Cannabis/Cannabos/kaneh Bosem

For discussions which focus upon specific words, their origin, meaning, relationship to other ANE languages.
Forum rules
Members will observe the rules for respectful discourse at all times!
Please sign all posts with your first and last (family) name.
Post Reply
David Sevilla
Posts: 1
Joined: Sun Oct 06, 2013 4:59 am

Cannabis/Cannabos/kaneh Bosem

Post by David Sevilla »

Shalom le colam,
My question this time is as clear as the title of this new thread reads.
Is the word Cannabis related with the Hebrew Kaneh Bosem?
Did the ancient israelites use the oil of the cannabis?

Thank you very much for your responses.
David Sevilla
Philitas
Posts: 10
Joined: Sat Oct 05, 2013 5:27 pm

Re: Cannabis/Cannabos/kaneh Bosem

Post by Philitas »

The problem with this is that the -is ending (Gk. kannabis, Lat. cannabis) is particular to these languages. In its other occurrences in other Indo-European languages, it doesn't have this ending. But of course this consonant is integral to the Hebrew, as part of בֶּשֶׂם. It has to be a false cognate, as both קָנֶה and בֶּשֶׂם are common terms in the Hebrew Bible. Plus, Exod 30:23 mentions a קִנְּמָן־בֶּשֶׂם as well.
Philitas Koan,
University of Memphis
Post Reply