Frankincense
Archimandrite Nikifor’s Biblical Encyclopedia
(Exod. 30:34)—an aromatic resin obtained from Boswellia trees by incisions in the bark. The pale resin hardens into fragrant “tears” and releases its aroma when burned. It formed part of Israel’s sacred incense and accompanied offerings (Exod. 30:34-38; Lev. 2:1-2). The Magi gave frankincense to Christ (Matt. 2:11), and Christian interpretation has long associated it with worship and divine honor. The Russian source headword literally means “Lebanon” because of the Church Slavonic term livan, but the substance intended is frankincense, not the country or cedar wood.