Lexical Summary libanos: frankincense Original Word: λίβανος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance frankincense. Of foreign origin (lbownah); the incense-tree, i.e. (by implication) incense itself -- frankincense. see HEBREW lbownah NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof Semitic origin, cf. lebonah Definition the frankincense tree, frankincense NASB Translation frankincense (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3030: λίβανοςλίβανος, λιβάνου, ὁ (more rarely ἡ (cf. Lob., as below)); 1. the frankincense-tree (Pindar, Herodotus, Sophocles, Euripides, Theophrastus, others). 2. frankincense (Hebrew לְבֹנָה; Leviticus 2:1f, 16; Isaiah 60:6, etc.): Matthew 2:11; Revelation 18:13; (Sophocles, Theophrastus, others). Cf. Lob. ad Phryn., p. 187; (Vanicek, Fremdwörter, under the word. On frankincense see especially Birdwood in the Bible Educator, i., 328ff, 374ff.) Frankincense, a fragrant resin derived from the Boswellia tree, hardens into translucent tears that emit a sweet, penetrating aroma when burned. The Greek term λίβανος (Strong’s 3030) renders the same substance that the Hebrew calls lᵊḇōnah. In Scripture it stands as one of the most prized aromatics of the ancient Near East, ranked with gold, myrrh, and costly spices. Old Testament Foundations Frankincense is woven into the fabric of Israel’s covenant worship. Moses is instructed: “Take fragrant spices—stacte, onycha, galbanum, and pure frankincense—in equal measures” (Exodus 30:34). Every grain offering was to include it (Leviticus 2:1–2), and the showbread set before the LORD required “pure frankincense” as a memorial portion (Leviticus 24:7). Its rising smoke symbolized prayers ascending to God (Psalm 141:2), prefiguring the intercessory work of the Messiah. Cultic and Priestly Usage The priesthood guarded frankincense as a holy commodity. Only priests were permitted to compound the incense blend, and profane duplication incurred exile (Exodus 30:37–38). Because it was never mixed with sin offerings (Leviticus 5:11), frankincense carried associations of acceptance rather than atonement, highlighting the pleasure God takes in sanctified worship. Frankincense in Messianic Context Matthew records that the Magi “opened their treasures and presented Him with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh” (Matthew 2:11). Gold honors kingship; myrrh foreshadows death; frankincense proclaims deity and priestly mediation. The child born in Bethlehem is thus identified with the sweet-smelling offerings formerly reserved for Yahweh alone. Isaiah foretold this scene: “They will bring gold and frankincense and proclaim the praises of the LORD” (Isaiah 60:6), confirming Jesus as the fulfillment. Prophetic and Eschatological Dimensions John pictures eschatological Babylon trafficking in cargo that includes “frankincense” (Revelation 18:13). Though holy in temple service, the same commodity becomes a token of worldly luxury ripe for judgment. The contrast underscores that treasures misused by a godless economy will be stripped away, while true worshipers offer spiritual incense that endures (Revelation 5:8). Symbolic Theology 1. Intercession: Rising smoke reflects continual prayer (Revelation 8:3–4). Historical Trade and Commerce Frankincense traveled via the Incense Route from southern Arabia through Petra to the Mediterranean. Caravans of camels carrying frankincense form the backdrop of Isaiah 60:6. The substance’s rarity explains its presence in royal gift-giving and its heyday as a major revenue stream for Nabataean and Roman economies. Practical Ministry Applications • Worship Leaders: Give attention to the fragrance of corporate prayer, ensuring purity of heart comparable to pure frankincense. Lessons for Contemporary Worship Just as frankincense was never to be offered carelessly, New Testament believers must avoid mechanical liturgy. Authentic devotion—a life “a fragrance of Christ to God” (cf. 2 Corinthians 2:15)—fulfills the typology. The sweet odor that once filled the tabernacle now issues from Spirit-filled hearts, testifying that the true temple is found in Christ and His people. Englishman's Concordance Matthew 2:11 N-AMSGRK: χρυσὸν καὶ λίβανον καὶ σμύρναν NAS: of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. KJV: gold, and frankincense, and myrrh. INT: gold and frankincense and myrrh Revelation 18:13 N-AMS |
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