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Sunday, December 22nd, 2024
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Bible Dictionaries
Myrrh

Vine's Expository Dictionary of NT Words

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A — 1: σμύρνα

(Strong's #4666 — Noun Feminine — smurna — smoor'-nah )

whence the name "Smyrna," a word of Semitic origin, Heb., mor, from a root meaning "bitter," is a gum resin from a shrubby tree, which grows in Yemen and neighboring regions of Africa; the fruit is smooth and somewhat larger than a pea. The color of myrrh varies from pale reddish-yellow to reddish-brown or red. The taste is bitter, and the substance astringent, acting as an antiseptic and a stimulant. It was used as a perfume, Psalm 45:8 , where the language is symbolic of the graces of the Messiah; Proverbs 7:17; Song of Song of Solomon 1:13; 5:5; it was one of the ingredients of the "holy anointing oil" for the priests, Exodus 30:23 (RV, "flowing myrrh"); it was used also for the purification of women, Esther 2:12; for embalming, John 19:39; as an anodyne see B); it was one of the gifts of the Magi, Matthew 2:11 .

B — 1: σμυρνίζω

(Strong's #4669 — Verb — smurnizo — smoor-nid'-zo )

is used transitively in the NT, with the meaning "to mingle or drug with myrrh," Mark 15:23; the mixture was doubtless offered to deaden the pain (Matthew's word "gall" suggests that "myrrh" was not the only ingredient). Christ refused to partake of any such means of alleviation; He would retain all His mental power for the complete fulfillment of the Father's will.

Bibliography Information
Vines, W. E., M. A. Entry for 'Myrrh'. Vine's Expository Dictionary of NT Words. https://www.studylight.org/​dictionaries/​eng/​ved/​m/myrrh.html. 1940.
 
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