Cassia
“To split, referring to the bark”
Summary
An aromatic bark, similar to cinnamon, used as an ingredient in the holy anointing oil and for perfuming garments.
☩Biblical Uses
Cassia appears in Scripture as one of the ingredients of the holy anointing oil prescribed for the tabernacle, along with myrrh, cinnamon, calamus, and olive oil. The aromatic is also mentioned in poetic contexts, particularly in Psalm 45:8 where, together with myrrh and aloes, it perfumes the royal garments of the Messianic king. Cassia was among the valuable commodities traded at Tyre, highlighting its commercial importance in the ancient Near East.
☩Botanical Identity
Cassia is identified with the inner bark of Cinnamomum cassia, a plant growing in eastern Asia closely allied to that which yields true cinnamon. The Hebrew word qiddah, from a root meaning 'to split,' refers to the splitting of the bark stalks, while qetsi'oth, meaning 'to scrape off,' describes the preparation of the aromatic bark. The Greek kasia and Latin cassia are derived from these Hebrew terms. Though similar to cinnamon, cassia is distinguished by its darker color, weaker odor, and less refined taste.
See Also
References
- 1.James Orr (ed.), "Cassia," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. I (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 2.George Morrish, "Cassia," in Morrish's Concise Bible Dictionary (George Morrish, 1898).
- 3.F. N. Peloubet & M. A. Peloubet (ed.), "Cassia," in Smith's Bible Dictionary (Porter & Coates, 1884).
- 4.Andrew Robert Fausset, "Cassia," in The Englishman's Critical and Expository Bible Cyclopædia (Hodder & Stoughton, 1878).
- 5.John McClintock and James Strong, "Cassia," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. II (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).