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Unveiling the Word

Understanding Greek words in Biblical studies allows readers to delve deeper into the meanings and nuances of the original texts. The word λίβανος (libanos) is particularly significant because it refers to “frankincense,” an aromatic resin used extensively in ancient rituals, worship, and trade. It appears in Matthew 2:11 when the Magi present gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to the infant Jesus. This term not only illuminates the socio-religious practices of the ancient world but also offers insight into the theological symbolism employed by the Gospel writers.

Necessary Information

Greek Word: λίβανος (libanos) [pronounced LEE-ba-nos].

Etymology: The word λίβανος likely has Semitic roots, deriving from the Hebrew word לבונה (lebonah), which means “white” or “frankincense.” This etymology hints at the cultural and linguistic exchanges between the Hebrew and Greek-speaking worlds, reflecting how religious and trade practices were interwoven.

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Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine. λίβανος is a noun in the masculine gender, used in the singular form. As a common noun, it can refer to both the frankincense tree and its resin, which was highly valued for its fragrance and use in religious ceremonies.

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Defining Meanings

Frankincense (Resin): The primary meaning of λίβανος is “frankincense,” a fragrant resin derived from trees of the genus Boswellia. Frankincense was used in ancient religious rituals, both in Jewish worship and in broader Greco-Roman practices, symbolizing prayer, purity, and divinity.
Frankincense Tree: The word can also refer to the frankincense tree itself, from which the resin is harvested. The tree’s name and its resin were nearly synonymous in ancient texts.
Incense in Worship: Beyond its literal meaning, λίβανος carried connotations of worship and reverence. It was an essential component in temple sacrifices and other religious rites, adding a layer of spiritual significance to its use.

Exploring Similar Words

θυμίαμα (thymiama) [pronunciation: thy-MEE-ah-ma]: This word also means “incense” but can refer to any type of aromatic incense used in religious rituals, not limited to frankincense. It is broader in scope than λίβανος.
σμύρνα (smyrna) [pronunciation: SMUR-na]: While σμύρνα refers to “myrrh,” another aromatic resin used in ancient worship and embalming practices, it differs from λίβανος in that it has a more bitter scent and is often associated with mourning and death.
ἀρώματα (aromata) [pronunciation: a-RO-ma-ta]: This word means “spices” or “perfumes” and encompasses a wide range of fragrant substances, including frankincense. However, it is more general and less specific than λίβανος.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

λίβανος is a masculine noun in the nominative case. It declines according to the second declension pattern in Greek. Here is the declension for λίβανος in the singular form:

Case	Singular
Nominative	λίβανος
Genitive	λιβάνου
Dative	λιβάνῳ
Accusative	λίβανον
Vocative	λίβανε

For more on Greek grammar, Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek.

Studying Lexicon Insights

The term λίβανος appears in both New Testament and classical contexts, consistently referring to frankincense. In the New Testament, λίβανος symbolizes purity and divine worship, especially in Matthew 2:11, where it represents one of the gifts given to Jesus by the Magi. This gift highlights Jesus’ priestly role. Classical lexicons also point out that λίβανος was used extensively in Greco-Roman worship practices, as it was believed to carry prayers to the gods through its aromatic smoke. The Septuagint uses λίβανος to translate Hebrew terms related to incense, linking the Greek understanding of the word with its Jewish roots.
This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.

Tracing Related Scriptures

Matthew 2:11 – “And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense [λίβανος] and myrrh.”
Revelation 18:13 – “Cargo of gold, silver, jewels, pearls, fine linen, purple cloth, silk, scarlet cloth, all kinds of scented wood, all kinds of articles of ivory, all kinds of articles of costly wood, bronze, iron, and marble; cinnamon, spice, incense, myrrh, frankincense [λίβανος], wine, oil, fine flour, wheat, cattle, and sheep…”

Analyzing Classical Usage

Author	Name of Work	English Text with Greek Word
Theophrastus	Enquiry into Plants	“The resin of the frankincense tree [λίβανος] is highly valued for its scent.”
Septuagint	Song of Solomon 3:6	“Who is this coming up from the wilderness like columns of smoke, perfumed with myrrh and frankincense [λίβανος]?”
Pliny the Elder	Natural History	“Frankincense [λίβανος] was among the most precious substances traded in the ancient world.”

Noteworthy Summary

The Greek word λίβανος (libanos) is deeply embedded in both New Testament and classical Greek contexts as a term for “frankincense.” This aromatic resin, central to religious rituals, symbolizes purity, worship, and the divine. The word’s usage throughout ancient literature reflects its significance in both Jewish and Greco-Roman cultures. Its occurrence in key biblical passages like Matthew 2:11 underscores its theological importance in Christian tradition.

Did You Know?

Fact 1: Frankincense, referred to as λίβανος, was more valuable than gold in ancient times due to its demand in religious and medicinal practices.
Fact 2: The trees producing frankincense were mainly found in the Arabian Peninsula, India, and North Africa, making it a prized trade commodity.
Fact 3: The use of frankincense in ancient rituals symbolized the prayers of the people rising to the heavens, a symbolism maintained in many Christian liturgical practices today.