Original Word: חֲבַצֶּלֶת
Part of Speech: Noun Feminine
Transliteration: chabatstseleth
Pronunciation: khab-ats-tseh'-leth
Phonetic Spelling: (khab-ats-tseh'-leth)
Definition: Rose, lily
Meaning: meadow-saffron

rose

Of uncertain derivation; probably meadow-saffron -- rose.

Word Origin
of uncertain derivation
Definition
meadow saffron or crocus
NASB Translation
crocus (1), rose (1).

חֲבַצֶּלֶת noun feminine meadow-saffron or crocus (colchicum autumnale, Linn.) (Syriac , see GES^{Comm. Isaiah 35:1} Löw^{p. 174, No. 128}; Assyrian —abaƒillatu VR^{32, 62} is a marsh-plant, reed; compare Zim^{BP 59} Dl^{HA 34}; Prov 82; also Che^{l.c. and critical note}.); — הַשָּׁרוֺן ׳ח שׁוֺשַׁנַּת הָעֲמָקִים Songs 2:1 (figurative of Shulamite), וְתָגֵל עֲרָבָה וְתִפְרַח כַּחֲבַצָּֽלֶת׃ Isaiah 35:1 (narcissus Che^{Isaiah 35:1} compare Conder^{PEF, 1878, 46} Tristr^{NHB 476} and others)

Word Origin: Derived from an unused root meaning to be pale.

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: • G438 (anthos): Refers to a flower, often used metaphorically in the New Testament to denote beauty and the ephemeral nature of life.
• G2918 (krinon): Specifically denotes a lily, a flower frequently mentioned in the New Testament, symbolizing purity and divine provision, as seen in passages like Matthew 6:28-29, where Jesus speaks of the lilies of the field.

These Greek terms, while not direct translations of חֲבַצֶּלֶת, share thematic connections in their use of floral imagery to convey spiritual truths and aesthetic beauty.

Usage: The term חֲבַצֶּלֶת appears in the Hebrew Bible to describe a specific type of flower, often associated with beauty and splendor.

Context: The Hebrew word חֲבַצֶּלֶת (chavatzelet) is traditionally understood to refer to the meadow-saffron, a plant known for its striking appearance and delicate flowers. This term is notably used in the Song of Solomon 2:1, where it is often translated as "lily" or "rose" in various English versions, though the precise identification of the plant remains a topic of scholarly discussion. In the Berean Standard Bible, the verse reads: "I am a rose of Sharon, a lily of the valley." The imagery of the meadow-saffron in this context evokes themes of beauty, purity, and the transient nature of life, fitting well within the poetic and allegorical style of the Song of Solomon. The plant's pale color and delicate form are emblematic of the beloved's beauty and the fleeting nature of human life and love.

חֲבַצֶּ֣לֶת חבצלת כַּחֲבַצָּֽלֶת׃ כחבצלת׃ chavatzTzelet ḥă·ḇaṣ·ṣe·leṯ ḥăḇaṣṣeleṯ ka·ḥă·ḇaṣ·ṣā·leṯ kachavatzTzalet kaḥăḇaṣṣāleṯInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts