Difference between revisions of "Myrrh"

<p> <b> [[Myrrh]] </b> <b> ( </b> σμύρνα, &nbsp;Matthew 2:11, &nbsp;John 19:39).—A gum-resin, the exudation of a shrub ( <i> Balsamodendron myrrha </i> ) and some other allied species of shrubs growing in the dry regions of Arabia, in Somaliland, and in certain districts bordering on the Red Sea. The myrrh shrubs are of a low stature, unattractive, rigid, spiny, with scanty foliage and minute flowers and small oval berries. Myrrh exudes from the bark, or is obtained by incisions made in the bark, and appears in resinous, yellow drops, which gradually thicken and become harder. The smell is balsamic, and the taste bitter and slightly pungent. Myrrh has been known to mankind from the remotest times, and was among the most precious articles of ancient commerce. It is used in medicine as a tonic and stimulant, and was much employed by the ancient [[Egyptians]] in embalming. It is collected in great quantities to-day by the Somali tribes and sold to traders. There has been considerable controversy as to the real nature of the ancient myrrh, and particularly as to the regions from which it came; but the σμύρνα of NT appears, on the whole, to have been the substance described above. </p> <p> Myrrh was one of the gifts brought by the [[Magi]] to the [[Infant]] Christ (&nbsp;Matthew 2:11), and it was used, along with aloes, by [[Nicodemus]] to anoint the body of Christ before burial (&nbsp;John 19:39). All the ancient commentators affirm that each of the three gifts—gold, frankincense, and myrrh—offered by the Magi is replete with spiritual significance. Thus it was widely accepted in early times that the myrrh was emblematic of the death of Christ, inasmuch as myrrh was used for embalming. It was ‘offered to Christ as to one who is about to die for all’ (Aug. <i> ad loe </i> ). Others regarded it as setting forth His true human nature, and therefore as teaching the mortification of the flesh by abstinence. The well-known ancient hymn, part of which refers to this, says: </p> <p> ‘Gold, a monarch to declare; </p> <p> Frankincense, that God is there; </p> <p> Myrrh, to tell the heavier tale </p> <p> Of His tomb and funeral.’ </p> <p> Though we may admit that in the gifts presented there was an unconscious fulfilment of prophecy (&nbsp;Isaiah 60:6), no symbolism of the nature referred to can have been designed by the Magi. So far as their intention was concerned, they simply offered to the new-born King, whom they came to worship, the choicest and most precious products of their country, and thus expressed their homage. </p> <p> In &nbsp;Mark 15:23 we are told that there was offered to Christ, probably just before He was nailed to the cross, ἑσμυρνισμένον οἷνον, ‘wine mingled with myrrh.’ It was offered, of course, as an anodyne; but as myrrh was often infused into wine to give it a more agreeable flavour and fragrance, it has been held by some that Mt.’s expression οἶνον μετὰ χολῆς, ‘wine mingled with gall,’ is the more correct, because the mingling of gall with wine to render it anaesthetic was a well-known practice. It is, however, possible that the <i> gall </i> of Mt. was the same as the <i> myrrh </i> of Mk., the corresponding [[Hebrew]] words being from the same root, and both signifying ‘bitter.’ The mingling of myrrh with the wine would certainly render it more potent as an anodyne, and we must therefore accept the word given by Mk. as conveying the purpose for which the draught was offered. Such a draught, called by the Romans <i> sopor </i> , was regularly offered to criminals just before their crucifixion. It was provided by an association of wealthy women in Jerusalem, who prepared it for the purpose. But, having tasted it and ascertained its object, He would not drink. This action is in contrast with what He did at a later period of the day; for when, in response to His cry ‘I thirst,’ one of the soldiers soaked a sponge in ‘vinegar’ and, holding it up to Him on a reed, gave Him to drink, He received it. This was not to soothe His agony, but only to moisten His parched tongue and lips, perhaps that He might be able to utter ‘with a loud voice’ His triumphant τετέλεσται, perhaps also to sanction and sanctify the friendly office which is often the only one that can be rendered to the dying, and possibly in fulfilment of the prophecy of thirst (&nbsp;John 19:28, cf. &nbsp;Psalms 69:21). However this may be, His purpose in refusing the draught offered as an anodyne is clear. He would ‘look death in the face,’ and meet the King of Terrors in full possession of all His faculties. He was dying of His own accord, fulfilling His words, ‘No man taketh my life from me’ (&nbsp;John 10:18). His death was an act of voluntary self-surrender, and He would ‘taste death for every man’ (&nbsp;Hebrews 2:9). He ‘endured the cross, despising shame’ (&nbsp;Hebrews 12:2). </p> <p> Literature.—Birdwood in <i> Bible Educator </i> , ii. 151; an exhaustive article by Hanbury, ‘The Botanical Origin and [[Country]] of Myrrh’ in the <i> Pharmaceutical Journal </i> , 19th Apr. 1873. </p> <p> J. [[Cromarty]] Smith. </p>

<div> '''A — 1: σμύρνα ''' (Strong'S #4666 — Noun [[Feminine]] — smurna — smoor'-nah ) </div> <p> whence the name "Smyrna," a word of Semitic origin, Heb., mor, from a root meaning "bitter," is a gum resin from a shrubby tree, which grows in [[Yemen]] and neighboring regions of Africa; the fruit is smooth and somewhat larger than a pea. The color of myrrh varies from pale reddish-yellow to reddish-brown or red. The taste is bitter, and the substance astringent, acting as an antiseptic and a stimulant. It was used as a perfume, &nbsp;Psalm 45:8 , where the language is symbolic of the graces of the Messiah; &nbsp;Proverbs 7:17; Song of &nbsp;Song of Solomon 1:13; &nbsp;5:5; it was one of the ingredients of the "holy anointing oil" for the priests, &nbsp;Exodus 30:23 (RV, "flowing myrrh"); it was used also for the purification of women, &nbsp; Esther 2:12; for embalming, &nbsp;John 19:39; as an anodyne see B); it was one of the gifts of the Magi, &nbsp;Matthew 2:11 . </p> <div> '''B — 1: σμυρνίζω ''' (Strong'S #4669 — Verb — smurnizo — smoor-nid'-zo ) </div> <p> is used transitively in the NT, with the meaning "to mingle or drug with myrrh," &nbsp;Mark 15:23; the mixture was doubtless offered to deaden the pain (Matthew's word "gall" suggests that "myrrh" was not the only ingredient). Christ refused to partake of any such means of alleviation; He would retain all His mental power for the complete fulfillment of the Father's will. </p>

<p> Hebrew mor from maarar "to drop," and lot . An ingredient of the holy anointing oil (&nbsp;Exodus 30:23), typical of Messiah's graces (&nbsp;Psalms 45:8) as well as the church's through Him (Song of Solomon). In &nbsp;Song of Solomon 1:13 translated "a scent box of myrrh." The ''Mowr'' is the Βalsamodendron myrrha , which yields myrrh, of the order Τerebinth aceae . The stunted trunk has a light gray odorous bark. It grew in [[Arabia]] around Saba; the gum resin exudes in drops which harden on the bark, and the flow is increased by incision into the tree. It is a transparent, brown, brittle, odorous substance, with bitter taste. The "wine mingled with myrrh," offered to but rejected by Jesus on the cross, was embittered by it. </p> <p> As it stupefies the senses He would not have that which mitigates death's horrors, but would meet it in full consciousness. It was one of the three offerings of the wise men (&nbsp;Matthew 2:11). Nicodemus brought it to embalm His sacred body (&nbsp;John 19:39). Βal is its [[Egyptian]] name, bol the [[Sanskrit]] and Hindu. [[Lot]] is not strictly myrrh but ladanum , the resinous exudation of the Cistus ("rock rose") Creticus , growing in [[Gilead]] where no myrrh grew, and exported into Egypt (&nbsp;Genesis 37:25; &nbsp;Genesis 43:11). "Odorous, rather green, easy to soften, fat, produced in Cyprus" (Dioscorides i. 128); abounding still in [[Candia]] (Crete), where they gather it by passing over it an instrument composed of many parallel leather thongs, to which its gum adheres. </p>

<p> '''Myrrh.''' This substance is mentioned in &nbsp;Exodus 30:23, as one of the ingredients of the "oil of holy ointment:" in &nbsp;Esther 2:12, as one of the substances used in the purification of women; in &nbsp;Psalms 45:8; &nbsp;Proverbs 7:17, and in several passages in Canticles, as a perfume. The Greek occurs in &nbsp;Matthew 2:11, among the gifts brought by the wise men to the infant [[Jesus]] , and in &nbsp;Mark 15:23, it is said that "wine mingled with myrrh" was offered to, but refused by, our Lord on the cross. </p> <p> Myrrh was also used for embalming. ''See '' &nbsp;John 19:39'', And Herod. Ii. 86.'' The '''Balsamodendron myrrha''' , which produces the myrrh of commerce, has a wood and bark which emit a strong odor; the gum which exudes from the bark is at first oily, but becomes hard by exposure to the air. </p> <p> (This myrrh is in small yellowish or white globules or tears. The tree is small, with a stunted trunk, covered with light-gray bark, It is found in Arabia Felix. The myrrh of &nbsp;Genesis 37:25, was probably '''ladalzum''' , a highly-fragrant resin and volatile oil used as a cosmetic, and stimulative as a medicine. It is yielded by the '''cistus''' , known in Europe as the rock rose, a shrub with rose-colored flowers, growing in Palestine, and along the shores of the Mediterranean. - Editor). </p> <p> For wine mingled with myrrh, ''See '' [[Gall]] ''.'' </p>

<p> &nbsp;Psalm 45:8 (c) This type represents the fragrance of [[Christ]] to GOD in His sacrificial death. His death went up to GOD as a sweet smelling savour, which is most blessed both to GOD and to man. (See also &nbsp;John 19:39). </p> <p> &nbsp;Proverbs 7:17 (c) This may be taken as a picture or a type of the enticing, alluring schemes and plans of the harlots to attract men to their homes, and to a life of sinful pleasure. </p> <p> &nbsp;Song of Solomon 1:13 (c) By this figure we understand the feelings of GOD's people concerning the loveliness of CHRIST to their hearts. The beauty, the fragrance and the attractiveness of the Lord JESUS are compared to the sweet odors arising from precious spices. </p> <p> &nbsp;Matthew 2:11 (c) This perfume is the third of the gifts mentioned, which were brought to the Lord JESUS CHRIST by the wise men. It typifies the beauty and the value of CHRIST as He gave His life for us. </p> <ul> <li> the gold is a type of His perfection and loveliness in His prenatal days. </li> <li> the frankincense may be taken as a type of the beauty and loveliness of CHRIST during His life on earth. </li> <li> the myrrh may remind us of the preciousness and sweetness of CHRIST in His death. </li> </ul>

<li> Another word <i> Lot </i> Is also translated "myrrh" (&nbsp; Genesis 37:25; &nbsp;43:11; RSV, marg., "or ladanum"). What was meant by this word is uncertain. It has been thought to be the chestnut, mastich, stacte, balsam, turpentine, pistachio nut, or the lotus. It is probably correctly rendered by the Latin word ladanum, the Arabic ladan, an aromatic juice of a shrub called the Cistus or rock rose, which has the same qualities, though in a slight degree, of opium, whence a decoction of opium is called laudanum. This plant was indigenous to Syria and Arabia. <div> <p> '''Copyright Statement''' These dictionary topics are from M.G. Easton M.A., D.D., Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Third Edition, published by [[Thomas]] Nelson, 1897. Public Domain. </p> <p> '''Bibliography Information''' Easton, Matthew George. Entry for 'Myrrh'. Easton's Bible Dictionary. https://www.studylight.org/dictionaries/eng/ebd/m/myrrh.html. 1897. </p> </div> </li>

<p> ''''' mûr ''''' : </p> <p> (1) ( מר or מור , <i> ''''' mōr ''''' </i> ; Arabic <i> ''''' murr ''''' </i> ): This substance is mentioned as valuable for its perfume &nbsp; Psalm 45:8; &nbsp;Proverbs 7:17; &nbsp;Song of Solomon 3:6; &nbsp;Song of Solomon 4:14 , and as one of the constituents of the holy incense (&nbsp;Exodus 30:23; see also &nbsp;Song of Solomon 4:6; &nbsp;Song of Solomon 5:1 , &nbsp;Song of Solomon 5:5 , &nbsp;Song of Solomon 5:13 ). <i> '''''Mōr''''' </i> is generally identified with the "myrrh" of commerce, the dried gum of a species of balsam ( <i> Balsamodendron myrrha </i> ). This is a stunted tree growing in Arabia, having a light-gray bark; the gum resin exudes in small tear-like drops which dry to a rich brown or reddish-yellow, brittle substance, with a faint though agreeable smell and a warm, bitter taste. It is still used as medicine &nbsp;Mark 15:23 . On account, however, of the references to "flowing myrrh" &nbsp;Exodus 30:23 and "liquid myrrh" &nbsp; Song of Solomon 5:5 , &nbsp;Song of Solomon 5:13 , Schweinfurth maintains that <i> '''''mōr''''' </i> was not a dried gum but the liquid balsam of <i> Balsamodendron opobalsamum </i> . See [[Balsam]] . </p> <p> Whichever view is correct, it is probable that the σμύρνα , <i> ''''' smúrna ''''' </i> , of the New [[Testament]] was the same. In &nbsp; Matthew 2:11 it is brought by the "Wise men" of the East as an offering to the infant Saviour; in &nbsp; Mark 15:23 it is offered mingled with wine as an anaesthetic to the suffering Redeemer, and in &nbsp; John 19:39 a "mixture of myrrh and aloes" is brought by Nicodemus to embalm the sacred body. </p> <p> (2) ( לט , <i> ''''' lōṭ ''''' </i> , στακτή , <i> ''''' staktḗ ''''' </i> ; translated "myrrh" in &nbsp; Genesis 37:25 , margin "ladanum"; &nbsp;Genesis 43:11 ): The fragrant resin obtained from some species of cistus and called in Arabic <i> '''''lādham''''' </i> , in Latin <i> ladanum </i> . The cistus or "rock rose" is exceedingly common all over the mountains of Palestine (see [[Botany]] ), the usual varieties being the <i> C. villosus </i> with pink petals, and the <i> C. salviaefolius </i> with white petals. No commerce is done now in Palestine in this substance as of old &nbsp; Genesis 37:25; &nbsp;Genesis 43:11 , but it is still gathered from various species of cistus, especially <i> C. creticus </i> in the Greek Isles, where it is collected by threshing the plants by a kind of flail from which the sticky mass is scraped off with a knife and rolled into small black balls. In [[Cyprus]] at the present time the gum is collected from the beards of the goats that browse on these shrubs, as was done in the days of [[Herodotus]] iii. 112). </p>