רֶתֶם
𐤓𐤕𐤌
rethem
H7574 noun
SILEX Entry
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.
Semantic Range
white broom shrub; a desert bush; source of shade; firewood; feature of arid landscape; shelter in wilderness
Root / Etymology
Root: רתם (r-t-m). The root רתם means 'to bind, tie up,' and the noun form רֶתֶם likely refers to a plant utilized for its long, pliable stems that could be bundled or bound together. Lexically, the word distinguishes a desert shrub known for its broom-like, flexible branches and pale blossoms. It is not a 'juniper' as in European botany, but generally identified as the white broom (Retama raetam), indigenous to Near Eastern deserts.
Historical & Contextual Notes
The retem shrub is specifically mentioned in the context of the Negev and surrounding wilderness regions (e.g., Elijah resting under it in 1 Kings 19:4-5, and as fuel for fire in Job 30:4). Its branches provide sparse but much-valued shade in the arid landscape, indicating a plant adapted to extreme environments. While the KJV translates it as 'juniper,' this is botanically inaccurate. 'White broom' (Retama raetam) is the likely species, common in the Sinai and Transjordan wilderness. The term's connotation within the Hebrew Bible is shaped by the association with inhospitable, marginal environments, and may convey nuance of minimal protection or fleeting comfort. Unlike other Hebrew arboreal terms (e.g., אֶרֶז 'cedar,' תִּדְהָר 'elm'), רֶתֶם denotes a humble, even harsh aspect of the wilderness, used primarily for fuel and temporary shelter. In later translation traditions, 'juniper' persists, but does not capture the specific plant native to biblical lands. The semantic range does not extend to symbolic meanings beyond what is present in narrative and poetic texts. Usage is consistent across periods, limited to late Torah/wilderness or prophetic literature.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
or רֹתֶם; from רָתַם; the Spanish broom (from its pole-like stems); juniper (tree).
Bantu Hebrew
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רתם (r-t-m) — to bind, to tie, to fasten
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H7574-01 |
רְתָמִֽים | retamim | HNcmpa |
broom | white broom shrubs | 2 |
H7574-02 |
רֹ֣תֶם | rotem | HNcmsa |
a broom tree | white broom shrub | 2 |
Occurrences in Scripture
4 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H7574-02 |
1 Kings 19:4 | רֹ֣תֶם | rotem | HNcmsa |
a broom tree | white broom shrub |
H7574-02 |
1 Kings 19:5 | רֹ֣תֶם | rotem | HNcmsa |
broom tree | white broom shrub |
H7574-01 |
Psalms 120:4 | רְתָמִֽים | retamim | HNcmpa |
broom | white broom shrubs |
H7574-01 |
Job 30:4 | רְתָמִ֣ים | retamim | HNcmpa |
of broom | white broom shrubs |