Lexical Summary qiddah: Cassia Original Word: קִדָּה Strong's Exhaustive Concordance cassia From qadad; cassia bark (as in shrivelled rolls) -- cassia. see HEBREW qadad NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom the same as qodqod Definition cassia NASB Translation cassia (2). Brown-Driver-Briggs קִדָּה noun feminine a spice, usually cassia ᵑ6 ᵑ9 ᵑ7 compare DiEx; √ dubious; perhaps foreign word); *— merchandise Ezekiel 27:19; ingredient of sacred oil Exodus 30:24 (P): — compare Dioscor: De Mater. Med. I.12 (κασσία = ἡ κιττώ) TheophrHist. Paint ix. 5 PlinNH xii. 19 (42 ff.); see also SchrödPhoenician Spr. 126 LewyFremdw. 36. [קָדַח] verb be kindled, kindle (Late Hebrew id., also bore, Aramaic קְדַח, Qal 1. be kindled: Perfect3feminine singularאֵשׁ קָֽדְחָה בְּאַמִּי Deuteronomy 32:22; Jeremiah 15:14,14; Jeremiah 17:4 (readingקָֽדְחָה for קְדַחְתֶּם), all of ׳יs wrath. 2 active kindle; Infinitive construct כִּקְדֹחַ אֵשׁ הֲמָסִים Isaiah 64:1 (see [הֶמֶס]); Participleקֹדְחֵי אֵשׁ Isaiah 50:11. Topical Lexicon Meaning and Botanical Identity קִדָּה (qid·dâ) denotes the fragrant bark known in English as cassia, a close relative of true cinnamon (Cinnamomum cassia or Cinnamomum iners). The bark is harvested, dried in quills, and yields a warm, sweet-spicy aroma. In the ancient Near East it served as a valued perfume, spice, and medicinal agent (antiseptic, digestive aid, and stimulant). Occurrences in Scripture 1. Exodus 30:24 – specified as one of the “principal spices” blended into the holy anointing oil. Though the noun itself appears only twice, the fragrance it names suffuses additional passages where cassia is implied, such as the regal apparel in Psalm 45:8 and the aromatic imagery of Song of Solomon 4:14. Role in Temple Worship In Exodus 30 the LORD prescribes five hundred shekels of cassia for the sacred anointing oil. Together with myrrh, cinnamon, calamus, and olive oil, cassia formed the fragrant medium by which the tabernacle, its furnishings, the priests, and—ultimately—the people were consecrated. Because the compound was never to be duplicated for common use (Exodus 30:32-33), cassia became inseparably linked with holiness, service, and divine presence. Its aroma marked everything set apart for God, prefiguring the anointing of Messiah and the indwelling ministry of the Holy Spirit (Luke 4:18; 2 Corinthians 1:21-22). Economic and Trade Significance Ezekiel 27 presents Tyre as the commercial hub of the Mediterranean. “Dan and Javan from Uzal… exchanged wrought iron, cassia, and aromatic cane for your wares” (Ezekiel 27:19). Cassia thus belonged to international trade networks spanning Arabia, India, and the Levant. The prophet’s catalog underscores both the wealth of the Phoenician city and the fleeting security that relies on earthly commerce rather than the covenant LORD. Cassia’s high market value illustrates how the choicest earthly goods cannot avert judgment when a culture rejects God (Ezekiel 27:27). Symbolic and Theological Themes Fragrance of Consecration – Cassia in the anointing oil points to a life saturated with the sweetness of fellowship with God (2 Corinthians 2:15-16). Royal Splendor – The Messianic King’s garments “have all been fragranced with myrrh and aloes and cassia” (Psalm 45:8), foreshadowing Christ’s kingly anointing. Mission to the Nations – As a traded commodity, cassia reminds readers that Israel’s worship was meant to draw the nations to the knowledge of God (Isaiah 60:6). Comparative Ancient Near Eastern Usage Egyptian medical papyri list cassia among treatments for infection. Assyrian cuneiform texts record its import from Arabia. Greek authors (Herodotus, Dioscorides) valued it as a perfume and digestive aid. These parallels reinforce Scripture’s portrayal of cassia as a costly luxury. Practical Lessons for Believers • Holiness is meant to be perceptible: just as cassia’s scent permeated the tabernacle, a consecrated life should carry the unmistakable aroma of Christ. Related Topics Holy Anointing Oil – Exodus 30:22-33 Fragrant Offering of Christ – Ephesians 5:2 Trade of Tyre – Ezekiel 27 Spices in Scripture – Song of Solomon 4:14; Mark 16:1 Forms and Transliterations וְקִדָּ֕ה וקדה קִדָּ֣ה קדה kidDah qid·dāh qiddāh vekidDah wə·qid·dāh wəqiddāhLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Exodus 30:24 HEB: וְקִדָּ֕ה חֲמֵ֥שׁ מֵא֖וֹת NAS: and of cassia five hundred, KJV: And of cassia five hundred INT: cassia five hundred Ezekiel 27:19 2 Occurrences |
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bore, kindle; Arabic 
strike fire (with flint, etc.); Phoenician מקדח is lamp-lighter (in temple) accusative To CISI, No.352, i.s); —