Henna
NatureWhat is the meaning of Henna in the Bible?
An aromatic plant, mentioned in So 1:14 and 4:13.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding henna as a common garden plant clarifies the imagery of the Song of Songs, where it symbolizes the beauty and fragrance of the beloved within a natural, earthly setting.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Physical & Symbolic Reality: Physical objects and natural elements like Henna were everyday realities for biblical writers, frequently used as living metaphors for spiritual truths.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Henna in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Henna 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
"Henna." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/henna/