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Document Details :

Title: שושנה of the Canticle
Author(s): ŠTRBA, Blažej
Journal: Biblica
Volume: 85    Issue: 4   Date: 2004   
Pages: 475-502
DOI: 10.2143/BIB.85.4.3194437

Abstract :
The term שושנה is revisited primarily in the Canticle of Solomon. The most ancient translation – 'lily' – of this flower though questioned in recent decades is still widely used. The LXX’s rendering κρίνον is examined and found as the best translation for the lexeme שושן – meaning 'lotus' – being an Egyptian loan word. This translation fits to the OT references better than 'lily'. The textual employment of שושנה in the poetry of the Canticle is a chief and commanding proof for 'lotus'. The 'lily' translation for both שושנה and κρίνον for the majority of the OT cases is seen as incorrect since it does not pay due attention to the literary and historical context of the Canticle.

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