3395. migma

Lexical Summary

migma: Mixture

Original Word: μίγμα
Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter
Transliteration: migma
Pronunciation: MIG-mah
Phonetic Spelling: (mig'-mah)
KJV: mixture
NASB: mixture
Word Origin: [from G3396 (μίγνυμι - mixed)]

1. a compound

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

mixture.

From mignumi; a compound -- mixture.

see GREEK mignumi

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
from mignumi
Definition
a mixture
NASB Translation
mixture (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 3395: μίγμα

μίγμα or (so L T) μίγμα (on the accent cf. Lipsius, Gramm. Untersuch., pp. 32 and 34 (cf. Winer's Grammar, § 6, 1 e.; κρίμα, at the beginning)), μιγματος, τό (μεγνυμι), that which has been produced by mixing, a mixture: John 19:39 (WH text ἕλιγμα, which see). (Sir. 38:8; Aristotle, Plutarch, others.)

Topical Lexicon

Biblical context

John 19:39 records the sole New Testament use of the term: “Nicodemus, who had previously come to Jesus at night, also came, bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds”. The word designates the aromatic compound employed in preparing the Lord’s body for burial.

Historical background of burial spices

1. Jewish practice. First-century Jewish burial customs involved washing the body, wrapping it in linen, and surrounding it with fragrant substances to honor the deceased and suppress odor (compare 2 Chronicles 16:14).
2. Quantity and expense. Seventy-five Roman pounds (about thirty-four kilograms) was an extravagant amount, befitting royal interment. Josephus reports that the bodies of kings were similarly anointed with large volumes of spices.
3. Composition. Myrrh, a resin exuding from the Commiphora tree, produced a bittersweet aroma and possessed preservative qualities. Aloes (likely lign aloes or eaglewood) contributed a sweet, woody scent. Blending the two created a balanced fragrance that permeated the graveclothes.

Symbolic and theological significance

• Royal dignity. Spices attended the coronation garments of kings (Psalm 45:8); their presence at Jesus’ burial silently proclaims His kingship even in death.
• Fulfillment of prophecy. Isaiah 53:9 foretells that the Suffering Servant would be “with a rich man in His death.” Joseph of Arimathea’s new tomb and Nicodemus’s costly mixture satisfy that prophecy in detail.
• Anticipation of resurrection. Despite the care invested, the women planned to add spices on the third day (Mark 16:1), indicating they expected decay. The empty tomb invalidated that assumption, underscoring the triumph of life over death.
• Personal transformation. Nicodemus, once furtive (John 3:1–2), now makes a public, costly declaration of allegiance. The mixture thus accents the fruit of new birth in a once-hesitant disciple.

Related Old Testament foreshadowings

• Exodus 30:22-25 lists myrrh among ingredients for the sacred anointing oil, prefiguring Christ as the Anointed One.
• Numbers 24:6 and Psalm 45:8 mention aloes, linking royal imagery to pleasant fragrance and suggesting messianic overtones.
• Song of Solomon 4:14 pairs myrrh with aloes in a garden scene, evoking themes of love and intimacy, now fulfilled in the Bridegroom who lays down His life.

Practical ministry insights

1. Generous devotion. Nicodemus’s lavish gift encourages believers to honor Christ sacrificially, whether in resources, time, or reputation.
2. Courageous witness. Public identification with the crucified Lord carries social cost; the mixture illustrates willingness to bear that cost.
3. Compassionate care. The church’s ministry to the suffering and grieving may mirror the reverent treatment shown to Jesus’ body, affirming the value of embodied life.

Devotional applications

• Aroma of Christ. As spices filled the tomb, so believers are “the fragrance of Christ” to the world (2 Corinthians 2:15).
• Bittersweet salvation. Myrrh’s bitterness recalls suffering, while its sweetness anticipates glory—a pattern evident in every disciple’s cross and crown.
• Hope beyond decay. The temporary purpose of the mixture—preventing corruption—highlights the permanent victory secured when Jesus rose, ensuring that all who trust Him will likewise overcome the grave.

Forms and Transliterations

μίγμα

Englishman's Concordance

John 19:39 N-ANS
GRK: πρῶτον φέρων μίγμα σμύρνης καὶ
INT: first bearing a mixture of myrrh and

μήτι — 17 Occ.
μήτιγε — 1 Occ.
μήτραν — 1 Occ.
μήτρας — 1 Occ.
μητρολῴαις — 1 Occ.
μεμιαμμένοις — 1 Occ.
μεμίανται — 1 Occ.
μιαίνουσιν — 1 Occ.
μιανθῶσιν — 2 Occ.
μιάσματα — 1 Occ.
ἔμιξεν — 1 Occ.
μεμιγμένα — 1 Occ.
μεμιγμένην — 1 Occ.
μεμιγμένον — 1 Occ.
μικρὰ — 2 Occ.
μικρὰν — 1 Occ.
μικρῷ — 1 Occ.
μικρῶν — 7 Occ.
μικροὶ — 1 Occ.
μικρὸν — 22 Occ.
Strong's Greek 3395
1 Occurrence

μίγμα — 1 Occ.