Definition and Botanical Background:
Camphor is a waxy, flammable, white or transparent solid with a strong aroma. It is derived from the wood of the camphor laurel (Cinnamomum camphora), a large evergreen tree native to Asia, particularly in regions like China, Taiwan, and Japan. Camphor can also be synthesized from turpentine oil. In ancient times, camphor was highly valued for its aromatic properties and was used in various cultural and religious practices.

Biblical References:
The term "camphor" is mentioned in the Bible, though its exact identification is subject to interpretation. In the Song of Solomon, the word translated as "camphor" in some versions is "kaphar" in Hebrew, which is often understood to refer to henna (Lawsonia inermis) rather than the camphor tree. The Berean Standard Bible translates this term as "henna."

· Song of Solomon 1:14 : "My beloved is to me a cluster of henna blossoms in the vineyards of En-gedi."
· Song of Solomon 4:13 : "Your plants are an orchard of pomegranates with the choicest fruits, with henna and nard,"

In these passages, the reference to "henna" or "camphor" is symbolic of beauty, fragrance, and the beloved's allure. The imagery of a lush garden filled with aromatic plants serves to convey the richness and desirability of the beloved.

Cultural and Historical Context:
In the ancient Near East, aromatic plants and spices were highly prized for their fragrance and were often used in perfumes, incense, and embalming. The mention of such plants in the Song of Solomon highlights the cultural appreciation for natural beauty and the use of sensory imagery to express love and admiration.

Symbolism and Interpretation:
From a theological perspective, the use of camphor (or henna) in the Song of Solomon can be seen as a metaphor for the purity and attractiveness of the relationship between the bride and groom. This relationship is often interpreted allegorically as representing the love between Christ and His Church. The fragrant and pleasing nature of camphor symbolizes the spiritual beauty and devotion that should characterize the believer's relationship with God.

Practical Uses in Ancient Times:
Camphor, or the plants associated with it, was used in various practical applications in ancient times. It was a component in perfumes and ointments, valued for its soothing and aromatic qualities. Additionally, camphor's preservative properties made it useful in embalming and other preservation processes.

Modern Relevance:
Today, camphor is used in medicinal applications, such as topical analgesics and decongestants, due to its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties. While the biblical references may not directly correspond to the modern use of camphor, the enduring appreciation for aromatic plants and their symbolic meanings continues to resonate in both religious and cultural contexts.1. (n.) A tough, white, aromatic resin, or gum, obtained from different species of the Laurus family, esp. from Cinnamomum camphara (the Laurus camphara of Linnaeus.). Camphor, C10H16O, is volatile and fragrant, and is used in medicine as a diaphoretic, a stimulant, or sedative.

2. (n.) A gum resembling ordinary camphor, obtained from a tree (Dryobalanops camphora) growing in Sumatra and Borneo; -- called also Malay camphor, camphor of Borneo, or borneol. See Borneol.

3. (v. t.) To impregnate or wash with camphor; to camphorate.

Chapter iv.
... fountain sealed. 13. Thy plants are an orchard of pomegranates, with pleasant
fruits; camphor with spikenard; 13. Thy plants are ...
//christianbookshelf.org/guyon/song of songs of solomon/chapter iv.htm

The Man Christ Jesus
... livelong day. You must let it lie both day and night upon your hearts as a
bundle of camphor, perfuming the bosom in which it lies. You ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 31 1885/the man christ jesus.htm

A Bundle of Myrrh
... Myrrh again, was used as a disinfectant. When the fever is abroad, we know
people who wear little bags of camphor about their necks. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 10 1864/a bundle of myrrh.htm

False Comforts for Sinners.
... by anxious sinners, in such distress, as to make every nerve tremble, some overcome
with emotion and lying on the floor, some applying camphor to prevent their ...
/.../finney/lectures on revivals of religion/lecture xvii false comforts for.htm

Camphor (2 Occurrences)
... Linnaeus.). Camphor, C10H16O, is volatile and fragrant, and is used in
medicine as a diaphoretic, a stimulant, or sedative. 2. (n ...
/c/camphor.htm - 7k

Camphire (2 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary. (n.) An old spelling of Camphor. Int. Standard Bible
Encyclopedia. CAMPHIRE. kam'-fir. See HENNA. Multi-Version Concordance ...
/c/camphire.htm - 8k

Camping (7 Occurrences)

/c/camping.htm - 8k

Ice (20 Occurrences)
... 3. (n.) Water, cream, custard, etc., sweetened, flavored, and artificially frozen.
4. (n.) Any substance having the appearance of ice; as, camphor ice. ...
/i/ice.htm - 13k

Bathe (35 Occurrences)
... 4. (vt) To apply water or some liquid medicament to; as, to bathe the eye with warm
water or with sea water; to bathe one's forehead with camphor. ...
/b/bathe.htm - 18k

Camphor: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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