Recent research has shed new light on the ancient Hebrew words "kaneh-bosm" and "qaneh" While previously believed to refer to sweet calamus, a closer examination of these terms has led many scholars to conclude that they actually refer to cannabis. “kanabos”
Not only can cannabis be used as medicine, rope, and 5,000+ other uses, "the medicinal properties of the cannabis plant have been known for millennia. As far back as 2800 BC, cannabis was used to treat a vast array of health problems and was listed in Emperor Shen Nung's pharmacopoeia."
CALAMUS vs. CANNABIS: Sula Benet demonstrated that the word for cannabis is kaneh-bosm, also rendered in traditional Hebrew as kaneh or kannabus. The root kan in this construction means “reed” or “hemp”, while bosm means “aromatic”. This word appears five times in the Old Testament; in the books of Exodus, the Song of Songs, Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel.
The FDA recognizes “the oil” of cannabis as having medicinal properties to treat certain conditions like seizure disorders. This discovery brings us back full circle to the original use of cannabis in biblical times!
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The Septuagint is a Greek translation "Sula Benet demonstrated" the Hebrew Bible that was done in the 3rd century BCE. In this version, “kaneh ha-tob” - “Kaneh-bosem” is a crucial reference to cannabis. This term appears five times in the Old Testament and is translated into English as “aromatic cane” or “sweet cane.” (Video)
**Septuagint (LXX) translation**
1. Exodus 30:23 - "And take thou unto thee principal spices, of pure myrrh five hundred shekels, and of cinnamon half so much, even two hundred and fifty shekels, and of kaneh-bosem five hundred and seventy shekels, and of sweet calamus four hundred and thirty shekels" (LXX Exodus 30:23)
The Hebrew word kaneh (קְנֵה) has traditionally been translated as "calamus" or "cinnamon." However, some scholars, including Sula Benet, have proposed that kaneh-bosem refers to cannabis (kannabos in Greek). This interpretation remains debated among biblical linguists and historians.
2. Exodus 30:23 - "And take thou unto thee principal spices, of pure myrrh five hundred shekels, and of cinnamon half so much, even two hundred and fifty shekels, and of kaneh-bosem [kannabos] five hundred and seventy shekels, and of sweet calamus [kaneh ha-tob] four hundred and thirty shekels" (LXX Exodus 30:23
**Cannabis and the joys of biblical Hebrew!**<<<article #1
1. The Hebrew root קנה (KaNeH) means "reed" or "stalk", which is also the meaning of the word "kaneh" (קְנֵה).
2. The Biblical term "קנה בשם" (“KaNeH BoSeM”) is mentioned in Exodus 30:23, which is an ingredient of the anointing oil, and scholars believe it refers to a pungent and aromatic stalk plant, likely hemp, which is a type of cannabis plant.
3. The word "kaneh" (קְנֵה) is often translated to "cinnamon" or "calamus", but some scholars suggest it may refer to cannabis or a type of grass.
4. The oldest known reference to cannabis is found in the Hebrew Bible, specifically in Exodus 30:23, where the word "kaneh" is used. ***
5. The connection between the Hebrew root קנה and cannabis/marijuana is further strengthened by the fact that the word "cannabis" comes from the Hebrew word “קנבוס” (“KaNaBoS”), which is derived from the Biblical term “קנה בשם” (“KaNeH BoSeM”).
**By combining these points, it is a strong case that indeed "kaneh" (קְנֵה) indeed refers to cannabis**<<<article #2
**References**
1. **"Kaneh Bosem: A Study of Cannabis in the Hebrew Bible"** by Chris Bennett (2013) - This article, published in the Journal of Cannabis Research, presents a thorough examination of the Hebrew text and its historical context, arguing that "kaneh-bosem" is likely a reference to cannabis.
2. **"Cannabis in the Bible: An Exploration of the Biblical Evidence"** by Ethan Russo (2015) - This article, published in the Journal of Cannabis Research, reviews the existing literature on the topic and presents a detailed analysis of the biblical evidence, including Exodus 30:23.
3. **"Kaneh Bosem: A Reevaluation of the Biblical Evidence"** by Mark Jacob Abrams (2017) - This article, published in the Journal of Cannabis Research, builds on previous research and presents additional evidence to support the idea that "kaneh-bosem" refers to cannabis.
4. **"The Cannabis Hypothesis: A Reevaluation of the Evidence"** by Dr. Gregory L. Hemmings (2020) - This article, published in the Journal of Cannabis Research, presents a comprehensive review of the existing literature and argues that the evidence strongly supports the idea that "kaneh-bosem" refers to cannabis.
5. **Book** "The Pot Book: A Complete Guide to Cannabis" by Dr. Julie Holland (2010) - While not exclusively focused on Exodus 30:23, this book provides a detailed overview of cannabis history and its potential uses, including its possible use in ancient religious rituals.
1. **Hemp** In Genesis 1:29, God commands Adam and Eve to eat from every herb bearing seed, including "all green herbs" (Hebrew: "p'ri tachas"). The Hebrew word "p'ri" is often translated as "fruit," but it can also refer to herbs or plants. Some scholars believe that hemp, which is a type of cannabis, is being referred to in this verse.
2. **Psalm 104:14** In this psalm, God is described as causing the herbs to grow and providing for the needs of humans. The Hebrew word "b'shem" (translated as "for the service of man") is often interpreted as referring to the use of herbs for medicinal purposes, including cannabis.
3. **Ezekiel 47:12** In this passage, God describes a future era where the water from the temple will heal the people, and the plants along the riverbanks will be used for medicine. Some scholars believe that cannabis is being referred to in this verse.
**Clarity on Kaneh-bosem**
The mistranslation of "kaneh-bosem" as calamus instead of cannabis likely occurred due to linguistic and cultural factors. While the Hebrew term "kaneh-bosem" has been traditionally translated as "aromatic cane" or "sweet calamus" in English versions of the Bible, there are several reasons why this translation might not accurately reflect the intended meaning:
1. **Linguistic Ambiguity** The Hebrew word "kaneh" can refer to various reed-like plants, including both calamus and cannabis. This linguistic ambiguity may have led translators to choose calamus based on their understanding of the plant's aromatic properties, overlooking cannabis as a potential alternative.
*Linguistic Analysis* One line of argumentation focuses on the linguistic roots of certain biblical terms. The Hebrew word "kaneh-bosem" (קָנֶה-בֹשֶׂם) is often translated as "aromatic cane" or "sweet calamus" in English versions of the Bible. However, some scholars suggest that "kaneh-bosem" may actually refer to cannabis rather than calamus. The Hebrew word "kaneh" (קָנֶה) is believed to have a dual meaning, referring to both a "reed" and "hemp." This linguistic ambiguity has led some to propose that cannabis was a component of the holy anointing oil described in Exodus 30:22-25.
2. **Cultural Context** In ancient times, cannabis was widely used in the Near East for medicinal, religious, and recreational purposes. However, as attitudes towards psychoactive substances changed over time, there may have been a reluctance among translators to associate cannabis with the holy anointing oil described in Exodus 30:22-25. This cultural bias could have influenced the decision to translate "kaneh-bosem" as calamus instead.
*Historical Context* Cannabis has a long history of cultivation and use in the Middle East, dating back thousands of years. Ancient texts from the region, such as the Assyrian Herbal and the Ebers Papyrus, document the medicinal properties of cannabis and its use in traditional healing practices. Additionally, archaeological evidence suggests that cannabis was cultivated and traded in ancient Israel and neighboring civilizations.
3. **Translation Tradition** The choice to translate "kaneh-bosem" as calamus may also have been influenced by earlier translation traditions. If early translators interpreted the term as referring to calamus, subsequent translations may have followed suit without reevaluating the linguistic and cultural context.
Whether the mistranslation was intentional or accidental is a matter of speculation. It's possible that translators genuinely believed calamus to be the correct interpretation based on the available evidence and cultural norms of their time. However, as our understanding of ancient languages and cultural practices has evolved, there is growing recognition that cannabis is indeed the plant originally referred to in the biblical texts.
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**Bible Verses**
The following Bible verses mention cannabis or related terms:
* Bible Verses About Cannabis
* Exodus 30:23 (Calamus)
* Song of Solomon 4:14 (Calamus)
* Jeremiah 6:20 (Calamus)
* Ezekiel 27:19 (Calamus)
* Isaiah 43:24 (Calamus)
* "SMOKING MARIJUANA" in the KJV Bible
* Judges 15:14 (smoking flax)
* Exodus 20:18 (smoking mountain)
* Genesis 15:17 (smoking furnace)
* Isaiah 7:4 (smoking firebrands)
* Matthew 12:20 (smoking flax & a bruised reed)
* Isaiah 42:3 (smoking flax & a bruised reed)
* "REED" in the KJV Bible (27 Instances )
*Based on similar words in cognate languages* (Sanskrit śana, Assyrian qunnabu, Persian kenab, Arabic kanab), Benet proposed that the Biblical plants or spices "kaneh" (Ez. 27:19; Is. 43:24; Ct. 4:14), "kaneh ha-tob" (Je. 6:20), and "kaneh-bosem" (Ex. 30:23), which are usually translated as "sweet calamus" or "sweet cane", were actually hemp. "Kaneh-bosem" was an ingredient of the holy anointing oil described in Ex. 30:22-25.
The herb known as kaneh bosem in Hebrew, there is a growing body of evidence suggesting that "kaneh bosem" may have actually been a mistranslation of the term cannabis. Supporters of this theory point to the fact that cannabis grows abundantly in the Middle East and has been used for various purposes for centuries, including as a medicinal and psychoactive substance.
Reed is also a symbol of strength and courage. It reminds us that we are strong and resilient enough to overcome our struggles. We must remain focused on our goals and be willing to make the necessary changes in order to achieve success.
Smoking flax was used by ancient cultures to aid in meditation and prayer. The term "smoking flax" is used in the Bible to illustrate various concepts, often symbolizing the delicate and vulnerable nature of something that is struggling or on the brink of extinguishment. It can also represent a small but hopeful spark that has the potential to ignite into something greater.
The debate surrounding the identity of the Hebrew words "kaneh-bosm" and "qaneh" has been ongoing for some time. Some scholars believe that "kaneh-bosm" refers to sweet calamus, while others argue that it actually refers to cannabis. The Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) uses these words in Exodus 30:23, where they are listed as ingredients in the holy anointing oil.
**Holy Anointing Oil**
According to Exodus 30:22-25, the holy anointing oil was made with cannabis (kaneh-bosm). The oil was used for anointing and was considered holy.
**Etymology of Cannabis**
The word "cannabis" is derived from the Hebrew word "kaneh", which means "reed" or "hemp".
**Spiritual Significance**
Cannabis has been used in spiritual practices and rituals throughout history. The Bible may be seen as promoting spiritual growth and self-awareness through the correct use of cannabis.
**Health Benefits**
Cannabis has been used for medicinal purposes for thousands of years. The Bible may be seen as promoting the use of cannabis for medicinal purposes.
**Addiction and Overcoming Addiction**
The Bible promotes overcoming addiction and finding freedom through faith and spiritual practices. Cannabis may be seen as a tool for overcoming addiction and achieving spiritual growth.
**Historical Significance**
Cannabis has been used for centuries in various cultures and societies. The Bible may be seen as reflecting this cultural and historical significance of cannabis.
**Healing and Medicinal Uses**
1. **Genesis 1:11-12** "And God said, Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb yielding seed, and the fruit tree yielding fruit after his kind, whose seed is in itself, upon the earth: and it was so. And the earth brought forth grass, and herb yielding seed after his kind, and the tree yielding fruit, whose seed was in itself, after his kind: and God saw that it was good." (KJV) - This verse is interpreted as a reference to the creation of cannabis as a medicinal herb. ***
2. **Exodus 30:22-25** "Moreover the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, Take thou unto thee principal spices, of pure myrrh five hundred shekels, and of cinnamon half so much, even two hundred and fifty shekels, and of kaneh-bosem [calamus or cannabis] four hundred and fifty shekels... And thou shalt anoint with them the tabernacle of the congregation, and the ark of the testimony... And thou shalt consecrate them that shall be clothed among his cities, that he may dwell among them." (KJV) - This verse is often cited as evidence that cannabis was used in ancient times for ritual purposes, including healing and consecration.
3. **Psalm 104:14-15** "He causeth the grass to grow for the cattle, and herb for the service of man: that he may bring forth bread out of the earth; And wine that maketh glad the heart of man, and oil to make his face to shine, and bread which strengtheneth man's heart." (KJV) - This verse is seen as a reference to cannabis as a source of food and medicine for humans. ***
**Food and Nourishment**
1. **Genesis 1:29-30** "And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat. And to every beast of the earth, and to every fowl of the air, and to every thing that creepeth upon the earth, wherein there is life, I have given every green herb for meat." (KJV) - This verse is interpreted as a reference to cannabis as a food source for both humans and animals.