Overview
The Bible addresses myrrh across 14 verses, drawn from both the Old and New Testaments. These passages cluster most in Song of Solomon, Genesis and Exodus. Closely related themes include Aloes, Spices, Travellers and Presents. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Ahasuerus, Jesus and Nicodemus.
Key Bible verses about myrrh
Old Testament
Genesis
And they sat down to eat bread: and they lifted up their eyes and looked, and, behold, a company of Ishmeelites came from Gilead with their camels bearing spicery and balm and myrrh, going to carry it down to Egypt.
And their father Israel said unto them, If it must be so now, do this; take of the best fruits in the land in your vessels, and carry down the man a present, a little balm, and a little honey, spices, and myrrh, nuts, and almonds:
Song of Solomon
Who is this that cometh out of the wilderness like pillars of smoke, perfumed with myrrh and frankincense, with all powders of the merchant?
Until the day break, and the shadows flee away, I will get me to the mountain of myrrh, and to the hill of frankincense. break: Heb. breathe
Spikenard and saffron; calamus and cinnamon, with all trees of frankincense; myrrh and aloes, with all the chief spices:
I am come into my garden, my sister, my spouse: I have gathered my myrrh with my spice; I have eaten my honeycomb with my honey; I have drunk my wine with my milk: eat, O friends; drink, yea, drink abundantly, O beloved. yea: or, and be drunken with loves
His cheeks are as a bed of spices, as sweet flowers: his lips like lilies, dropping sweet smelling myrrh. sweet flowers: or, towers of perfumes
New Testament
People in the Bible and myrrh
Biblical figures whose stories intersect with this theme.
In the Bible dictionary
Studying myrrh for yourself
- Begin with Genesis 37:25, then read the passages below in canonical order.
- Compare how Song of Solomon, Genesis and Exodus each treat the theme.
- Consider the lives of Ahasuerus, Jesus and Nicodemus and how their stories intersect with it.
- Widen the study to related themes: Aloes, Spices, Travellers and Presents.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Bible say about myrrh?
The Bible addresses myrrh across 14 verses, drawn from both the Old and New Testaments. These passages cluster most in Song of Solomon, Genesis and Exodus. Closely related themes include Aloes, Spices, Travellers and Presents. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Ahasuerus, Jesus and Nicodemus.
How many Bible verses are about myrrh?
The Bible references myrrh in 14 verses (King James Version).
Where does the Bible first mention myrrh?
In canonical order, the first of these passages is Genesis 37:25: “And they sat down to eat bread: and they lifted up their eyes and looked, and, behold, a company of Ishmeelites came from Gilead with their camels bearing spicery and balm and myrrh, going to carry it down to Egypt.”
Which people in the Bible are associated with myrrh?
Ahasuerus, Jesus and Nicodemus.
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