Frankincense, which is mentioned (Revelation 18:13) as part of the vast merchandise of Imperial Rome, is a gum-resin yielded by certain species of trees of the genus Boswellia. In ancient times the most famous of these grew in Hadramant, S. Arabia. To obtain the frankincense a deep incision is made in the trunk of the tree, and below the incision a narrow strip of bark is peeled off. As the Heb. לְבֹנָה (from which the Gr. is derived) signifies, the resin exudes as a milk-like juice (spuma pinguis, Pliny, xii. 14), which in about three months attains the necessary degree of consistency. Frankincense was sold in semi-opaque, round, or ovate tears or irregular lumps, which were covered with a white dust as the result of their friction against one another. It was valued for its sweet odour when burned, and it often served for illumination in place of oil lamps. As it was one of the ingredients of incense, great quantities of it were required for the sacrificial ritual. As a perfume it was used for the care of the body and for the flavouring of wine. It was also in high repute as a medicine.

James Strahan.

Bibliography Information
Hastings, James. Entry for 'Frankincense'. Hastings' Dictionary of the New Testament. https://www.studylight.org/dictionaries/eng/hdn/f/frankincense.html. 1906-1918.

Bible Dictionaries Frankincense

Hastings' Dictionary of the New Testament

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Frankincense