What Is Qaneh-Bosem? Ancient Hebrew Meaning & Bible Facts

Take the finest spices: of liquid myrrh five hundred shekels, and of sweet-smelling cinnamon half as much, that is, two hundred and fifty, and of aromatic cane two hundred and fifty. (Exodus 30:23, RSV)

The passage above lists the ingredients in the “holy anointing oil” that was to be used by the priests to anoint the tabernacle and the priesthood. This topic may be a little controversial, but I think it is an important one as a lot of people have asked me over the years if the Hebrew phrase קנה בשם (qaneh bosem, often spelled Qaneh bosem), translated as “aromatic cane” in the verse above, is a Biblical Hebrew phrase for cannabis, also called marijuana or hemp.

When I am studying a subject in the Bible, I always attempt to do so from a purely objective viewpoint, without taking on the role of a supporter or a detractor. This way, I will not be tempted to enter my own personal bias into the study. So, with this approach to Biblical interpretation in mind, let’s dig into the language and culture of the Bible to get at the truth of Qaneh bosem.

Etymology of Qaneh Bosem

• קנה (k’neh): Means “reed” or “stalk”; derived from the root קנה (Q.N.A), meaning “to acquire, purchase, or buy.”
• בשם (bosem): Means “spice” or “balsam”; derived from the root בשם (B.S.M), meaning “to be fragrant.

Potential Connection to “Cannabis”

There is no question that the Hebrew phrase qaneh bosem is similar to the term "cannabis," but is this a coincidence or is it the origins of the name "cannabis?"

• The Hebrew word qinamon (קנמון) is the origin of the English word “cinnamon.”
• Similarly, Qaneh bosem may be the origin of the word “cannabis.”

Historical Use of Cannabis in the Near East

• Cannabis was indigenous to the Middle East and used for various purposes.
• Historical records indicate its introduction to several ancient cultures.

Archaeological Evidence

In the 1960s, archeologists discovered an ancient shrine, dating to the 6th Century B.C., and were located about 30 miles west of the Dead Sea. At the time, residue on the altar showed that animal fat, dung and frankincense were burnt on the altar, but analyses of a dark material on the altar proved inconclusive. In 2020, scientists using modern laboratory devices, were able to analyze the dark material and was found to be Cannabis, with enough THC content to induce an altered state of consciousness by breathing in its fumes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this is what we can say about the phrase qaneh bosem.

1. Definition: Qaneh bosem can be defined as “an aromatic resinous reed plant,” descriptive of cannabis.
2. Etymology: It’s possible that “cannabis” has a Semitic origin similar to “cinnamon.”
3. Historical Use: Cannabis was known and used in the Near East during the time of the Hebrew people.

These are the facts concerning the Hebrew phrase qaneh bosem and as you can tell, there is no way to definitively say that it was, or was not, Cannabis. All that can be said is that it is possible.