Biblical Hebrew Forum

[<tladatsi AT charter.net>]

Peter & Co.

While cultivation of hemp is well documented in China for thousands of years, 
it was found naturally and used ubiquiously in Asia and Europe since the 
stone age.   The manufacture of hemp rope was widely practiced.  Here is a 
link to an interesting paper on the topic.

http://mojo.calyx.net/~olsen/HEMP/IHA/jiha5208.html

We do know that Herodotus knew of hemp  in 450 BCE.  He takes its existance 
for granted and does not state or imply it is a new crop.  

Why would we hypothesis a linguistic link?  We don't know that QHN even 
refers to hemp (Cannabis sative).   In Exodus 37 QHN is used fro the 
candlestick holders in with the  ark.  Cannabis is would not be strong enough 
to be a support and is not a very pretty plant for decoration.  In Job 31:22 
QHN seems to be used as word for "bone" suggesting something strong and 
stiff, like cane not hemp.  Likewise in Isa 46:6 it is used as the beam in 
balance.  Once more, a stiff straight rod, like cane, not hemp.  The context 
of the use would favor cane, not hemp.

It seems to be, to me,  a faux ami.

Jack.