Greek word · G4666

σμύρνα

smyrna

myrrh

Myrrh: the aromatic gum-resin of Commiphora trees from southern Arabia and the Horn of Africa. It was used in perfumes, in the holy anointing oil (Exod 30:23), in cosmetics (Esth 2:12), in love poetry, and to perfume the dead.

Appears 2 times in 2 verses of the Greek New Testament. ·

What it means

σμύρνα

(in some MSS, ζμ-; see Bl., § 3, 9), -ης, ἡ, [in LXX for מֹר ;]

myrrh, a resinous gum used as an unguent and for em­balming: Matthew 2:11, John 19:39.†

(AS)

From G. Abbott-Smith, A Manual Greek Lexicon of the New Testament (1922), via STEPBible.org (CC BY 4.0).

In depth

From the study of John 19:39

Range of meaning

Myrrh: the aromatic gum-resin of Commiphora trees from southern Arabia and the Horn of Africa. It was used in perfumes, in the holy anointing oil (Exod 30:23), in cosmetics (Esth 2:12), in love poetry, and to perfume the dead.

Against the English

English "myrrh" is accurate. Readers may connect it only with the Magi's gift (Matt 2:11), which John does not mention.

Used elsewhere in the period

Exod 30:23; Ps 45:8; Song 1:13; 4:14; 5:5; Mark 15:23 (wine mixed with myrrh offered at the cross); Herodotus 2.86 (myrrh in Egyptian embalming, a different practice from Jewish burial).

From the study of Matthew 2:11

Range of meaning

Myrrh: the fragrant, bitter-tasting resin of Commiphora trees from southern Arabia and East Africa. It was used in perfume, cosmetics, anointing oil, medicine, wine (as a drug) and burial spices. The name comes from a Semitic root meaning "bitter" (Hebrew mōr).

Against the English

The English word is fine. Through Christmas hymns, though, many readers now hear "myrrh" mainly as an embalming spice that predicts Jesus' death.

How it drifted

The link to burial was emphasised by early Christian writers, such as Irenaeus (Against Heresies 3.9.2): gold for a king, frankincense for God, myrrh for one who would die. It became popular through hymns like "We Three Kings" (1857): "its bitter perfume breathes a life of gathering gloom".

Used elsewhere in the period

Myrrh was an ingredient in the holy anointing oil (Exod 30:23). It scented the royal bridegroom's robes (Ps 45:8). It was used in beauty treatments for Esther before she met the king (Esth 2:12). It is a love-poem fragrance (Song 1:13; 5:5). It was mixed with wine offered to Jesus at the cross (Mark 15:23) and used with aloes at his burial (John 19:39).

Similar words

Where it appears

Matthew · 1

  1. Matthew 2:11 σμύρναν. myrrh.

    On coming to the house, they saw the Child with His mother Mary, and they fell down and worshiped Him. Then they opened their treasures and presented Him with gifts of gold and frankincense and myrrh.

    Here: Myrrh, a fragrant and bitter resin from the same region. It was used in perfume, the holy anointing oil, cosmetics, medicine and burial spices. It was a luxury fit for a royal household.

John · 1

  1. John 19:39 σμύρνης of myrrh

    Nicodemus, who had previously come to Jesus at night, also brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds.

    Here: Fragrant resin of the Commiphora tree, imported from Arabia and East Africa and costly. In Israel's poetry it belongs to royalty and to lovers (Ps 45:8; Song 4:14).

Word data: STEPBible.org (CC BY 4.0), main text only.