Brief Overview of σμύρνα (Strong’s G4666: smyrna)

Strong’s G4666: A noun referring to myrrh, an aromatic resin used in ancient times for embalming, perfume, and religious ceremonies. From Semitic origin (Hebrew mor). In NT, appears as a gift to infant Jesus and in His crucifixion, prophetically linking His birth to His sacrificial death.

U- Unveiling the Word

σμύρνα represents a precious aromatic resin that carried deep cultural and religious significance. Its appearances in the New Testament form a profound theological connection between Christ’s birth and death. The Magi’s gift of myrrh foreshadowed Jesus’s burial, while its use at His crucifixion fulfilled this symbolism. Early church fathers often interpreted myrrh as representing Christ’s humanity and suffering, noting its bitter taste yet sweet fragrance as symbolizing the paradox of suffering leading to glory. Today, it continues to remind us of Christ’s sacrificial death and the beauty that emerges from suffering.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: σμύρνα, smyrna, /smoor’-nah/
• Detailed pronunciation: ‘smoor’ as in “smoor,” ‘nah’ as in “father”
• Part of Speech: Noun (Feminine)

Etymology:

• From Semitic origin, related to Hebrew מֹר (mor)
• Possibly from root meaning “bitter”
• Basic noun without Greek prefixes or suffixes

D – Defining Meanings

• Myrrh (aromatic resin)
• Perfume ingredient
• Embalming substance
• Sacred anointing material

For compound words: Not a compound word, but a basic noun borrowed from Semitic languages

Translation Options:

• “Myrrh” – Direct transliteration now standard
• “Aromatic resin” – More descriptive translation
• “Sacred perfume” – Contextual translation emphasizing religious use

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ἀλόη (aloē) /al-o’-ay/ – aloes, another burial spice See G250
• λίβανος (libanos) /lib’-an-os/ – frankincense See G3030
• ἄρωμα (arōma) /ar’-o-mah/ – spice See G759

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a feminine noun:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Feminine
• Declension: First declension

Examples:

• Nominative: σμύρνα (myrrh)
• Genitive: σμύρνης (of myrrh)
• Dative: σμύρνῃ (to/for myrrh)
• Accusative: σμύρναν (myrrh as object)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its use in religious and burial contexts. Thayer’s notes its connection to both Christ’s birth and death. LSJ provides examples of commercial and medicinal uses. Vine’s highlights its prophetic significance. Strong’s traces its Semitic etymology. Moulton and Milligan document its value in ancient commerce. LEH notes its use in Septuagint ceremonial contexts.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“And when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh [σμύρνα].” Matthew 2:11

Additional References:
Mark 15:23
John 19:39

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

σμύρνα beautifully connects Christ’s birth to His death, showing God’s redemptive plan from the beginning. Its bitter taste yet sweet fragrance promotes the Gospel by illustrating how Christ’s suffering brings forth the sweet aroma of salvation. It reminds us that our own suffering in Christ can produce eternal glory.

D – Did You Know?

1. Ancient Egyptian embalmers used up to 50 pounds of myrrh per mummy.
2. The name of the city Smyrna (modern Izmir) may derive from its myrrh trade.
3. Early Christians sometimes added myrrh to communion wine to remember Christ’s passion.

Strong’s G4666: A feminine noun for myrrh, an aromatic resin used in ancient religious and burial practices. Appears in NT at Christ’s birth and death, symbolically linking these events. Represents both the bitterness of suffering and the sweetness of redemption.

Part of speech: Noun (Feminine)

Tags: myrrh, spices, magi-gifts, crucifixion, burial-customs, perfumes, prophecy, sacrifice, suffering, birth-of-jesus, death-of-jesus, biblical-greek, new-testament, symbolism​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​