Difference between revisions of "Myrrh"

<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>