the Week of Proper 28 / Ordinary 33
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Bible Dictionaries
Myrrh
People's Dictionary of the Bible
or Myrrh. A gum resin, celebrated for its aromatic properties. It derives its name from the Hebrew word môr, which implies "flowing"or "distilling," Greek murrha. The Balsamodendron myrrha, of the natural order Terebinthaceæ, is the tree found in Arabia and Africa, from which myrrh is chiefly procured. It exudes from the bark, and is at first soft, oily, and yellowish-white; it afterwards acquires the consistency of butter, and becomes still harder by exposure to the air, changing to a reddish hue. In commerce it is of two kinds, "myrrh in tears" and "myrrh in sorts." Myrrh is frequently mentioned in Scripture. It was an ingredient in the holy anointing oil, Exodus 30:23; it was used in perfumes, Psalms 45:8; Proverbs 7:17; Song of Solomon 1:13; Song of Solomon 8:6; in unguents, Esther 2:12; Song of Solomon 5:5; for strengthening wine, Mark 15:23; also in embalming, John 19:30. Myrrh was among the offerings made by the eastern sages. Matthew 2:11. The best was that which flowed spontaneously from the tree.
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Rice, Edwin Wilbur, DD. Entry for 'Myrrh'. People's Dictionary of the Bible. https://www.studylight.org/dictionaries/eng/rpd/m/myrrh.html. 1893.
