רֹ֣תֶם
𐤓𐤕𐤌
rethem
a broom tree
A species of wild desert shrub, most likely the white broom (Retama raetam), characterized by broom-like branches and small leaves, found in dry, arid regions. In biblical contexts, 'rethem' refers to a specific shrub whose branches and shade are notable. The term is associated with shelter, limited shade, or fuel for fire in wilderness settings. Its semantic range covers literal and symbolic uses, including as a physical plant, for its wood (notably used for burning), and as a feature of the desert landscape.
1 Kings 19:4 · Word #9
Lexicon H7574
| Lemma | רֶתֶם |
| Lemma (Paleo) | 𐤓𐤕𐤌 |
| Transliteration | rethem |
| Strong's | H7574 |
| Definition | A species of wild desert shrub, most likely the white broom (Retama raetam), characterized by broom-like branches and small leaves, found in dry, arid regions. In biblical contexts, 'rethem' refers to a specific shrub whose branches and shade are notable. The term is associated with shelter, limited shade, or fuel for fire in wilderness settings. Its semantic range covers literal and symbolic uses, including as a physical plant, for its wood (notably used for burning), and as a feature of the desert landscape. |
Morphology HNcmsa
All morphology codes
| Part of Speech | N — Noun — A person, place, thing, or idea |
| Subtype | c — Common — Common noun |
| Gender | m — Masculine — Masculine |
| Number | s — Singular — Singular |
| State | a — Absolute — The noun stands independently |
Common Translation
| Phrase | a broom tree |
SIBI-P1 Translation H7574-02
white broom shrub
| Morphological Notes | Noun, common, masculine singular, absolute state. |
| Rendering Rationale | This masculine singular absolute noun denotes the specific desert plant רֶתֶם, identified as the white broom shrub. The rendering preserves its concrete botanical sense while reflecting its association with bindable, pliable stems implied by the root רתם ("to bind"). |
View full lexicon entry for H7574 →
SILEX v2
SIBI-P2 (Context-Aware)
white broom shrub
| Same as P1 | Yes |
| Rationale | P1 'white broom shrub' accurately represents the specific plant described in the text. |