Lexical Summary lot: Secret, secrecy, hidden, covertly Original Word: לֹט Strong's Exhaustive Concordance myrrh Probably from luwt; a gum (from its sticky nature), probably ladanum -- myrrh. see HEBREW luwt NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof uncertain derivation Definition myrrh NASB Translation myrrh (2). Brown-Driver-Briggs לֹט noun [masculine] myrrh, or 'ladanum' (Greek), an aromatic gum exuded by leaves of cistus-rose, cistus villosus, TristrFFP, 235, and especially Nat. Hist. Bib., 458 ff.; RiHWB 897, compare LöwNo. 79 DiGenesis 37:25 NowArchaeology i. 64 (Sabean לדן, SabDenkm84; Assyrian ladunu (from Damascus) compare SchrCOT Genesis 37:25, MBAk. 1881, pp. 413 ff.; Arabic  , whence Greek λήδανον, λάδανον Hdtiii. 112); — וּצְרִי וָלֹט נְכאֹת Genesis 37:25, merchandise of Ishmaelite caravan, compare Genesis 43:11, present to Joseph (both J; ᵐ5 στακτή). לטא (√ of following; meaning unknown). Topical Lexicon Botanical and Commercial Profile “Lot” denotes a highly prized aromatic resin obtained from shrubs native to Palestine and the wider Levant. Ancient writers connect it with ladanum (a gum exuded by the Cistus ladanifer and related rock-roses), while others favor storax or mastic. Whatever the precise botany, Scripture presents it as a luxury export fragrant enough for perfumes, medicinal balms, and incense. Resin tears were gathered by brushing the leaves of the plant with cloth or the thick coats of goats, then combing out the clumps—an arduous process that explains its value on international trade routes. Occurrences in Genesis 1. Genesis 37:25 situates “lot” on the caravans of Ishmaelites traveling down to Egypt: “They looked up and saw a caravan of Ishmaelites coming from Gilead—their camels loaded with spices, balm, and myrrh—and they were on their way down to Egypt”. In providence, Joseph’s brothers sell him to merchants who transport the very substances later associated with his exaltation. Historical Significance in Trade and Diplomacy Because resin kept well on long journeys and fetched high prices in Nile and Mesopotamian markets, “lot” became a staple of trans-desert commerce. Caravans from Gilead and Bashan would converge on the King’s Highway and the Via Maris, mirroring the Genesis narratives. Gifts of fragrant gum communicated peace, goodwill, and honor; thus Jacob’s choice rested not merely on availability but on international custom. Later prophets allude to similar trade patterns when denouncing Tyre (Ezekiel 27) or celebrating restored prosperity (Isaiah 60). Theological and Typological Insights • Providence: The same resin that accompanies Joseph into slavery accompanies the brothers on their journey toward reconciliation. What seemed an incidental cargo becomes a silent witness to God’s overarching plan (Genesis 50:20). Practical Ministry Applications • Stewardship of Resources: Like Jacob, believers today are called to honor rulers and neighbors with thoughtful generosity, using material goods to pave the way for peace (Romans 12:18). Related Biblical Themes and Cross-References Genesis 24:53; 1 Kings 10:2—costly gifts presented in diplomacy and worship Psalm 45:8; Song of Solomon 1:3—fragrant oils as symbols of royal grace and marital love Exodus 30:34-38—incense prescriptions that point to intercession fulfilled in Revelation 8:3-4 Summary Though mentioned only twice, “lot” embodies the intersection of commerce, providence, and worship. Its fragrance drifts through Genesis as a subtle testimony that God weaves redemptive threads even in the ordinary trade of spices, ultimately directing history toward reconciliation and blessing in Christ. Forms and Transliterations וָלֹ֔ט ולט vaLot wā·lōṭ wālōṭLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Genesis 37:25 HEB: נְכֹאת֙ וּצְרִ֣י וָלֹ֔ט הוֹלְכִ֖ים לְהוֹרִ֥יד NAS: and balm and myrrh, on their way KJV: and balm and myrrh, going INT: aromatic and balm and myrrh their way to bring Genesis 43:11 2 Occurrences |
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