Lexical Summary chelbenah: Galbanum Original Word: חֶלְבְּנָה Strong's Exhaustive Concordance galbanum From cheleb; galbanam, an odorous gum (as if fatty) -- galbanum. see HEBREW cheleb NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom the same as cheleb Definition gum (a type used in incense) NASB Translation galbanum (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs חֶלְבְּנָה noun feminine (Aramaic  , חֶלְבְּנִיתָא ᵐ5 χαλβάνη, ᵑ9 galbanum) — a kind of gum Exodus 30:34, ingredient of the holy incense, see Di Löw115. Topical Lexicon Biblical Occurrence חֶלְבְּנָה appears once, in the divine directive for the sacred incense: “Take fragrant spices—stacte, onycha, and galbanum—along with pure frankincense, in equal measures” (Exodus 30:34). Context within the Holy Incense The incense compound was prepared exclusively for tabernacle (and later temple) worship. Its fragrance was to ascend before the LORD on the golden altar morning and evening (Exodus 30:7–8). As part of a precise, heavenly pattern shown to Moses (Exodus 25:40; Hebrews 8:5), galbanum’s inclusion underscores that every detail of worship must follow God’s revealed order, not human preference. Description and Properties Ancient writers (e.g., Dioscorides, Pliny) note galbanum’s strong, even pungent odor derived from the gum of certain Ferula plants native to Persia and Syria. When blended with the milder stacte, onycha, and frankincense, the harsher note deepened and rounded the final aroma. Modern chemical analyses confirm a high content of resinous compounds that prolong fragrance once burned, explaining its suitability for the perpetual altar fire. Historical Background and Trade Galbanum entered the Levant via caravans crossing Mesopotamia and Arabia. Its presence in the Sinai instructions suggests that Israel, newly freed from Egyptian bondage, possessed or could readily secure this exotic resin, reflecting the LORD’s sovereignty over global resources for His worship (Haggai 2:8). Theological and Symbolic Significance 1. Purified Prayer: Incense typifies prayer rising to God (Psalm 141:2; Revelation 8:3–4). The unpleasant stand-alone scent of galbanum illustrates human petitions tainted by sin, yet made acceptable when mingled with the righteousness God provides. Christological and Spiritual Applications Just as the high priest burned the incense inside the veil, Jesus Christ “always lives to intercede” (Hebrews 7:25). Galbanum’s harshness foreshadows the bitter suffering He bore, which now mingles with His perfect obedience to produce a fragrance wholly pleasing to the Father (Ephesians 5:2). Believers, united with Christ, offer “spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God” (1 Peter 2:5), their flaws tempered by His merit. Lessons for Church Worship and Personal Devotion • Faithful Adherence: Liturgical creativity must remain subordinate to scriptural prescription. Related Scripture for Further Study Exodus 30:1–10; Leviticus 16:12–13; Numbers 16:46–48; 2 Chronicles 29:11; Malachi 1:11; Luke 1:9–10; Revelation 5:8; Revelation 8:3–5. Forms and Transliterations וְחֶלְבְּנָ֔ה וחלבנה vechelbeNah wə·ḥel·bə·nāh wəḥelbənāhLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Exodus 30:34 HEB: נָטָ֤ף ׀ וּשְׁחֵ֙לֶת֙ וְחֶלְבְּנָ֔ה סַמִּ֖ים וּלְבֹנָ֣ה NAS: and onycha and galbanum, spices KJV: and onycha, and galbanum; [these] sweet INT: stacte and onycha and galbanum spices frankincense 1 Occurrence |
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