Learn more about Frankincense

Introduction to Frankincense

Frankincense is an aromatic resin obtained from trees of the genus Boswellia, particularly Boswellia sacra. Revered since ancient times, frankincense has held a prominent place in religious rituals, commerce, and medicine. In the Bible, frankincense is often associated with worship, holiness, and offerings made to God. Its inclusion among the gifts brought by the Magi to the infant Jesus highlights its spiritual significance, symbolizing divinity and priestly authority.

Frankincense Pronunciation

“Frankincense” is pronounced as FRANK-in-sens, with emphasis on the first syllable.

Frankincense in the Bible

Frankincense appears numerous times in both the Old and New Testaments. It was a crucial element in Hebrew worship and is often mentioned alongside other valuable substances like gold and myrrh.

• Exodus 30:34-38: God gives Moses a precise formula for a sacred incense to be burned before Him, which included frankincense. This shows its central role in temple worship and its sanctity.
• Leviticus 2:1-2: Frankincense was to be added to grain offerings, emphasizing its role in expressing devotion and reverence to God.
• Song of Solomon 3:6; 4:6, 14: The sweet smell of frankincense is symbolic of love, beauty, and longing. It appears in poetic descriptions of romance and idealized beauty.
• Isaiah 60:6: A prophetic vision speaks of nations bringing gold and frankincense to praise the Lord, often interpreted as a messianic prophecy fulfilled by the Magi.
• Matthew 2:11: The wise men present frankincense to the infant Jesus, acknowledging His divine status. Frankincense here symbolizes Jesus' role as High Priest and deity.
• Revelation 18:13: Frankincense is listed among luxury goods traded by merchants, highlighting its value and demand even into the time of the New Testament.

Historical and Cultural Context of Frankincense

Frankincense was harvested by slashing the bark of Boswellia trees and collecting the resin that exuded. This resin would harden into droplets, sometimes called “tears,” which were then burned for their fragrant smoke or used in perfumes and medicines. The trade routes transporting frankincense spanned the Arabian Peninsula, connecting regions like Sheba and Oman to Israel, Egypt, and even Rome. Its costliness made it a luxury reserved for sacred rituals and high honor.

Related Themes and Meanings to Frankincense

• Worship and Sacrifice: Frankincense was a chief component of offerings, signifying the ascent of prayers and sanctity of the worship space.
• Divine Presence: The use of frankincense in the tabernacle and temple created an atmosphere symbolic of God’s holiness and majesty.
• Priestly Role: As part of ritual duties, priests handled frankincense regularly, reinforcing their mediating role between God and the people.
• Messianic Symbolism: In Christian interpretation, frankincense offered to Jesus denotes His priestly function and divine nature.

Trivia and Interesting Facts about Frankincense

• The Hebrew word for frankincense is levonah (לְבוֹנָה), related to the word for “white,” likely referring to the pale color of the resin.
• Frankincense trees only grow in arid, mountainous regions and are notoriously difficult to cultivate, contributing to the resin's high value.
• Frankincense has been used medicinally for centuries in traditional remedies, including treatments for inflammation and digestion.
• In temple rituals, frankincense was not merely a pleasant aroma—it was considered an offering that symbolized purity and a pleasing fragrance to the Lord (Leviticus 2:2).
• The offering of frankincense alongside gold and myrrh in Matthew 2:11 has been interpreted to represent Jesus' kingship (gold), priesthood (frankincense), and eventual suffering and death (myrrh).

Frankincense in Christian Theology

In Christian tradition, frankincense is rich in symbolic meaning. As part of the Magi's gifts, it recognizes Jesus as God incarnate, worthy of worship and devotion. Its enduring fragrance is likened to the prayers of the saints (cf. Revelation 5:8), making it a powerful image of spiritual elevation and divine communion.

Whether in the wilderness tabernacle of Moses, the temple in Jerusalem, or the narrative of Christ's nativity, frankincense serves as a fragrant thread that weaves together worship, sacrifice, prophecy, and fulfillment in the biblical story.