Overview
The Bible addresses frankincense across 7 verses, drawn from both the Old and New Testaments. These passages cluster most in Leviticus and Revelation. Closely related themes include Meat Offerings, Offerings, Commerce and First Fruits. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Aaron.
Key Bible verses about frankincense
Old Testament
Leviticus
And when any will offer a meat offering unto the LORD, his offering shall be of fine flour; and he shall pour oil upon it, and put frankincense thereon:
And he shall bring it to Aaron's sons the priests: and he shall take thereout his handful of the flour thereof, and of the oil thereof, with all the frankincense thereof; and the priest shall burn the memorial of it upon the altar, to be an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD:
And thou shalt put oil upon it, and lay frankincense thereon: it is a meat offering.
And the priest shall burn the memorial of it, part of the beaten corn thereof, and part of the oil thereof, with all the frankincense thereof: it is an offering made by fire unto the LORD.
New Testament
Revelation
And the merchants of the earth shall weep and mourn over her; for no man buyeth their merchandise any more:
The merchandise of gold, and silver, and precious stones, and of pearls, and fine linen, and purple, and silk, and scarlet, and all thyine wood, and all manner vessels of ivory, and all manner vessels of most precious wood, and of brass, and iron, and marble, thyine: or, sweet
And cinnamon, and odours, and ointments, and frankincense, and wine, and oil, and fine flour, and wheat, and beasts, and sheep, and horses, and chariots, and slaves, and souls of men. slaves: or, bodies
People in the Bible and frankincense
Biblical figures whose stories intersect with this theme.
In the Bible dictionary
Studying frankincense for yourself
- Begin with Leviticus 2:1, then read the passages below in canonical order.
- Compare how Leviticus and Revelation each treat the theme.
- Consider the lives of Aaron and how their stories intersect with it.
- Widen the study to related themes: Meat Offerings, Offerings, Commerce and First Fruits.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Bible say about frankincense?
The Bible addresses frankincense across 7 verses, drawn from both the Old and New Testaments. These passages cluster most in Leviticus and Revelation. Closely related themes include Meat Offerings, Offerings, Commerce and First Fruits. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Aaron.
How many Bible verses are about frankincense?
The Bible references frankincense in 7 verses (King James Version).
Where does the Bible first mention frankincense?
In canonical order, the first of these passages is Leviticus 2:1: “And when any will offer a meat offering unto the LORD, his offering shall be of fine flour; and he shall pour oil upon it, and put frankincense thereon:”
Which people in the Bible are associated with frankincense?
Aaron.
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