Original Word: סְמָדַר
Part of Speech: Noun Masculine
Transliteration: cmadar
Pronunciation: seh-mah-DAHR
Phonetic Spelling: (sem-aw-dar')
KJV: tender grape
NASB: blossom, blossoms
Word Origin: [of uncertain derivation]

1. a vine blossom
2. used also adverbially, abloom

tender grape

Of uncertain derivation; a vine blossom; used also adverbially, abloom -- tender grape.

Word Origin
of uncertain derivation
Definition
blossom (of the grape)
NASB Translation
blossom (2), blossoms (1).

[סְמָדֵר ?], also סְמָדַ֔ר֖, סְמָדַ֑ר

noun masculine^{Song 7:13} blossom of grape (just at flowering Duval^{REJ xiv (1887), 227 ff.} Late Hebrew id.; Aramaic סמדר, , Mandean סימאדרא Nö^{M. 128}); — always absolute ׳ס, only Canticles: הַגְּפָנִים סְמָדַר֖ Songs 2:13 the vines are (all) blossom; כְּרָמִים סְמָדַ֑ר Songs 2:15 (on bold predicate compare Ges^{§ 141d}); מִּתַּךְִ הַסְּמָדַ֔ר Song 7:13 the blossom has opened (its buds).

Root Meaning and Imagery

The word səmādar describes the first soft shoots and fragrant blossoms that appear on a grapevine in early spring. Their brief, delicate life span captures a moment of expectancy: the vine is no longer dormant, yet the clusters are not ripe. Scripture employs this botanical detail to evoke themes of awakening, promise, and covenant fruitfulness.

Occurrences in the Song of Songs

1. Song of Songs 2:13 joins the fig tree’s early figs with “the blossoming vines” (səmādar) whose scent fills the air. The scene announces the change of season and invites the beloved to rise and enjoy new life.
2. Song of Songs 2:15 notes that the vineyards are “in bloom,” a delicate stage threatened by “little foxes” that can spoil what is still vulnerable.
3. Song of Songs 7:12 anticipates a dawn visit to the vineyards “to see if the vines have budded, if their blossoms have opened.” The lovers plan to celebrate love in the very place where səmādar signals imminent harvest.

Agricultural Context in Ancient Israel

Viticulture in the land demanded careful timing. The appearance of səmādar (March–April) told vine-dressers when to remove suckers, guard against pests, and prepare trellises. Failure in these weeks could cost the entire vintage. Thus the term carried practical urgency for Israelite farmers, who read creation’s cycles as part of God’s providential order (Deuteronomy 11:14).

Symbolic Theological Themes

1. Awakening from Winter: The move from barrenness to blossom mirrors the soul roused from spiritual lethargy (cf. Isaiah 61:11).
2. Fragility and Protection: Just as foxes endanger tender shoots, unchecked sin corrodes budding devotion (Song of Songs 2:15; Hebrews 12:15).
3. Anticipated Harvest: Blossoms promise fruit. Likewise, covenant faithfulness now anticipates glory to come (John 15:1-8; Galatians 5:22-23).

Christological Reflections

Christian interpreters have long seen the Bridegroom of the Song prefiguring Christ. The fragrant səmādar evokes the fragrance of His life and the early evidences of grace in believers’ hearts. The Church, though still awaiting consummation, already displays the firstfruits of the Spirit (Romans 8:23). The call “Arise… come away” (Song of Songs 2:13) therefore resonates with Christ’s summons to new life and fellowship.

Applications for Worship and Discipleship

• Spiritual Sensitivity: Like vineyard keepers, believers cultivate attentiveness to the Spirit’s earliest stirrings.
• Guarding the Tender Vine: Personal and congregational vigilance keeps “little foxes” from damaging young faith.
• Season of Opportunity: Blossoms do not last; moments of divine invitation call for immediate obedience (2 Corinthians 6:2).
• Aroma of Christ: The fragrance of səmādar encourages believers to spread “the pleasing aroma of the knowledge of Him” (2 Corinthians 2:14).

Intertextual Echoes and Later Jewish Tradition

Rabbinic commentators link səmādar to the feast of Passover, which arrives as vines bloom. The Exodus redemption during this season adds another layer: deliverance out of winter’s bondage into spring’s freedom. Prophets also fold vineyard imagery into visions of national restoration (Amos 9:13), enriching the Song’s portrayal of personal love with corporate hope.

Conclusion

Səmādar embodies the thrill of beginnings that are destined for fullness. Whether read in its literal horticultural frame or in its poetic celebration of covenant love, the term invites God’s people to watch for early graces, protect them diligently, and rejoice in the certain harvest that He has promised.

הַסְּמָדַ֔ר הסמדר סְמָדַ֖ר סְמָדַֽר׃ סמדר סמדר׃ has·sə·mā·ḏar hassemaDar hassəmāḏar sə·mā·ḏar semaDar səmāḏarInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts