Blaz0ej S0trba, «hn#$w#$ of the Canticle», Vol. 85 (2004) 475-502
The term hn#$w#$ is revisited
primarily in the Canticle of Solomon. The most ancient translation –– "lily" ––
of this flower though questioned in recent decades is still widely used. The
LXX’s rendering kri/non is examined and found as the
best translation for the lexeme N#$w#$ –– meaning
"lotus" –– being an Egyptian loan word. This translation fits to the OT
references better than "lily". The textual employment of
hn#$w#$ in the poetry of the Canticle is a chief and commanding proof for
"lotus". The "lily" translation for both hn#$w#$
and kri/non for the majority of the OT cases is seen
as incorrect since it does not pay due attention to the literary and historical
context of the Canticle.
502 BlaΩej âˆtrba
and life-restoring reality. Lovers or the people in banquets often wear
on their heads under aromatic cones the lotus flower. The hnvwv of the
Canticle of Solomon reflects well the use of lotus and in the noblest
way. In fact the singular is used only when spoken and paralleled with
her (2,1.2). She awakens his love. In the other instances the plural is
used and has more the connotation of the effect –– love and life
awaking character –– than any particular beauty of this flower.
The flower hnvwv embodies in a magnificent way a symbol which
represents mutual love in constant growth.
Lotus therefore, I assert to be a more correct and meaningful
translation of both the MT hnvwv and the LXX krivnon in the Song of
Songs, than lily.
Hagia Maria Sion BlaΩej âˆTRBA
Mount Zion 22
91 000 Jerusalem
Israel
SUMMARY
The term hnvwv is revisited primarily in the Canticle of Solomon. The most ancient
translation –– “lily†–– of this flower though questioned in recent decades is still
widely used. The LXX’s rendering krivnon is examined and found as the best
translation for the lexeme ˆvwv –– meaning “lotus†–– being an Egyptian loan
word. This translation fits to the OT references better than “lilyâ€. The textual
employment of hnvwv in the poetry of the Canticle is a chief and commanding
proof for “lotusâ€. The “lily†translation for both hnvwv and krivnon for the majority
of the OT cases is seen as incorrect since it does not pay due attention to the
literary and historical context of the Canticle.