garden.
Historically, saffron was valued not just for its vivid color and aroma, but for its practical use. Ancient sources note that it was used to flavor drinks and confections, often to promote perspiration and cool the body in warm climates. Its rarity and cost made it a fitting symbol of preciousness and luxury in poetic imagery.
The word’s single occurrence highlights how specific sensory details enrich biblical poetry. By naming saffron alongside other fragrant plants, the text evokes a vivid picture of abundance and beauty, grounding spiritual metaphors in tangible, everyday experiences.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word for saffron appears just once in the Hebrew Bible, nestled within the lush imagery of Song of Solomon 4:14. Here, it joins a garden of precious spices like spikenard and myrrh. This single mention reminds us that God cares about the sensory richness of our lives. He created beauty, fragrance, and even rare treasures to delight the human spirit.
In ancient times, saffron was costly and used to cool the body in warm climates. Its presence in Scripture suggests that physical comfort and spiritual joy are not separate realms. When we encounter moments of peace or beauty, they reflect the Creator’s attention to detail. We can trust that He provides both sustenance and delight.
This rare flower invites us to notice the small blessings around us. Whether in a quiet moment or a shared meal, gratitude opens our eyes to God’s generosity. May you find joy in the simple, fragrant moments of your day.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ saffron1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וְ/כַרְכֹּ֗ם1×
Key Verses
-
Song of Solomon 4:14
spikenard and saffron, calamus and cinnamon, with every kind of incense tree; myrrh and aloes, with all the best spices,
This verse lists saffron among other precious spices to illustrate the abundance and sensory richness of the beloved's garden.