Original Word: נִצָּן
Part of Speech: Noun Masculine
Transliteration: nitstsan
Pronunciation: neet-tsawn'
Phonetic Spelling: (nits-tsawn')
KJV: flower
NASB: flowers
Word Origin: [from H5322 (נֵץ - Flower)]

1. a blossom

flower

From nets; a blossom -- flower.

see HEBREW nets

Word Origin
from natsats
Definition
a blossom
NASB Translation
flowers (1).

[נִצָּן] noun [masculine] id., only plural נִצָּנִים Songs 2:12.

Botanical and Cultural Backdrop

In the land of Israel the first soft green buds of spring often push through the final chill of winter around the month of Nisan. These tender blossoms signal a swift transition from dormancy to vitality and announce the approach of the early harvests. Within the largely agrarian society of ancient Israel such buds were watched with expectancy; they meant renewed food supply, resumed courtship, and the launching of the religious calendar with Passover. Hence the single appearance of נִצָּן naturally carries strong emotive power—new life has arrived.

Scriptural Setting: Song of Songs 2:12

“​The flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come; the cooing of turtledoves is heard in our land.” (Song of Songs 2:12)

Here the lover describes three harmonious witnesses—flowers, song, and doves—all confirming that winter is gone. The plural form “blossoms” (נִצָּנִים) paints a whole landscape awakening at once. Its placement in the dialogue highlights a pivotal moment: the shepherd-king calls his beloved out of seclusion (Song of Songs 2:10-13). The natural scene deepens the metaphor of love that stirs after waiting, reinforcing the theme of covenantal faithfulness that breaks forth into intimate joy.

Literary Function

1. Transition Marker: In the poem the appearance of buds moves the narrative from anticipation to consummation.
2. Sensory Imagery: The fragrance and color of emerging blossoms layer sight and smell upon the soundscape of birds, engaging the reader’s full imagination.
3. Covenant Echo: Just as buds pledge the certainty of fruit, so the suitor’s promises carry the assurance of fulfillment.

Theological Significance

Though נִצָּן occurs only here, its symbolism harmonizes with broader biblical patterns:
• Promise and Fulfillment – Yahweh repeatedly pledges to bring forth life where there was barrenness (Isaiah 27:6; Hosea 14:5-7). The bud is the emblem of the initial stage of that pledge.
• Resurrection Motif – Dormant wood that suddenly sprouts, as with Aaron’s rod (Numbers 17:8), prefigures life out of death and ultimately points toward the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
• Eschatological Hope – Prophets envision Israel “blossoming and sprouting” (Isaiah 35:1-2). The bud in Song of Songs therefore gestures forward to corporate restoration.

Christological Foreshadowing

Isaiah 11:1 proclaims, “A shoot will spring up from the stump of Jesse, and a Branch from his roots will bear fruit”. The poetry of Song of Songs operates on a horizontal plane of human romance, yet on a vertical plane it mirrors the romance of the Messiah pursuing His redeemed. The first sign of love’s arrival—a bud—mirrors the incarnate Son’s humble beginnings in Bethlehem, promising a harvest of salvation.

Spiritual Formation and Discipleship

1. Discernment – Leaders are called to notice “buds” of grace in new believers: early evidence of repentance, prayer, and affection for the Lord.
2. Nurture – Tender shoots require protection; discipleship supplies doctrinal nutrients and relational warmth until full fruit ripens (Colossians 1:28).
3. Expectation – The appearance of even the smallest change becomes a reason for joyful confidence that “He who began a good work…will perfect it” (Philippians 1:6).

Corporate Worship and Ministry Rhythms

Spring festivals—Passover and Firstfruits—align liturgically with the imagery of budding. Congregations that follow the redemptive calendar can use Song of Songs 2:12 to call worshipers into songs of deliverance, reminding them that God’s covenant love renews the whole community year after year.

Contemporary Application

• Marriage Enrichment – Couples may read the verse aloud at anniversaries or spring weddings, reflecting on how affection must be cultivated so that new blossoms keep appearing.
• Evangelism – The verse offers a gentle picture for unbelievers: God is not merely a judge but a suitor who brings life where hearts have lain dormant.
• Pastoral Care – Those emerging from seasons of grief can be shown that buds do not erase winter; they testify that winter is not final.

Summary

Strong’s Hebrew 5339 depicts far more than a botanical detail; it is the Spirit-breathed signal of renewal, covenant assurance, and love that triumphs over dormancy. From the hillside of ancient Israel to the heart of every believer, נִצָּן whispers the same promise: “Behold, the winter is past… the flowers appear on the earth.”

הַנִּצָּנִים֙ הנצנים han·niṣ·ṣā·nîm hanniṣṣānîm hannitztzaNimInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts