Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, the concept of "scented" often relates to the use of fragrances, perfumes, and aromatic substances, which hold both practical and symbolic significance throughout Scripture. The use of scents in the Bible is frequently associated with worship, anointing, and personal adornment, reflecting both the cultural practices of the ancient Near East and the theological themes of purity, holiness, and divine presence.Worship and Sacrifice Scented offerings play a crucial role in the worship practices described in the Old Testament. The use of incense, a fragrant substance, is particularly prominent. In Exodus 30:34-38, God provides Moses with a specific recipe for making sacred incense, which was to be used exclusively for worship in the Tabernacle: "Then the LORD said to Moses, 'Take fragrant spices—gum resin, onycha, and galbanum—and pure frankincense, all in equal measures.'" This incense was to be burned before the Ark of the Covenant, symbolizing the prayers of the people ascending to God as a pleasing aroma. The concept of a "pleasing aroma" is recurrent in the sacrificial system. In Leviticus 1:9, the burnt offering is described as "a pleasing aroma to the LORD." This phrase underscores the idea that the sacrifices, when offered with a sincere heart, were acceptable and delightful to God. Anointing and Consecration Scented oils were also used for anointing, a practice that signified consecration and the setting apart of individuals for divine purposes. In Exodus 30:22-25, God instructs Moses to make a holy anointing oil with specific fragrances: "Take the finest spices: 500 shekels of liquid myrrh, half as much (that is, 250 shekels) of fragrant cinnamon, 250 shekels of fragrant cane, 500 shekels of cassia—all according to the sanctuary shekel—and a hin of olive oil." This oil was used to anoint the Tabernacle, its furnishings, and the priests, marking them as holy. The anointing of kings also involved the use of scented oils, as seen in the anointing of David by Samuel (1 Samuel 16:13). This act symbolized the empowerment of the Holy Spirit and the divine approval of the individual's role. Personal Adornment and Symbolism In addition to religious uses, scented oils and perfumes were part of personal grooming and adornment. Esther, in preparation to meet King Xerxes, underwent a beauty treatment that included "six months with oil of myrrh and six with perfumes and cosmetics" (Esther 2:12). This reflects the cultural appreciation for fragrances as a means of enhancing beauty and status. The Song of Solomon frequently references scents, using them as metaphors for love and desire. In Song of Solomon 1:3, the beloved's name is compared to "perfume poured out," suggesting the allure and attractiveness of love. Spiritual Symbolism In the New Testament, the use of scented substances continues to carry spiritual symbolism. The Magi's gifts to the Christ child included frankincense and myrrh (Matthew 2:11), both of which are aromatic and hold prophetic significance regarding Jesus' priestly and sacrificial roles. Moreover, the apostle Paul uses the metaphor of fragrance to describe the spread of the Gospel and the believers' witness in the world. In 2 Corinthians 2:14-15, he writes, "But thanks be to God, who always leads us triumphantly as captives in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of Him. For we are to God the sweet aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing." Thus, the concept of "scented" in the Bible encompasses a rich tapestry of meanings, from the practical to the deeply spiritual, illustrating the multifaceted ways in which fragrances are woven into the fabric of biblical narrative and theology. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (imp. & p. p.) of Scent.Greek 2238. heduosmon -- sweet smelling ... mint. Neuter of the compound of the same as hedeos and osme; a sweet-scented plant, ie Mint -- mint. see GREEK hedeos. see GREEK osme. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2238.htm - 6k Strong's Hebrew 81. abaqah -- powder... Word Origin fem. of abaq Definition powder NASB Word Usage scented powders (1). powder. Feminine of 'abaq -- powder. see HEBREW 'abaq. 80, 81. abaqah. 82 . ... /hebrew/81.htm - 5k 7547. riqquach -- perfumery 4840. merqach -- spice, perfume Library In Jericho and at Bethany - Jericho - a Guest with Zacch??us - the ... The First Year --Society and Climate. The Coming of the Pharaoh The Embalming of the Body of Jesus. The Adventures of Saint Denis of France. The Arabic Gospel of the Infancy of the Saviour (Nt Apocrypha) Preface Prayer and vigilance The Imagination. Hymn for the Lighting of the Lamps Thesaurus Scented (2 Occurrences)... Noah Webster's Dictionary (imp. & pp) of Scent. Multi-Version Concordance Scented (2 Occurrences). Revelation 18:12 merchandise of ... /s/scented.htm - 7k Sweet-scented (2 Occurrences) Ointment (29 Occurrences) Perfumer (4 Occurrences) Perfume (202 Occurrences) Reed (41 Occurrences) Sweetness (11 Occurrences) Crafts (2 Occurrences) Vine (76 Occurrences) Lily (9 Occurrences) Resources Should a Christian wear perfume / cologne? | GotQuestions.orgScented: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Scented (2 Occurrences)Revelation 18:12 Song of Songs 3:6 Subtopics Related Terms |