Calamus
NatureWhat is the meaning of Calamus in the Bible?
Calamus is the Latin term for a reed or cane, corresponding to the Hebrew word Kaneh. It refers to an aromatic plant used in ancient fragrances and medicinal preparations.
SIGNIFICANCE
Identifying this botanical ingredient is essential for reconstructing the composition of the sacred anointing oil described in Exodus and the poetic imagery in the Song of Solomon.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Physical & Symbolic Reality: Physical objects and natural elements like Calamus were everyday realities for biblical writers, frequently used as living metaphors for spiritual truths.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Calamus in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Calamus clarify?
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Calamus." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/calamus/