סַם (sam)

sam

spice

H5561 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 14 verses

H:N-M

Language: Biblical Hebrew
Testament: Old Testament
Occurrences: 14 verses
Root: —
Part of speech: H:N-M

Word Overview

The noun sam refers to a spice or aromatic substance, appearing fourteen times in the Hebrew Bible with a heavy concentration in the priestly codes of Exodus, Leviticus, and Numbers. It denotes a material valued for its scent rather than its flavor, serving as a key ingredient in sacred rituals. The word captures the tangible reality of incense, grounding abstract worship in physical sensory experience.

Its most prominent usage occurs in the instructions for the holy anointing oil and the sacred incense blend (Exodus 30:23-25; Leviticus 4:16). In these contexts, sam is not merely a decorative element but a component of divine ordinance. The text specifies that this spice must be used in precise measurements to create a mixture set apart for holy use, distinguishing it from common perfumes made for personal vanity.

The theological weight of sam lies in its exclusivity. Scripture commands that the incense containing these spices should not be replicated for ordinary use (Exodus 30:37-38). This restriction highlights the boundary between the sacred and the profane, emphasizing that approaching God requires adherence to specific, divinely provided means. The spice thus becomes a symbol of obedience and the distinct nature of worship reserved for the sanctuary.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

When you read about spices in the Old Testament, it is easy to miss the weight behind them. These were not just ingredients for a pleasant smell; they represented something precious and set apart. The instructions for creating the holy anointing oil and incense were very specific. God did not want random mixtures but a blend made exactly as He commanded. This shows that He cares about the details of how we approach Him.

This word reminds us that worship is meant to be distinct from everyday life. The spices used in the tabernacle could not be copied for personal use or vanity. They belonged entirely to God’s presence. For you, this might mean thinking about how your prayers and acts of devotion are offered with intentionality. It is an invitation to bring your best to God, recognizing that He is worthy of our focused attention and sincere hearts.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 14 verses where it appears, by frequency.

the/ perfume<s>9×
perfume<s>4×
spices2×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

הַ/סַּמִּֽים\׃3×
סַמִּ֖ים2×
סַמִּ֑ים2×
הַ/סַּמִּ֖ים2×
הַ/סַּמִּ֑ים2×
סַמִּים֩1×
סַמִּ֗ים1×
הַ/סַּמִּים֙1×
הַ/סַּמִּ֔ים1×

Key Verses

Exodus 30:34
Yahweh said to Moses, “Take to yourself sweet spices, gum resin, onycha, and galbanum: sweet spices with pure frankincense. There shall be an equal weight of each.

This verse establishes the precise formula for the sacred incense, showing that sam was a core component in a mixture that could not be replicated.
Exodus 30:7
Aaron shall burn incense of sweet spices on it every morning. When he tends the lamps, he shall burn it.

Here the daily burning of incense highlights the regular, ongoing nature of approaching God through this specific aromatic offering.
Leviticus 16:12
He shall take a censer full of coals of fire from off the altar before Yahweh, and two handfuls of sweet incense beaten small, and bring it within the veil.

The high priest takes this sweet spice into the Most Holy Place, indicating its critical role in mediating presence before God on behalf of the people.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Hebrew word sam mean?

Sam means spice or aromatic substance. It is used in the Hebrew Bible to describe materials valued for their scent, particularly in the context of creating holy anointing oil and incense for the tabernacle.

Why were these spices considered so important?

These spices were important because they were part of a divine ordinance. God specified exactly how to make them, setting them apart from common perfumes. This distinction emphasized that worship must follow God's instructions rather than human preference.

Where does this word appear most often?

You will find sam most frequently in the books of Exodus, Leviticus, and Numbers. These passages contain the detailed instructions for building the tabernacle and establishing the priestly duties involving incense and oil.

Every Occurrence (14 verses across 4 books)

Exodus 10 verses

Exodus 25:6

oil for the light, spices for the anointing oil and for the sweet incense,

Exodus 30:7

Aaron shall burn incense of sweet spices on it every morning. When he tends the lamps, he shall burn it.

Exodus 30:34

Yahweh said to Moses, “Take to yourself sweet spices, gum resin, onycha, and galbanum: sweet spices with pure…

Exodus 31:11

the anointing oil, and the incense of sweet spices for the holy place: according to all that I have commanded you they…

Exodus 35:8

oil for the light, spices for the anointing oil and for the sweet incense,

Exodus 35:15

and the altar of incense with its poles, the anointing oil, the sweet incense, the screen for the door, at the door of…

Exodus 35:28

with the spice and the oil for the light, for the anointing oil, and for the sweet incense.

Exodus 37:29

He made the holy anointing oil and the pure incense of sweet spices, after the art of the perfumer.

Exodus 39:38

the golden altar, the anointing oil, the sweet incense, the screen for the door of the Tent,

Exodus 40:27

and he burned incense of sweet spices on it, as Yahweh commanded Moses.

Leviticus 2 verses

Numbers 1 verse

II Chronicles 1 verse