Perfume
/PER-fyoom/
Summary
Perfumes played an important role in ancient Near Eastern culture, used in worship, personal grooming, and burial customs.
☩Sacred and Secular Use
The art of perfume-making (Hebrew roqeach) was well developed in ancient times. Sacred anointing oil and incense were compounded according to divine prescription for tabernacle use. Personal perfumes included myrrh, aloes, cassia, and various fragrant oils. Women perfumed their garments, beds, and bodies. The wealthy used perfume liberally at feasts.
Key verses:Exodus 30:23-25Exodus 30:34-35Proverbs 7:17Song of Solomon 4:14Esther 2:12
☩Figurative Significance
Scripture uses perfume imagery to describe spiritual realities. Knowledge of Christ is a sweet fragrance. Believers are 'the aroma of Christ.' The prayers of the saints rise as incense before God. Anointing Jesus' feet with costly perfume was an act of devoted love.
Key verses:2 Corinthians 2:14-15Revelation 5:8John 12:3