Myrrh

Archimandrite Nikifor’s Biblical Encyclopedia

(Matt. 2:11)—an aromatic gum resin obtained chiefly from species of Commiphora native to Arabia and northeastern Africa. It was a valued article of trade, an ingredient in the sacred anointing oil (Exod. 30:23), a royal gift brought to the child Jesus, an ingredient offered with wine at the crucifixion, and part of the spices used for burial (Mark 15:23; John 19:39). The source identifies myrrh with Cistus creticus, but that shrub yields labdanum, not true myrrh.

Scripture cited

Matthew 2:11 Exodus 30:23 Mark 15:23 John 19:39

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