Monday, August 15, 2016

The Hebrew Origin of "Syrup"

Just want to share an insight into the origin of the word SYRUP (as in Maple syrup). Obviously, it derives from this Hebrew origin -- from the word “שרף”!

How can I be sure? Simply by citing the Talmudic verse itself; It’s self explanatory:
"הצרי אינו אלא שרף הנוטף מעצי הקטף"
The balm[?] is simply the resin that exudes from the wood of the Balsam[?] tree.

If you seek the origin of the word 'syrup' in Gentile sources, such at Merriam-Webster or Online Etymology Dictionary, you’re led astray to many other languages, but never to Hebrew that outdates them all.

So here you see:
1) It oozes from a tree.
2) The word שרף also comprises the verb to burn. You can see it's made for burning, inasmuch as it comes from a tree, as logs are the quintessential form of fuel. So these resins were created as flammable, but with an added benefit too, to yield a wonderful aroma - thus the source of incense.

(As for the same word “שרף” that defines a rank or type of angel, this too has to do with “burning”, probably in reference to their appearance or in metaphor, but I know too little to comment here.

This word may also relate to "serpent" (at least the first half of the word) - for the serpent's bite delivers a burning sensation, unlike the scorpion's that is cold.

A previous post [here] speculated on this topic.)

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Looks like you have a photo of a cherry tree there, like this one.
https://www.colourbox.com/preview/7358657-solid-amber-resin-drops-on-a-cherry-tree-trunk.jpg

When the sap of a tree gets that thick, it's called amber (at least that's what its called for cherry sap/syrup), not that I'm contradicting you, just adding more information on names for different kinds of syrup.

in the vanguard said...

Thanks. Botany is fascinating.

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