סְמַדֵר (se.ma.dar)
se.ma.dar
blossom
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew word semadar refers specifically to the flower or bud of the grapevine. It appears only twice in the Bible, both times within Song of Solomon, where it serves as a vivid image of early spring renewal. In these passages, the command to "arise, my love" is linked directly to the appearance of the semadar, signaling that the season of winter has passed and fruitfulness is beginning.
Unlike general terms for flowers, this word is precise: it denotes the grape blossom itself, not just any bloom. The sources confirm its meaning as "grape blossom" or "grape bud," highlighting a connection to agriculture and the promise of harvest. Its rarity in Scripture makes each occurrence stand out, anchoring the poetic imagery in the tangible reality of vineyards.
Translators typically render semadar as "blossom" or "flower," but the specific reference to grapes adds depth. It suggests not just beauty, but potential—tiny flowers that will soon become clusters of fruit. This detail enriches the metaphor of love and restoration, grounding spiritual themes in the cycles of nature familiar to ancient Israelite life.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word semadar points to the delicate grape blossom, a small but vital stage in the life of a vine. In the ancient world, these tiny flowers were the promise of future fruit. Their appearance signaled that winter was over and the season of growth had begun. This specific image grounds spiritual hope in the natural cycles we can see and touch.
When Scripture mentions this blossom, it often accompanies a call to awaken or protect what is precious. The beauty of the vineyard is not just for admiration; it requires care to ensure the fruit comes. In your own life, this reminds us that seasons of new growth need attention and protection from things that might hinder their development.
Even in difficult times, the presence of the semadar suggests that renewal is possible. Just as the vine produces blossoms after winter, there is a promise that new beginnings can emerge from past hardships. This hope is rooted in the faithful cycles of creation, pointing to a God who brings fruitfulness in His time.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- blossom1×
- [are] blossom1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- סְמָדַֽר\׃1×
- סְמָדַ֖ר1×
Key Verses
-
Song of Solomon 2:13
The fig tree ripens her green figs. The vines are in blossom. They give out their fragrance. Arise, my love, my beautiful one, and come away.”
This verse links the appearance of the grape blossom directly to a call for the beloved to arise, marking the end of winter and the start of a new season of intimacy.
-
Song of Solomon 2:15
Catch for us the foxes, the little foxes that plunder the vineyards; for our vineyards are in blossom.
Here the blossom highlights vulnerability, as the command to catch foxes shows that the precious fruitfulness of the vineyard must be protected from those who would plunder it.