What is calamus in the bible

Smith's Bible Dictionary

Calamus

[REED]

ATS Bible Dictionary

Calamus

See CANE.

Easton's Bible Dictionary

The Latin for cane, Hebrew Kaneh, mentioned (Exodus 30:23) as one of the ingredients in the holy anointing oil, one of the sweet scents (Cant. 4:14), and among the articles sold in the Markets of Tyre (Ezek. 27:19). The word designates an Oriental plant called the "sweet flag," the Acorus calamus of Linnaeus. It is elsewhere called "sweet cane" (Isaiah 43:24; Jeremiah 6:20). It has an aromatic smell, and when its knotted stalk is cut and dried and reduced to powder, it forms an ingredient in the most precious perfumes. It was not a native of Palestine, but was imported from Arabia Felix or from India. It was probably that which is now known in India by the name of "lemon grass" or "ginger grass," the Andropogon schoenanthus. (see CANE.)

Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary

1. (n.) The indian cane, a plant of the Palm family. It furnishes the common rattan. See Dragon's blood.

2. (n.) A species of Acorus (A. calamus), commonly called calamus, or sweet flag. The root has a pungent, aromatic taste, and is used in medicine as a stomachic; the leaves have an aromatic odor, and were formerly used instead of rushes to strew on floors.

3. (n.) The horny basal portion of a feather; the barrel or quill.

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

CALAMUS

kal'-a-mus. See REED.

Strong's Hebrew

7070. qaneh -- a stalk, reed
... Word Origin from an unused word Definition a stalk, reed NASB Word Usage branch
(4), branches (18), calamus (1), cane (2), elbow (1), reed (5), reed...reeds (1 ...
/hebrew/7070.htm - 6k

Library

Spikenard and Saffron; Calamus and Cinnamon with all the Trees of ...
... CHAPTER IV. 14. Spikenard and saffron; calamus and cinnamon with all the trees
of Lebanon; myrrh and aloes with all the chief ointments. ...
/.../guyon/song of songs of solomon/14 spikenard and saffron calamus.htm

Chapter iv.
... Cypress with spikenard.14. Spikenard and saffron; calamus and cinnamon with all
trees of frankincense; myrrh and aloes with all the chief spices.14. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/guyon/song of songs of solomon/chapter iv.htm

How the First of These Calls is of no Use to a Sluggard, and the ...
... For in the case of Abbot Moses, [1206] who lived in a spot in the wilderness called
Calamus, [1207] nothing was wanting to his merits and perfect bliss, in ...
/.../cassian/the works of john cassian /chapter v how the first.htm

The General Service to a Hiero-Confessor or Monk-Confessor.
... Thy tongue was truly as the calamus of a swift scribe; propounding the all-honourable
sense of the spiritual law and writing it on the tablets of hearts, O ...
/.../anonymous/the general menaion/chapter xxv the general service.htm

The Testament of Naphtali Concerning Natural Goodness.
... on the neck to the head, the hair also for comeliness, the heart moreover for
understanding, the belly for the dividing of the stomach, the calamus [156] for ...
/.../viii the testament of naphtali concerning.htm

The Service Common to Two or Many Apostles.
... The calamus of the fishermen hath put in order the waverings of philosophers and
current of orators, having clearly expounded in the gospel the God-wise ...
/.../anonymous/the general menaion/chapter ix the service common.htm

Footnotes:
... {82a} Caryota. {82b} Maximiliana. {83a} Philodendron. {83b} Calamus Rotangi,
from the East Indies. {83c} Garcinia Mangostana, from Malacca. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/at last/footnotes .htm

Ezekiel's Discourse
... white wool. Vedan and Javan traded with yarn for thy wares: bright iron,
cassia, and calamus, were among thy merchandise. Dedan ...
/.../various/select masterpieces of biblical literature/vii ezekiels discourse.htm

A Lamb Bears all the Guilt Away.
... heaven. Away! gold of Arabia, Myrrh, calamus, and cassia, Far better I
discover! My priceless treasure is, O Thou My Jesus! what ...
/.../gerhardt/paul gerhardts spiritual songs/a lamb bears all the.htm

What Sorts of Work Should be Chosen by Solitaries.
... reproveth me." [2303] And how difficult and tiresome this is, is very clearly shown
by the experience of those who live in the desert of Calamus or Porphyrion. ...
/.../cassian/the conferences of john cassian/chapter iv what sorts of.htm

Thesaurus

Calamus (5 Occurrences)
... 27:19). The word designates an Oriental plant called the "sweet flag," the Acorus
calamus of Linnaeus. ... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. CALAMUS. kal'-a-mus. ...
/c/calamus.htm - 9k

Reed (41 Occurrences)
... 37:17, etc.); "reed," or "reeds" (1 Kings 14:15 2 Kings 18:21 Isaiah 36:6; Isaiah
42:3 Psalm 68:30, the King James Version "spearman"); "calamus" (Exodus 30:23 ...
/r/reed.htm - 29k

Javan (12 Occurrences)
... (2.) A town or district of Arabia Felix, from which the Syrians obtained iron, cassia,
and calamus (Ezek. 27:19). Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. JAVAN. ...
/j/javan.htm - 12k

Cassia (3 Occurrences)
... kash'-a: Two Hebrew words, (1) qiddah, which is mentioned, along with myrrh, cinnamon,
calamus and olive oil, as one of the ingredients of the "holy anointing ...
/c/cassia.htm - 9k

Cane (11 Occurrences)
... In 2 Kings 18:21; Isaiah 36:6; Ezek. 29:6, 7, the reference is to the weak, fragile
nature of the reed. (see CALAMUS.). Noah Webster's Dictionary. ...
/c/cane.htm - 11k

Spices (64 Occurrences)
... besamim, all from root "to attract by desire," especially by smell): The list of
spices in Exodus 30:23 includes myrrh, cinnamon, "sweet calamus cassia." These ...
/s/spices.htm - 32k

Vedan (1 Occurrence)
... Vedan (1 Occurrence). Ezekiel 27:19 Vedan and Javan traded with yarn for your wares:
bright iron, cassia, and calamus, were among your merchandise. ...
/v/vedan.htm - 7k

Nard (5 Occurrences)
... Song of Songs 4:14 spikenard and saffron, calamus and cinnamon, with every kind
of incense tree; myrrh and aloes, with all the best spices, (Root in WEB KJV ...
/n/nard.htm - 8k

Uzal (3 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 27:19 Vedan and Javan of Uzal traded in thy markets: wrought iron,
cassia, and calamus were in thy traffic. (DBY NAS RSV NIV). ...
/u/uzal.htm - 9k

Resources

Calamus: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus

Calamus: the Latin for cane, Hebrew Kaneh, mentioned (Exodus 30:23) as one of the ingredients in the holy anointing oil, one of the sweet scents (Song of Solomon 4:14), and among the articles sold in the markets of Tyre (Ezekiel 27:19). The word designates an Oriental plant called the "sweet flag," the Acorus calamus of Linnaeus. It is elsewhere called "sweet cane" (Isaiah 43:24; Jeremiah 6:20). It has an aromatic smell, and when its knotted stalk is cut and dried and reduced to powder, it forms an ingredient in the most precious perfumes. It was not a native of Palestine, but was imported from Arabia Felix or from India. It was probably that which is now known in India by the name of "lemon grass" or "ginger grass," the Andropogon schoenanthus. (See CANE.)

Edited and compiled by David J. Stewart

Which is correct: Calamus or Cannabis?

What is calamus in the bible
One of the favorite attacks which Bible-corrupters like to hurl at King James totin' believers is that the King James mistranslates the word "calamus" in Exodus 30:23.  According to Nave's Bible Dictionary, calamus is "A sweet cane of Palestine - Song of Solomon 4:14; Ezekiel 27:19; "An ingredient of the holy ointment - Exodus 30:23; Isaiah 43:24."  The 48 King James translators were educated men and knew what they were doing.  They were extremely proficient in the Hebrew and Greek Languages.  The calamus was mixed with cinnamon and myrrh to form an oil for anointing purposes.  It is ridiculous to twist the Word of God in order to justify smoking pot!

Some modern "scholars" have claimed that the King James translators mistranslated the Hebrew word "qaneh" (pronounced "Kaw-neh").  They did not.  It amazes me how ignorant many of today's self-professed "scholars" are.  You don't have to be a scholar to understand the truth, all you need is the Holy Spirit of God (John 16:13).  These "scholars" claim that in Exodus 30:23, "calamus" was actually "kineboisin" --which is the Hebrew word for cannabis (hemp, or marijuana).  Where did this "scholarly" information come from?   Suspiciously, there are only a couple sources of this NEW information. 

There are a few different claims, but the most recent and weighty was allegedly from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem in 1980.  Even more suspicious is the ridiculous claim that a few people have found a NEW truth that theologians and translators have missed for thousands of years.  Do you really believe that?  If you do, I have some swamp land in Siberia I'd like to sell you. 

Allegedly, in 1903, the British physician Dr. Creighton was the first to determine that several references to cannabis can be found in the Old Testament.  Interestingly, no one can seem to document this claim.  Then again in 1936, etymologist Sara Benetowa (of the Institute of Anthropological Sciences in Warsaw) allegedly discovered the connection between kaneh-bosem in the Old Testament, and the original Semitic Hebrew origins of the word cannabis.  Again, where's the proof of these allegations?  Anyone can say anything; but without proof, it is only conjecture at best.

I have a big problem with a few things here.  First, are you going to believe a doctor and an etymologist over tens-of thousands of theologians and translators throughout history?  Second, there are NO proofs of these claims.  Third, there is absolutely nothing in the Bible which permits substance abuse.  And fourthly...
 

The Hebrew University in Jerusalem is pro-homosexual.

They even have the Hebrew University "Gay and Lesbian Student Union."  Please read, Gays in Israel Demand Equal Rights.  Are you going to trust the Biblical scholarship of a university that allows, condones, trains, graduates, and honors HOMOSEXUALS!  In 1999, Rabbi Steven Greenberg challenged Orthodox Jewish tradition when he became the first Orthodox rabbi ever to openly declare his homosexuality.  He wrote a book titled, "Wrestling With God and Men: Homosexuality in the Jewish Tradition.  Dr. Tova Hartman, a Jewish scholar and a lecturer at Hebrew University's School of Education in Jerusalem, who teachers gender studies and sex differences, said concerning Rabbi Greenberg...

"Through his deep love and respect of the Jewish tradition he challenges us all to reread our canonical texts in order to create room for an alternative vision of the religious community."

Homosexuality is a horrible sin Miss Hartman.  Mr. Greenberg may love Jewish tradition, but he certainly doesn't love the Lord Jesus Christ.  There is NO room (compromise) for an "alternative vision."  Homosexuality is disgraceful and something to be ashamed of.  Dr. Tova Hartman is also featured at JOFA (Jewish Orthodox Feminist Alliance) and is the co-author of such works as "How to Raise Feminist Children."  I would never consider a theological source as credible that openly accepts and condones homosexuality and feminism.


The Torah is NOT the Word of God!

Some people claim that the Torah (Targum Onkelos) corrects the Word of God in this matter; it does NOT!

It was thought until recently that cannabis was not mentioned in the Bible.  Scholars have argued about the etymology of kinebosm (or, kannabosm) and related words, such as "qineh," which means hemp.  Previously the word was translated as sugarcane (or calamus).  All of a sudden, someone has found a new doctrine.  This is a classic case of how uneducated, unthinking groups create their own mythology on the internet, by simply repeating each other's errors over and over again, until everyone in the group believes it to be true, because they see it everywhere they look. 

The trouble is, since they refuse to look OUTSIDE of their own little community, they never learn the truth, and just continue repeating the lies.  This is exactly what happened here, without any doubt.  Clearly, some pot-head nut saw a word in some article somewhere, misinterpreting it grossly to mean that Jesus anointed people by dunking them in cannabis oil. In any event: Who cares what a low quality Aramaic paraphrase says about the original Hebrew text?  It isn't even a translation that we are talking about, just a written version of an oral paraphrase passed down from generation to generation, so it carries little weight.  So who cares WHAT it says?  It carries no authority at all. If that is the very best source that you have for supporting the idea that Jesus anointed people with cannabis oil, then you really don't have any case at all.

Junk Scholarship, Jesus, Cannabis, and Preaching

by Tim Bednar

The Guardian cites a recent article in High Times, Was Jesus A Stoner?, where author Chris Bennett makes the case that Jesus 'healed using cannabis'. The claim is that the, "...anointing oil used by Jesus and his disciples contained an ingredient called kaneh-bosem which has since been identified as cannabis extract." The connection between cannabis and Jesus is tenuous at best. It stems from the ingredients listed in Exodus 30:23 for Anointing Oil. (The NIV translation chooses the word 'fragrant cane'. The KJV calamus.) Etymologist Sara Benetowa of the Institute of Anthropological Sciences in Warsaw discovered in 1936, the connection between kaneh-bosem in the Old Testament as the original Semitic Hebrew origins of the word cannabis. Hebrew University in Jerusalem in 1980 confirmed this information as correct. Several sources I read began connecting this supposed hallucinogenic with Jesus being the 'Christ' or 'Anointed' and finishing with Shamanism. This is a great example of junk scholarship based on etymological gymnastics enabled by moving from Hebrew to Greek to Latin to English (and often back again.) It is a case of someone with an agenda reading imposing their will on the text.

Rabbi Diana Villa easily debunks this: "Yehudah Felix has written three books in Hebrew that relate to your questions: Biblical Vegetation published in 1957, Nature in the Biblical land, published in 1992, and Spice, Forest and Ornament Plants, published in 1997. 'Kinamon' or 'kinman bosem' is definitely cinnamon."

Now, before we throw stones, preachers (watch TBN for examples) are just as guilty of junk scholarship. I have sat through numerous, convoluted 'word studies' where preachers and teachers lead me through a labyrinth of tenuous linguistic and logical linkages all in support of some daft 'revelation'. (At times, these revelations are plainly stated in the Scriptures or are just basic theology. However, most often they are dubious.)

In my experience, most preachers know just enough about Hebrew and Greek to be dangerous. I am not a big fan of the current trend in 'practical' preaching where sermons sound like an afternoon on Dr. Phil's talk-show. But, I have been disappointed with most of my encounters with exegetical preaching.

END | SOURCE

Calamus was Used to Make Holy Anointing Oil

Some Bible-corrupters even go so far as to claim that Jesus Christ used marijuana, that He and those He anointed were "stoners" who got "high" from it.  To no surprise, the people who make these outrageous claims are "pot heads" themselves, who smoke marijuana.  Jesus Christ was not a "dope head"!  It is sinful for anyone to abuse themselves with any substance.  The Bible states in 2nd Corinthians 10:5...

"Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ."

Even if the Bible was referring to "cannabis," rather than "calamus" (which it is NOT), it still doesn't justify illegal drug use?   The calamus was used as an added ingredient, not as a product by itself.  Exodus 30:22-25 states...

"Moreover The Lord spake unto Moses, saying, Take thou also unto thee principal spices, of pure myrrh five hundred shekels, and of sweet cinnamon half so much, even two hundred and fifty shekels, and of sweet calamus two hundred and fifty shekels, And of cassia five hundred shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary, and of oil olive an hin: And thou shalt make it an oil of holy ointment, an ointment compound after the art of the apothecary: it shall be an holy anointing oil."

As plainly described, the Biblical refers to "calamus" as a mere ingredient in the holy anointing oil, used only for anointing articles of the tabernacle and the priests.  Holy oil was not to be used for anything, or anyone, else -- anyone who did was cut off from Israel.  The Bible-corrupters carefully leave out this bit of information!

The Word "drunk" in the Bible literally means "stupefied" (i.e., to make stupid) by a chemical substance," whether from dope, or from excessive alcohol consumption?  Substance abuse is a sin!  Here is further witness from the Word of God against the evils of alcohol and drug abuse...

"Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath contentions? who hath babbling? who hath wounds without cause? who hath redness of eyes? They that tarry long at the wine; they that go to seek mixed wine. Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup, when it moveth itself aright. At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder." -Proverbs 23:29-32

"Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise."  -Proverbs 20:1

"Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness" -Romans 13:13

The Word "Calamus" in the King James Bible is Correct!

The English word "calamus," was derived from the Latin word for "cane," and is used to translate the Hebrew word "qaneh" (pronounced "Kaw-neh").  Calamus is mentioned in the Scriptures as one of the ingredients of the holy anointing oil used by the Levite priests in the Old Testament.  Calamus is also often translated as "sweet cane," "sweet flag," or "fragrant cane."  Probably indigenous to India, Acorus calamus is now found across Europe, in southern Russia, northern Asia Minor, southern Siberia, China, Japan, Burma, Sri Lanka, and northern USA.  It refers to a plant originally found in India which was dried and used in precious perfumes.  It was traded in markets widely through the Middle East, as the Lord even mentions Himself...

"Moreover the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, Take thou also unto thee principal spices, of pure myrrh five hundred shekels, and of sweet cinnamon half so much, even two hundred and fifty shekels, and of sweet calamus two hundred and fifty shekels, And of cassia five hundred shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary, and of oil olive an hin: And thou shalt make it an oil of holy ointment, an ointment compound after the art of the apothecary: it shall be an holy anointing oil." -Exodus 30:22-25

Carefully notice that God is giving Moses a formula for making holy anointing oil and; NOT, a herbal formula for Moses to get high on.  It is ludicrous for anyone to claim that the Bible endorses Marijuana usage.  Even the word "sweet" indicates that the Bible is referring to calamus (often called "sweet cane") and; NOT, cannabis, which is not sweet.


The Hypocrisy of America's Laws: Hemp is Good!

There are over 25,000 known uses for industrial hemp.  The Declaration of Independence was signed on paper made out of hemp.  The first pair of Levi Strauss blue jeans were made out of hemp.  Hemp seed oil is one of the best Diesel engine fuels known to mankind--and it's easily replenished!  The first Diesel engine ran an peanut oil in 1900.  Hemp produces TWICE as much fiber per acre as does cotton.  Hemp is a great source of nutrition.  Hemp can be used to make building materials, etc.  It is a wonderful product.  So why is it illegal?  1st Timothy 6:10 gives us the answer...greed!  At the time Dupont was coming out with synthetic materials, Hemp was a major threat that needed to be eliminated. 

The Oil companies as well stood to gain handsomely from petroleum synthetic products.  In the 1930's, industrial hemp was outlawed in a government campaign to outlaw the demonic marijuana (as they portrayed it).  Posters were even distributed with a picture of Frankenstein, trying to demonize the once great product hemp.  For 168 years of American history, hemp was a grand commodity.  Today, everything is made of plastic (oil). 

Now I'm not endorsing marijuana, but when did it become the government's responsibility to tell us what we could grow (or smoke) as free U.S. citizens?   The irony of the matter is that there are many websites available where you can LEGALLY but herbal products to "get high."  I mean, you can grow any number of LEGAL plants to smoke and get high.  Some addicts sniff model glue, gasoline, and spray-paint from a bag to get high.  These are horrible practices and I'm not endorsing anything that would harm the body.  I don't think anyone should ever smoke marijuana!  BUT, who is the government to tell us what we can or cannot grow, or what we can or cannot do with our crops? 

I believe in freedom!  It's not our government's job to educate our children.  It's not our government's job to police the world.  It's not our government's job to give us food-stamps, medical, or housing.  It's not our government's job to give our money to Planned Parenthood to murder more babies.  The government's responsibility is threefold: to protect our person, our property, and our freedom.  It's not the government's job to drug our children.  Property taxes are evil, pure Communism.  No one in America outright owns their property.  Stop paying your property taxes and you'll find out real fast who truly owns your property!!!  This is wicked!

Do I think marijuana should be legalized?  I don't think it ever should have been outlawed.  Freedom brings with it an equal amount of responsibility.  Irresponsible people need to be punished.  There are over 40,000 gun laws in America; but, few of them are enforced.  Every time someone gets shot to death, politicians demand MORE LAWS.   The problem is not a lack of laws, but the enforcement of existing laws (Ecclesiastes 8:11).  Increased government laws, rules and regulations can only lead to further constriction of it's citizens freedoms and rights.  This is a sure road to government tyranny.  There are literally MILLIONS of laws in the United States!!!  One thing is certain--We don't need any more laws.  In other nations, where laws are enforced, the crime rate is very low.  There would be no need to outlaw so many things if people were simply held accountable for their actions.  As Americans continue to abuse "their rights," they are simultaneously losing them!

Also, may I say that marijuana and hemp are the SAME plant; but, marijuana is derived by killing off the males.  This allows the female plants to mature to form marijuana.  Industrial hemp is fibrous and horrible to smoke.  You would not want to smoke industrial hemp.   Marijuana does not grow naturally, you have to cultivate it.  I just don't see Moses cultivating marijuana for the purpose of making holy anointing oil.  It doesn't surprise me that a pot-smoking, rock idol worshipping, rebellious generation would seek to twist the Bible around to justify homosexuality, feminism, rock music, and substance abuse. 
 

Smoking is a sin against our own bodies!

What is calamus in the bible