Amomum is a term that appears in historical and biblical contexts, often associated with aromatic plants and spices. In the ancient world, amomum was highly valued for its fragrance and was commonly used in perfumes, incense, and various ceremonial practices. The term "amomum" is derived from the Greek word "ἄμωμον," which refers to a type of spice plant known for its aromatic properties.

Biblical References

While the specific term "amomum" does not appear in most English translations of the Bible, it is often associated with the spices mentioned in the Scriptures. The Bible frequently references spices and aromatic plants, which were integral to the cultural and religious practices of the Israelites and surrounding nations.

In the Song of Solomon, a book rich with imagery and symbolism, spices are mentioned as part of the romantic and poetic language used to describe love and beauty. For example, Song of Solomon 4:14 states: "nard and saffron, calamus and cinnamon, with all the trees of frankincense, myrrh and aloes, with all the finest spices." While "amomum" is not explicitly listed, it is often considered among the "finest spices" due to its historical significance and use in similar contexts.

Historical and Cultural Context

Amomum was a prized commodity in the ancient Near East and Mediterranean regions. It was often imported from distant lands, such as India and Arabia, and was used in various forms, including oils, powders, and whole seeds. The spice was not only valued for its fragrance but also for its potential medicinal properties, which were recognized by ancient cultures.

In the context of biblical times, spices like amomum were used in religious rituals, including anointing and offerings. The use of aromatic spices was a symbol of wealth and status, as they were costly and not easily accessible to the general population. This is reflected in the biblical narrative, where spices are often associated with kings, priests, and significant religious ceremonies.

Symbolism and Theological Significance

From a theological perspective, the use of spices such as amomum in the Bible can be seen as a representation of purity, holiness, and divine favor. The fragrant aroma of spices was often used as a metaphor for the pleasing nature of righteous deeds and the prayers of the faithful. In the New Testament, the imagery of fragrance is used to describe the spread of the Gospel and the knowledge of Christ. As 2 Corinthians 2:14-15 states: "But thanks be to God, who always leads us triumphantly as captives in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of Him. For we are to God the sweet aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing."

In summary, while amomum itself is not directly mentioned in the Bible, its association with the rich tradition of spices and aromatic plants provides insight into the cultural and religious practices of biblical times. Its symbolic use underscores themes of beauty, holiness, and the divine presence in the lives of believers.(n.) A genus of aromatic plants. It includes species which bear cardamoms, and grains of paradise.299a. amomon -- amomum (a fragrant plant of India)
... 299, 299a. amomon. 299b . amomum (a fragrant plant of India). Transliteration:
amomon Short Definition: spice. Word Origin of Indian ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/299a.htm - 5k

299. amomos -- amomum (a fragrant plant of India)
... amomum (a fragrant plant of India). Part of Speech: Adjective Transliteration: amomos
Phonetic Spelling: (am'-o-mos) Short Definition: blameless Definition ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/299.htm - 7k

A Farther Quotation from virgilius Maro Respecting Christ, with ...
... God. [3472] But when he speaks of the growth of amomum every where, he alludes
to the multitude of the true worshipers of God. [3473 ...
/.../pamphilius/the life of constantine/chapter xx a farther quotation from.htm

Hymnus viii. Kalendas Ianuarias
... herbam cotibus. Iam mella de scopulis fluunt, iam stillat ilex arido sudans
amomum stipite, 75 iam sunt myricis balsama. O sancta ...
/.../prudentius/the hymns of prudentius/xi hymnus viii kalendas ianuarias.htm

How Helena the Queen of Adiabene and Her Son Izates, Embraced the ...
... So he sent for him, and embraced him after the most affectionate manner, and bestowed
on him the country called Carra; it was a soil that bare amomum in great ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 2 how helena the.htm

Eusebius: Constantine. General Index.
... Ambrosius of Milan (source), [3137]447. Ammianus Marcellinus (source), [3138]448.
Amomum, [3139]576. Amoses, [3140]602. Amphiaraus, [3141]601. ...
/.../pamphilius/the life of constantine/eusebius constantine general index.htm

The Phoenix
... soft bosom. Hence she heaps together cinnamon and the odour of the
far-scented amomum, and balsams with mixed leaves. Neither the ...
/.../lactantius/of the manner in which the persecutors died/the phoenix.htm

A Strain of the Judgment of the Lord.
... Here too are born. The cinnamons, with odoriferous twigs; 280 And with dense leaf
gladsome amomum joins. Its fragrance. Here, a native, lies the gold. ...
/.../unknown/fathers of the third century tertullian appendix/4 a strain of the.htm

Acts xv. 13, 15
... to you. Of perfumes, the fragrant spices are they which people adulterate
and counterfeit; as, for instance, the amomum leaf. For ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xxxiii acts xv 13.htm

Acts of Paul and Thecla.
... wailed. And some threw sweet-smelling herbs, others nard, others cassia,
others amomum, so that there was abundance of perfumes. ...
/.../unknown/acts of paul and thecla/acts of paul and thecla.htm

Letter cxxxvii. (AD 412. )
... Pythagoras. He flourished BC 544. [2527] "Assyrium vulgo nascetur amomum."--
Eclogue iv. [2528] Ibid. [2529] Letter CXXXV. sec. 2, p. 472. ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/letter cxxxvii a d 412.htm

The Sixth vision "On Earth"
Commentary on Revelation. <. ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the sixth vision on earth.htm

Amomum (1 Occurrence)
... (n.) A genus of aromatic plants. It includes species which bear cardamoms, and grains
of paradise. Multi-Version Concordance Amomum (1 Occurrence). ...
/a/amomum.htm - 6k

Spices (64 Occurrences)
... (6) (amomon (Revelation 18:13), margin "amomum"; the King James ... In modern botany
the name Amomum is given to a genus in the Natural Order. Zingiberaceae. ...
/s/spices.htm - 32k

Spice (25 Occurrences)
... (6) (amomon (Revelation 18:13), margin "amomum"; the King James ... In modern botany
the name Amomum is given to a genus in the Natural Order. Zingiberaceae. ...
/s/spice.htm - 18k

Amon (20 Occurrences)

/a/amon.htm - 18k

Unguent (1 Occurrence)
... Revelation 18:13 and cinnamon, and amomum, and incense, and unguent, and frankincense,
and wine, and oil, and fine flour, and wheat, and cattle, and sheep, and ...
/u/unguent.htm - 6k

Odors (8 Occurrences)
... Revelation 18:13 Also cinnamon and amomum; odors to burn as incense or for perfume;
frankincense, wine, oil; fine flour, wheat, cattle and sheep; horses and ...
/o/odors.htm - 9k

Carriages (34 Occurrences)
... Revelation 18:13 Also cinnamon and amomum; odors to burn as incense or for perfume;
frankincense, wine, oil; fine flour, wheat, cattle and sheep; horses and ...
/c/carriages.htm - 17k

Amok's (1 Occurrence)

/a/amok's.htm - 6k

Burn (206 Occurrences)
... Revelation 18:13 Also cinnamon and amomum; odors to burn as incense or for perfume;
frankincense, wine, oil; fine flour, wheat, cattle and sheep; horses and ...
/b/burn.htm - 43k

Cattle (277 Occurrences)
... Revelation 18:13 Also cinnamon and amomum; odors to burn as incense or for perfume;
frankincense, wine, oil; fine flour, wheat, cattle and sheep; horses and ...
/c/cattle.htm - 52k

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