Crusade BibleCrusade Bible
The Adoration of the MagiJacopo del Sellaio · c. 1480-90

Frankincense

לְבוֹנָה/FRANK-in-sens/

“Whiteness, from the milky color of fresh resin”

Summary

A fragrant aromatic resin obtained from trees of the genus Boswellia, used extensively in Hebrew worship as an ingredient in incense and as an accompaniment to offerings.

☩Nature and Source

Frankincense is a gum-resin yielded by certain species of trees of the genus Boswellia, particularly Boswellia serrata. The Hebrew term lebonah derives from the root meaning 'whiteness,' referring to the milky color of the fresh juice. In ancient times the most famous frankincense grew in Hadramaut in South Arabia. The gum is obtained by making deep incisions in the trunk of the tree, and the resin exudes as a milk-like juice which hardens over about three months.

Key verses:Isaiah 60:6Jeremiah 6:20

☩Sacred Uses

Frankincense was an ingredient in the perfume prepared for the sanctuary and accompanied the meat offering due to its fragrant odor when burnt. A specially pure kind was presented with the showbread. It was used for perfume and more especially in sacrifices for fumigation. With its sweet perfume, it symbolized prayer accepted before God, and the burning of it was a celebration of the holiness of Jehovah.

Key verses:Exodus 30:34Leviticus 2:1-2Leviticus 24:7Psalm 141:2

☩New Testament Significance

Frankincense was among the offerings of the Magi to the infant Savior, traditionally interpreted as signifying His Divinity. In Revelation, frankincense appears among the merchandise of Babylon the Great. The angel offering incense represents Christ's meritorious obedience and intercession rendering the saints' prayers pleasing to God.

Key verses:Matthew 2:11Revelation 5:8Revelation 8:3-4Revelation 18:13

Related Verses21 mentions

Leviticus· 7 verses

2:12:22:152:165:11

Song of Solomon· 3 verses

3:64:64:14

Revelation· 2 verses

18:1118:13

Isaiah· 2 verses

43:2360:6

See Also

A Landscape
Botany

References

  1. 1.George Morrish, "Frankincense," in Morrish's Concise Bible Dictionary (George Morrish, 1898).
  2. 2.James Orr (ed.), "Frankincense," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. II (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
  3. 3.James Hastings (ed.), "Frankincense," in Dictionary of the Apostolic Church, vol. I (T. & T. Clark, 1915–1918).
  4. 4.John McClintock and James Strong, "Frankincense," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. III (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
  5. 5.James Hastings (ed.), "Frankincense," in Dictionary of Christ and the Gospels, vol. I (T. & T. Clark, 1906–1908).
  6. 6.Andrew Robert Fausset, "Frankincense," in The Englishman's Critical and Expository Bible Cyclopædia (Hodder & Stoughton, 1878).