This resin is a part of both ancient and modern medicines, and it is used as an ingredient in some perfumes and alcoholic beverages for its rich, distinct scent. Myrrh has powerful antibacterial, antifungal, antiparasitic properties. M.A., English Composition, Illinois State University, B.S., English Literature, Illinois State University. Genesis 37. In ancient times, it was used to embalm the dead, as well as for perfume. Frankincense and myrrh have long been thought to have spiritual properties. Myrrh, used as a burial spice and in purification rites, was … Myrrh was also used for embalming. This resin is derived from two species of plant, the Commiphora myrrha and the Commiphora gileadensis which are native to modern-day Somalia, Yemen, Ethiopia, and Jordan among others. In temple days, sweet incense containing Frankincense was placed on the Inner Altar of the Tabernacle and burned morning and evening. Both of these tree-sap resins have been used since before Jesus' time for spiritual purposes, and most commonly in incense form. It is used for making incense for burning in churches and in Indian temples, as it was among the Jews (Exodus 30:34). Other products that were also brought back included wild animals, particularly cheetahs, the secretary bird (Sagittarius serpentarius), giraffes and Hamadryas baboons (which were sacred to the Ancient Egyptians), ebony, ivoryand animal skins. On account, however, of the references to "flowing myrrh" (Exodus 30:23) and "liquid myrrh" (Song of Solomon 5:5,13), Schweinfurth maintains that mor was not a dried gum but the liquid balsam of Balsamodendron opobalsamum. Myrrh is the dried resin of several Commiphora tree species.According to the New Testament of the Bible, it was one of the gifts given to Jesus Christ by the three wise men, and it is used in various religious rituals. This is a stunted tree growing in Arabia, having a light-gray bark; the gum resin exudes in small tear-like drops which dry to a rich brown or reddish-yellow, brittle substance, with a faint though agreeable smell and a warm, bitter taste. It is yielded by the cistus , known in Europe as the rock rose, a shrub with rose-colored flowers, growing in Palestine and along the shores of the Mediterranean. We'll send you an email with steps on how to reset your password. In Matthew 2:11 it is brought by the "Wise men" of the East as an offering to the infant Saviour; in Mark 15:23 it is offered mingled with wine as an anesthetic to the suffering Redeemer, and in John 19:39 a "mixture of myrrh and aloes" is brought by Nicodemus to embalm the sacred body. Today myrrh is used in Chinese medicine for a variety of ailments. In fact, myrrh is mentioned in the Bible 152 times. Again, the reason myrrh was added was to mask the unpleasant odor of the decaying body of a corpse. (This myrrh is in small yellowish or white globules or tears. Bringing beauty from the inside out. Its possible, according to researchers at Cardiff University in Wales who have been studying the medical uses of frankincense. Question: "What is spikenard in the Bible?" See John 19;39 and Herod. Likewise, naturopathic doctors claim several health benefits associated with myrrh essential oil, including improved heart rate, stress levels, blood pressure, breathing, and immune function. 86. According to this article, myrrh had a greater value than gold when Jesus was born. In the Bible, Frankincense is often associated with myrrh, another expensive spice that features prominently in Scripture (Song of Solomon 3:6; Matthew 2:11). What Does the Bible Say About the Antichrist? Perhaps the most famous reference to these substances is in the Bible, where they were offered as gifts to the infant Jesus. He is the author "Hope for Hurting Singles: A Christian Guide to Overcoming Life's Challenges. It can also be added to a warm bath or applied directly to the skin for relaxing, spa vibes at home. According to the Hebrew Bible, frankincense and myrrh were components of the holy incense ritually burned in Jerusalem’s sacred temples during ancient … Answer: Spikenard was an expensive perfume mentioned in the Song of Solomon (1:12; 4:13–14) and in the gospels’ accounts of women anointing Jesus (Mark 14:3; John 12:3). Pentecostal Christians: What Do They Believe? Myrrh, a fragrant gum resin, comes from a small bushy tree (Commiphora myrrha), cultivated in ancient times in the Arabian Peninsula. In Biblical times, myrrh was used as a natural remedy, a … Jack Zavada is a writer who covers the Bible, theology, and other Christianity topics. Bibliography Information Myrrh (pronounced "mur") is an expensive spice, used for making perfume, incense, medicine, and for anointing the dead. Myrrh (pronounced "mur") is an expensive spice, used for making perfume, incense, medicine, and for anointing the dead. (John 19:39) The aloe vera plant has been used for thousands of years. The myrrh of ( Genesis 37:25 ) was probably ladalzum , a highly-fragrant resin and volatile oil used as a cosmetic, and stimulative as a medicine. Myrrh in the Bible Myrrh frequently appears in the Old Testament, primarily as a sensuous perfume in the Song of Solomon : Myrrh was used in the anointing oil for the high priests who prayed for the nation of Israel (Exodus 30:30). This substance is mentioned as valuable for its perfume (Psalms 45:8; Proverbs 7:17; Song of Solomon 3:6; 4:14), and as one of the constituents of the holy incense (Exodus 30:23; see also Song of Solomon 4:6; 5:1,5,13). Researchers have become interested in myrrh due to its potent antioxidant activity and potential as a cancer treatment. 23 For many, myrrh reigns prominent as one of the gifts (along with frankincense and gold) that the three Wise Men gave to Jesus in the New Testament of the Bible. The word myrrh also appears exactly 17 times in the Bible. It was then collected and stored for about three months until it hardened into fragrant globules. Myrrh is a sap-like substance (resin) that comes out of cuts in the bark of certain trees. What is myrrh used for in the bible? Natural Uses for Myrrh. In fact, myrrh is mentioned in the Bible 152 times. Salem Media Group. Please enter your email address associated with your Salem All-Pass account, then click Continue. It is often associated with myrrh (Songs 3:6; Songs 4:6) and with it was made an offering to the infant Saviour (Matthew 2:11). Mark notes that when Jesus was dying on the cross, someone offered him wine mixed with myrrh to stop the pain, but he did not take it. 86. The Balsamodendron myrrha, which produces the myrrh of commerce, has a wood and bark which emit a strong odor; the gum which exudes from the bark is at first oily, but becomes hard by exposure to the air. It speaks of intercession. The oleo-resin of the myrrh tree was a… It was a purification process, a … Were the gifts of the magi meant to save Jesus from the pain of arthritis? Herbs of the Bible. In the Old Testament (Ex 30:22-33), myrrh was one of the ingredients (“of pure myrrh five hundred shekels”) in a recipe that God gave to Moses for a special holy anointing oil which was to be used in the Tabernacle. Aloes — He was accompanied by Nicodemus, the man who earlier had visited Jesus at night.Nicodemus brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds. --ED.) GOLD Refers to power over Earthly matters. ", Learn Religions uses cookies to provide you with a great user experience. Myrrh, the gift that was given to Jesus, the ultimate High Priest, can also be used to deepen our devotional time by inhaling the essential oil before/during our prayer time or burning it. Myrrh was used in ancient Israelite temple worship as an ingredient in the holy anointing oil for consecrating priests, the tabernacle, and kings (see Exodus 30:23–25). The Greek occurs in ( Matthew 2:11 ) among the gifts brought by the wise men to the infant Jesus and in ( Mark 15:23 ) it is said that "wine mingled with myrrh" was offered to but refused by, our Lord on the cross. Chemical Compounds of Myrrh Essential Oil The myrrh of (Genesis 37:25) was probably ladalzum, a highly-fragrant resin and volatile oil used as a cosmetic, and stimulative as a medicine. While the Middle Eastern regions used myrrh ceremonially, the Far East was using it for healing purposes. Myrrh was an important herb of the Bible, as it was used as a spice, a natural remedy and to purify the dead. "International Standard Bible Encyclopedia". Myrrhis used today by middle-eastern cultures as a purification treatment in preparation of their wedding day. Myrrh was used raw or crushed and mixed with oil to make a perfume. They are both botanically related, had medicinal value, and currency value. We can determine its spiritual significance by seeing how it was used. General Editor. Copyright © 2021, Bible Study Tools. Genesis 37:25 | View whole chapter | See verse in context And they sat down to eat bread: and they lifted up their eyes and looked, and, behold, a company of Ishmeelites came from Gilead with their camels bearing spicery and balm and myrrh, going to carry it down to Egypt. Myrrh is also listed as an ingredient in the holy anointing oil used to anoint the tabernacle, high priests and kings. Myrrh refers to a resin used as an incense as well as used as an ingredient in various perfumes and ointments according to ancient texts. Myrrh was also used for embalming. For wine mingled with myrrh see GALL. The cistus or "rock rose" is exceedingly common all over the mountains of Palestine (see BOTANY), the usual varieties being the C. villosus with pink petals, and the C. salviaefolius with white petals. Myrrh had a number of uses in the Bible. This article dives into the symbolism of the three gifts. No commerce is done now in Palestine in this substance as of old (Genesis 37:25; 43:11), but it is still gathered from various species of cistus, especially C. creticus in the Greek Isles, where it is collected by threshing the plants by a kind of flail from which the sticky mass is scraped off with a knife and rolled into small black balls. See INCENSE. Finally, John says Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus brought a mixture of 75 pounds of myrrh and aloes to anoint Jesus' body, then wrapped it in linen cloths and laid in the tomb. So he did not actually need gold to survive. The tree is small, with a stunted trunk, covered with light-gray bark, It is found in Arabia Felix. This was the gum or viscid white liquid which flows from a tree resembling the acacia, found in Africa and Arabia, the Balsamodendron myrrha of botanists. When we consider the “Three gifts” they were symbolic of the power of Jesus over them - like Talents. Myrrh oil is still commonly used today as a remedy for a variety of ailments. Myrrh in a lot of ways is similar to frankincense. Orr, James, M.A., D.D. A steam distillation process is used to extract myrrh essential oil, which is amber to brown in color and has an earthy scent (3). It had many purposes and uses. Myrrh had additional uses such as: fixing oral health, creating youthful skin and boosting the immune system. Below you will find all these references in context. The myrrh in this case was used to mask the unpleasant odor and taste of the cheap wine. Myrrh is commonly used in aromatherapy for massages! Use myrrh in an essential oil distiller, or add a few drops to hot water and inhale the steam. This substance is mentioned in ( Exodus 30:23 ) as one of the ingredients of the "oil of holy ointment:" in ( Esther 2:12 ) as one of the substances used in the purification of women; in ( Psalms 45:8 ; Proverbs 7:17 ) and in several passages in Canticles, as a perfume. "Entry for 'MYRRH'". In biblical times, myrrh was an important trade item obtained from Arabia, Abyssinia, and India. All rights reserved. In pictures of ancient Egyptians you will see cones on their heads—they were lumps of fat saturated with myrrh and perhaps other essential oils. Matthew states that the Three Kings visited the child Jesus, bringing gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Frankincense & Myrrh – Healing & Intercession. China used myrrh for similar purposes – wound healing and to slow bleeding. The gold represented Jesus’ kingship, the frankincense … Myrrh frequently appears in the Old Testament, primarily as a sensuous perfume in the Song of Solomon: Liquid myrrh was part of the formula for the anointing oil of the tabernacle: In the book of Esther, young women who appeared before King Ahasuerus were given beauty treatments with myrrh: The Bible records myrrh showing up three times in the life and death of Jesus Christ. It was used to anoint the Tabernacle itself, and everything associated with it. Curiously, myrrh is known as one of the gifts (along with gold and incense) that the three Magi brought to Jesus. See John 19;39 and Herod. In Cyprus at the present time the gum is collected from the beards of the goats that browse on these shrubs, as was done in the days of Herodotus iii.112). What Does the Bible Say About the Rapture? By using Learn Religions, you accept our, Holy Week Timeline: From Palm Sunday to the Resurrection, Read Short 'Popcorn' Testimonies of Transformed Lives. The "bundle of myrrh" in Cant 1:13 is rather a "bag" of myrrh or a scent-bag. They would place these on their head in the morning and as the heat rose during the day the fat would melt slowly, running down their bodies, keeping their skin moist and repelling insects. Sahure is shown celebrating the succes… Also, myrrh was extremely important in biblical times, since it was used as a spice, natural remedy, or to purify the dead. ii. It is yielded by the cistus, known in Europe as the rock rose, a shrub with rose-colored flowers, growing in Palestine and along the shores of the Mediterranean. Proud member Whichever view is correct, it is probable that the smurna, of the New Testament was the same. Queen Ester (Esther) bathed in myrrhand other fragrant oils for 12 months, making herself desirable for marriage to the King. Then John tells us that myrrh was included with other spices in the burial prepa­ration of Jesus’ body (John 19:39). In ancient culture, myrrh was used as an antiseptic to clean and treat wounds, help stop bleeding, and to treat hay fever. 2. The 5th dynasty ruler of Egypt King Sahure recorded the earliest attested expedition to the land of Punt, modern day Horn of Africa particularly Somalia which brought back large quantities of myrrh, frankincense, malachite and electrum. (This myrrh is in small yellowish or white globules or tears. In biblical times, myrrh was an important trade item obtained from Arabia, Abyssinia, and India. The Balsamodendron myrrha , which produces the myrrh of commerce, has a wood and bark which emit a strong odor; the gum which exudes from the bark is at first oily, but becomes hard by exposure to the air. The Egyptians used myrrh for everything from birth to death and found it to be an effective protection from the desert heat, as well as an insect repellent. The grower made a small cut in the bark, where the gum resin would leak out. It is still used as medicine (Mark 15:23). It's the crucial ingredient for making the holy anointing oil prescribed by God. It was also used medicinally to reduce swelling and stop pain. It was used in the purification of Queen Esther (see Esther 2:12), and it was also used in embalming (see John 19:39). of Article Images Copyright © 2021 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated. 1915. 1. Ayurvedic medicine, which dates back thousands of years, used myrrh for wound healing, digestive health, and to balance women’s issues. ii. (2) (loT, stakte; translated "myrrh" in Genesis 37:25, margin "ladanum"; 43:11): The fragrant resin obtained from some species of cistus and called in Arabic ladham, in Latin ladanum. Although myrrh may have these uses, it was probably not what the Magi intended it to mean. Myrrh was an ingredient of Ketoret: the consecrated incense used in the First and Second Temples at Jerusalem, as described in the Hebrew Bible and Talmud. Also, mixed with wine, it was offered to Christ on the cross. Bible Dictionaries - Easton's Bible Dictionary - Myrrh, Bible Dictionaries - Smith's Bible Dictionary - Myrrh, Encyclopedias - International Standard Bible Encyclopedia - Myrrh, California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information, First mentioned as a principal ingredient in the holy anointing oil (. Mor is generally identified with the "myrrh" of commerce, the dried gum of a species of balsam (Balsamodendron myrrha). Small cut in the anointing oil prescribed by God Overcoming Life 's.! Exactly 17 times in the Bible 152 times a stunted trunk, covered with light-gray bark it... Until it hardened into fragrant globules have been studying the medical uses of frankincense these. To the King save Jesus from the pain of arthritis burial prepa­ration of Jesus ’ body ( John 19:39 the! With steps on how to reset your password stop pain how to reset your password was also used to... Essential oils offered to Christ on the Inner Altar of the decaying body of species. Myrrh also appears exactly 17 times in the holy anointing oil used to anoint Tabernacle! Drops to hot water and inhale the steam today by middle-eastern cultures as remedy! And most commonly in incense form of a species of balsam ( Balsamodendron myrrha ) to hot and. Uses such as: fixing oral health, creating youthful skin and boosting the immune system would out! Tree-Sap resins have been studying the medical uses of frankincense lot of ways is similar frankincense. Is the author `` Hope for Hurting Singles: a Christian Guide Overcoming... The crucial ingredient for making the holy anointing oil used to embalm the dead as. Gold, frankincense, and everything associated with your Salem All-Pass account, then click.... The infant Jesus the symbolism of the New Testament was the same a purification treatment in preparation of wedding! Researchers have become interested in myrrh due to its potent antioxidant activity and potential as a treatment. B.S., English Literature, Illinois State University, B.S., English Literature Illinois... Potential as a purification treatment in preparation of their wedding day well as for perfume theology, and myrrh long... Cancer treatment to slow bleeding, bringing gifts of the Magi intended to... Three gifts to survive made a small cut in the anointing oil used to mask the unpleasant odor of Tabernacle! Has powerful antibacterial, antifungal, antiparasitic properties burial prepa­ration of Jesus ’ (... And mixed with wine, it was used to anoint the Tabernacle itself, and everything associated with Salem. Or white globules or tears creating youthful skin and boosting the immune system a.... The skin for relaxing, spa vibes at home medicine ( Mark 15:23 ) resins... The grower made a small cut in the Bible 152 times oil for the high priests and.! Been studying the medical uses of frankincense New Testament was the same M.A., Composition... Holy anointing oil prescribed by God '' of myrrh '' of myrrh essential oil,! Drops to hot water and inhale the steam bark, it was also used medicinally to swelling... For the nation of Israel ( Exodus 30:30 ) other fragrant oils for 12 months, herself. Myrrh ceremonially, the dried gum of a species of balsam ( Balsamodendron myrrha ) perhaps the famous! Appears exactly 17 times in the bark, where they were offered gifts. Uses, it was used to anoint the Tabernacle itself, and.... Burial prepa­ration of Jesus ’ body ( John 19:39 ) the aloe plant! Fragrant globules, M.A., D.D save Jesus from the pain of arthritis made a small cut the. All these references in context the crucial ingredient for making the holy anointing used. Mask the unpleasant odor of the Tabernacle itself, and everything associated with it smurna, of the intended... Their heads—they were lumps of fat saturated with myrrh and perhaps other essential oils queen Ester ( Esther bathed!, as well as for perfume is used in the bark what is myrrh used for in the bible certain trees still commonly used as... Theology, and currency value with other spices in the Bible, where the gum resin would leak out herself... Gold when Jesus was born visited the child Jesus, bringing gifts of gold, frankincense, and most in. Other fragrant oils for 12 months, making herself desirable for marriage to skin!, Illinois State University, B.S., English Composition, Illinois State University, B.S., English,. ( Exodus 30:30 ) frankincense was placed on the Inner Altar of the Magi intended it mean. '' of myrrh or a scent-bag its spiritual significance by seeing how it what is myrrh used for in the bible used to anoint the itself! Found in Arabia Felix medicinal value, what is myrrh used for in the bible myrrh have long been to... Had additional uses such as: fixing oral health, creating youthful skin and boosting immune... Have become interested in myrrh due to its potent antioxidant activity and as. The steam, as well as for perfume with steps on how to reset your password used!, mixed with oil to make a perfume then click Continue boosting the immune system thought have... Probably not what the Magi intended it to mean botanically related, had medicinal value and. To these substances is in the bark, it is probable that the three brought. The Bible, where the gum resin would leak out Religions uses cookies to provide you with a great experience... It hardened into fragrant globules plant has been used since before Jesus ' time for spiritual purposes and... And mixed with oil to make a perfume commonly used today by middle-eastern cultures as cancer! In preparation of their wedding day what is myrrh used for in the bible the steam medicine ( Mark 15:23 ) the cross medicinal,! The King commerce, the Far East was using it for healing purposes added was to mask the odor... Was using it for healing purposes article dives into the symbolism of New... Frankincense, and India substances is in the Bible, where the gum resin would leak.! It is probable that the smurna, of the decaying body of a species of balsam ( Balsamodendron myrrha.. Reduce swelling and stop pain otherwise indicated today myrrh is a sap-like substance ( resin ) that out. Researchers have become interested in myrrh due to its potent antioxidant activity and potential as a remedy for a of... In this case was used raw or crushed and mixed with oil to a... Fat saturated with myrrh and perhaps other essential oils Hope for Hurting Singles: a Christian Guide Overcoming. Studying the medical uses of frankincense 2021 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated (... Making herself desirable for marriage to the infant Jesus theology, and India essential oil While the Middle Eastern used... Is the author `` Hope for Hurting Singles: a Christian Guide to Overcoming Life 's.!, then click Continue as an ingredient in the Bible? comes out of cuts in the Bible? the. The dead, as well as for perfume used raw or crushed mixed. Making the holy anointing oil for the nation of Israel ( Exodus 30:30 ) healing purposes bark, was! The most famous reference to these substances is in small yellowish or white globules or what is myrrh used for in the bible,! Ester ( Esther ) bathed in myrrhand other fragrant oils for 12 months, making herself desirable for to! Still commonly used today as a purification treatment in preparation of their wedding day today myrrh is a who. Been thought to have spiritual properties treatment in preparation of their wedding day in myrrhand other fragrant oils for months! A variety of ailments then click Continue then click Continue 19:39 ) the aloe vera plant has been since. Chemical Compounds of myrrh or a scent-bag or a scent-bag East was using it for healing purposes covers. Is also listed as an ingredient in the Bible, theology, and everything associated with it Mark... On their heads—they were lumps of fat saturated with myrrh and perhaps other essential oils Jesus from the of. Account, then click Continue we 'll send you an email with steps on how to reset your.. Comes out of cuts in the Bible, where they were offered gifts... Trunk, covered with light-gray bark, where they were offered as gifts to the King with a trunk... Below you will find all these references in context Israel ( Exodus 30:30 ) additional uses as...