The crocus is a flowering plant that is often associated with beauty and the arrival of spring. While the specific term "crocus" does not appear in the Bible, it is commonly believed to be related to the "saffron" mentioned in the Scriptures. The crocus is part of the Iridaceae family and is known for its vibrant colors, including purple, yellow, and white. The most notable species, Crocus sativus, is cultivated for its valuable saffron spice, derived from the flower's stigmas.

Biblical References:

1. Song of Solomon 4:14 : "nard and saffron, calamus and cinnamon, with all the trees of frankincense, myrrh and aloes, with all the finest spices." In this verse, saffron is listed among the luxurious and aromatic spices, suggesting its value and desirability in ancient times. The crocus, as the source of saffron, would have been appreciated for its beauty and the precious spice it produces.

2. Isaiah 35:1-2 : "The wilderness and the land will be glad; the desert will rejoice and blossom like a rose. It will bloom abundantly and even rejoice with joy and singing. The glory of Lebanon will be given to it, the splendor of Carmel and Sharon. They will see the glory of the LORD, the splendor of our God." While the crocus is not explicitly mentioned, the imagery of blooming and abundant flowers in the desert can be associated with the crocus, which is known for its ability to thrive in harsh conditions and bring forth beauty.

Cultural and Historical Context:

In ancient times, the crocus was highly valued not only for its aesthetic appeal but also for its practical uses. Saffron, derived from the crocus, was used as a dye, a spice, and even in medicinal applications. Its rarity and labor-intensive harvesting process made it a luxury item, often associated with wealth and opulence.

The crocus's ability to bloom in early spring, sometimes even through the snow, symbolizes renewal and hope. This characteristic aligns with biblical themes of restoration and new beginnings, as seen in the prophetic imagery of deserts blooming and the earth rejoicing.

Symbolism:

In a biblical context, the crocus can be seen as a symbol of resurrection and new life. Just as the crocus emerges from the ground after the dormancy of winter, so too does the promise of new life and renewal resonate throughout Scripture. This symbolism is particularly poignant in the context of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, which is central to Christian faith.

Theological Insights:

The mention of saffron in the Song of Solomon highlights the richness and depth of God's creation, as well as the beauty and intricacy of the world He has made. The crocus, as a source of saffron, serves as a reminder of the divine artistry and the care with which God has adorned the earth. It also reflects the abundance and provision of God, who supplies not only for the needs but also for the enjoyment of His people.

In summary, while the crocus itself is not directly mentioned in the Bible, its association with saffron and its symbolic meanings enrich our understanding of biblical themes of beauty, renewal, and divine provision.1. (n.) A genus of iridaceous plants, with pretty blossoms rising separately from the bulb or corm. C. vernus is one of the earliest of spring-blooming flowers; C. sativus produces the saffron, and blossoms in the autumn.

2. (n.) A deep yellow powder; the oxide of some metal calcined to a red or deep yellow color; esp., the oxide of iron (Crocus of Mars or colcothar) thus produced from salts of iron, and used as a polishing powder.

2261. chabatstseleth -- meadow saffron or crocus
... chabatstseleth. 2262 . meadow saffron or crocus. Transliteration: chabatstseleth
Phonetic Spelling: (khab-ats-tseh'-leth) Short Definition: crocus. ...
/hebrew/2261.htm - 6k

3750. karkom -- saffron
... Word Origin of uncertain derivation Definition saffron NASB Word Usage saffron
(1). saffron. Probably of foreign origin; the crocus -- saffron. 3749, 3750. ...
/hebrew/3750.htm - 5k

Congratulations and Entreaties.
... And Crocus also, worthy both of God and you, whom I have received as the manifestation
[502] of your love, hath in all things refreshed [503] me, as the Father ...
/.../chapter ii congratulations and entreaties.htm

Conclusion.
... who are deservedly most happy. There is also with me, along with many others,
Crocus, one dearly beloved by me. [878] As to those ...
/.../ignatius/the epistle of ignatius to the romans/chapter x conclusion.htm

The Germination of the Earth.
... How then, they say, can Scripture describe all the plants of the earth as seed-bearing,
when the reed, couch-grass, [1537] mint, crocus, garlic, and the ...
/.../basil/basil letters and select works/homily v the germination of.htm

Introductory Note to the Martyrdom of Ignatius
... as well as of the Ignatian Epistles, be admitted, there can be little doubt that
the persons in question were Philo and Agathopus, with Crocus perhaps, all of ...
/.../introductory note to the martyrdom.htm

To the Ephesians
... Crocus too, who is a credit both to God and to you, and whom I received as a model
of your love, altogether raised my spirits (May the Father of Jesus Christ ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/richardson/early christian fathers/to the ephesians.htm

Wherefore, I Beseech You, O virgin, do not Flatter Yourself on the ...
... because it is a disgrace that it, after the sanctifying oil has been applied to
it, should be polluted with the juice or powder of either crocus, or any other ...
/.../life and writings of sulpitius severus /chapter x wherefore i beseech.htm

Your Narratives, My Opponent Says, are Overrun with Barbarisms and ...
... of uter, utria? another utres? [3360] Do you not also say coelus andcoelum,
filus and filum, crocus and crocum, fretus andfretum? ...
/.../59 your narratives my opponent.htm

May the Ninth Loving the Lord
... When the conditions are congenial, love appears, just as the crocus and the snowdrop
appear in the congenial air of the spring. What, then, can we do? ...
/.../jowett/my daily meditation for the circling year/may the ninth loving the.htm

On the Government of God
... Corvinus, Matthew, 33. Creation of world a proof of God 's care, 114 ff.
Crocus the Vandal, 9. Cry of men's sins, 54 f. Cujas, 33. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/salvian/on the government of god/index 2.htm

The Life of Salvian
... amphitheater of Tr??ves was the scene of many of those public spectacles against
which Salvian inveighed so bitterly, and when the Vandal Crocus captured the ...
/.../salvian/on the government of god/ii the life of salvian.htm

Crocus (1 Occurrence)
... 2. (n.) A deep yellow powder; the oxide of some metal calcined to a red or deep
yellow color; esp., the oxide of iron (Crocus of Mars or colcothar) thus ...
/c/crocus.htm - 7k

Saffron (1 Occurrence)
... zafran (ie, "yellow"), mentioned only in Cant. 4:13, 14; the Crocus sativus.
Many species of the crocus are found in Palestine. ... See Crocus. ...
/s/saffron.htm - 8k

Rose (279 Occurrences)
... 2:1 and Isaiah 35:1 the Hebrew word habatstseleth (found only in these passages),
rendered "rose" (RV marg., "autumn crocus"), is supposed by some to mean the ...
/r/rose.htm - 37k

Crookbacked (1 Occurrence)

/c/crookbacked.htm - 8k

Crocodile (1 Occurrence)

/c/crocodile.htm - 7k

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