The Etymology and Biblical References of "Kaneh Bosem"
Etymological Origins
The question concerns the etymology of the Hebrew phrase "kaneh bosem" (קָנֶה־בֹּשֶׂם) and its potential connection to cannabis. This involves tracing the word's origins, examining its usage in the Old Testament, and considering alternative interpretations.
"Kaneh Bosem" in the Old Testament
The word "cannabis" itself is believed to have Scythian origins, entering Persian as "kanab," then Greek as "kánnabis," and subsequently Latin as "cannabis." [1] The Oxford English Dictionary records the earliest usage of "cannabis" meaning the plant "common hemp Cannabis sativa" in 1548, and meaning parts of the plant "smoked, chewed, or drunk for their intoxicating or hallucinogenic properties" in 1848. [5]
The Cannabis Connection
The Hebrew phrase "kaneh bosem" appears in the Old Testament, most notably in Exodus 30:23, where it is listed as an ingredient in the holy anointing oil used by priests. [3] The phrase is often translated as "aromatic cane" or "sweet calamus." [3] The term also appears in Song of Songs 4:14, Isaiah 43:24, Jeremiah 6:20, and Ezekiel 27:19. [6]
The central question is whether "kaneh bosem" refers to cannabis. Sula Benet, a Polish etymologist, proposed that "kaneh bosem" is indeed a reference to cannabis, tracing its origins to Semitic languages. [7] She argued that the root "kan" means "reed" or "hemp," while "bosm" means "aromatic." [7]
Alternative Interpretations
Dr. Ethan Russo, a noted cannabinoid researcher, has expressed his belief that "kaneh bosem" in Hebrew was cannabis. [6]
Proponents of this view point to the historical use of cannabis in the Near East and the similarities between "kaneh bosem" and the Scythian word for cannabis, "kánnabis." [3] They also note that cannabis was used for various purposes, including religious ceremonies and medicinal applications. [3]
However, the prevailing interpretation among many scholars is that "kaneh bosem" refers to calamus, a fragrant plant. [3] This interpretation is supported by the standard translations of the Hebrew Bible and the etymological analysis of the words "kaneh" (reed) and "bosem" (spice/balsam). [3]
The debate over the meaning of "kaneh bosem" remains ongoing. While some researchers and scholars believe it refers to cannabis, the traditional interpretation identifies it as calamus. The evidence is not definitive, and the issue is complicated by translation issues and the historical context of the Old Testament.
Conclusion
Authoritative Sources
- Etymology of cannabis. [Wikipedia]↩
- Riegel, A.; Ellens, J.H. (2014). Seeking the Sacred with Psychoactive Substances: Chemical Paths to Spirituality and to God [2 volumes]. Psychology, Religion, and Spirituality. Bloomsbury Publishing. p. 80. ISBN 979-8-216-14310-9. Retrieved 2024-06-03.↩
- Facts about Kaneh Bosem. [Ancient Hebrew]↩
- "cannabis". OED Online. July 2009. Oxford University Press. 2009.↩
- Oxford English Dictionary, 2009, 2nd ed., v. 4.0, Oxford University Press.↩
- Cannabis or Kaneh Bolsem in the Bible. [Civilization or Barbarism]↩
- Benetowa, Sara = (Sula Benet). 1936. Tracing one word through different languages. Institute of Anthropological Sciences, Warsaw. Reprinted 1967 In: The Book of Grass. George Andrews and Simon Vinkenoog (eds.) Grove Press, New York, "pp. 15–18.↩
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