שׁוּשַׁן (shu.shan)

shu.shan

lily

H7799 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 11 verses

H:N-M / N:N-M-T

Language: Biblical Hebrew
Testament: Old Testament
Occurrences: 11 verses
Root: —
Part of speech: H:N-M / N:N-M-T

Word Overview

The Hebrew noun shushan refers to a lily or a lily-like flower. It appears eleven times in the Old Testament, with a strong concentration in the Song of Solomon where it serves as a metaphor for beauty and delicacy. The word also surfaces in historical accounts of King Solomon’s temple, specifically describing decorative elements on the pillars and the bronze sea (1 Kings 7:19-22; 2 Chronicles 4:5).

Its usage highlights an appreciation for natural elegance within ancient Israelite culture. In the poetic books, the flower symbolizes grace and purity, often comparing a lover’s appearance to its pristine form. In the temple descriptions, it represents skilled craftsmanship that elevates sacred objects with organic beauty. The term is even part of the title for Psalm 45 ("To the choirmaster: according to Shoshannim"), suggesting a musical or poetic association with this floral imagery.

While scholars generally agree it denotes a lily, some suggest it might refer to other bulbous flowers common in the region. Regardless of the exact botanical identification, the word consistently evokes an image of refined beauty, whether in romantic poetry or royal architecture.

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

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The word shushan brings to mind the delicate beauty of a lily. In the Old Testament, this flower appears in two distinct settings: the ornate decorations of Solomon’s temple and the romantic poetry of the Song of Songs. When used in architectural descriptions, it highlights how skilled craftsmen infused sacred spaces with natural elegance. This suggests that creating beauty is not separate from worship but can be an act of honoring God through artistry and detail.

In the poetic books, the lily becomes a metaphor for purity and cherished love. The imagery invites us to see value in gentleness and refinement. Just as a lily stands out among thorns or in a garden, believers are called to reflect a quiet strength and grace in their daily lives. This word reminds us that God appreciates both the grandeur of creation and the subtle details of personal character.

Ultimately, shushan points to a world designed with care and aesthetic purpose. Whether in the structure of a temple or the words of a love song, the lily symbolizes a beauty that is both enduring and delicate. It encourages us to cultivate inner purity and to appreciate the crafted beauty around us as reflections of divine order.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 11 verses where it appears, by frequency.

lili[es]3×
among the/ lilies3×
lilies1×
like/ a lily1×
a lily1×
[are] lilies1×
<the> lily of1×

Forms in the text

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

שׁוֹשָׁ֑ן2×
בַּ/שּׁוֹשַׁנִּֽים\׃2×
שׁוּשַׁ֣ן1×
שֽׁוֹשַׁנָּ֑ה1×
שֽׁוֹשַׁנַּ֖ת1×
שֽׁוֹשַׁנִּֽים\׃1×
שֽׁוֹשַׁנִּ֔ים1×
כְּ/שֽׁוֹשַׁנָּה֙1×
בַּ/שׁוֹשַׁנִּֽים\׃\ \ס1×

Key Verses

Song of Solomon 2:1
I am a rose of Sharon, a lily of the valleys.

This verse establishes the lily as a symbol of personal identity and humble beauty, contrasting with the rose of Sharon.
Song of Solomon 2:2
As a lily among thorns, so is my love among the daughters.

Here the lily is set against thorns, emphasizing the beloved's distinctiveness and purity amidst a difficult environment.
I Kings 7:26
It was a hand width thick. Its brim was worked like the brim of a cup, like the flower of a lily. It held two thousand baths.

The comparison of the bronze sea's brim to a lily flower illustrates how natural elegance was integrated into sacred temple furnishings.
Song of Solomon 5:13
His cheeks are like a bed of spices with towers of perfumes. His lips are like lilies, dropping liquid myrrh.

Lilies are used to describe the beloved's lips, linking floral beauty with sweetness and pleasant speech.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Hebrew word shushan mean?

Shushan (H7799) means 'lily' or 'lily-like flower.' It appears eleven times in the Old Testament, primarily in the Song of Songs and in descriptions of Solomon's temple. The term evokes images of natural beauty, purity, and skilled craftsmanship.

Is shushan used metaphorically in the Bible?

Yes, it is frequently used as a metaphor for beauty and purity. In Song of Solomon, lovers are compared to lilies to highlight their grace and distinctiveness. In historical books, it describes decorative elements on temple pillars, symbolizing refined artistry dedicated to God.

Where does shushan appear in the Old Testament?

It occurs in 1 Kings 7:19-26 and 2 Chronicles 4:5 regarding temple architecture. It also appears seven times in Song of Solomon (2:1, 2:2, 2:16, 4:5, 5:13, 6:2, 6:3) as part of poetic imagery. Additionally, it relates to the title of Psalm 45.

Why is shushan significant in Christian faith?

The word reminds believers of God's attention to detail and beauty. It encourages a life marked by purity and grace, much like a lily in a field. It also highlights that creating beauty through craftsmanship can be an offering to God, as seen in the temple designs.

Every Occurrence (11 verses across 3 books)

I Kings 3 verses

I Kings 7:19

The capitals that were on the top of the pillars in the porch were of lily work, four cubits.

I Kings 7:22

On the tops of the pillars was lily work. So the work of the pillars was finished.

I Kings 7:26

It was a hand width thick. Its brim was worked like the brim of a cup, like the flower of a lily. It held two thousand…

II Chronicles 1 verse

Song of Solomon 7 verses