Overview
The Bible addresses spices across 15 verses, drawn from both the Old and New Testaments. These passages cluster most in Genesis, Exodus and 1 Kings. Closely related themes include Myrrh, Precious Stones, Women and Joseph. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Solomon, Jesus, Hezekiah and David.
Key Bible verses about spices
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:
Exodus
1 Kings
And she came to Jerusalem with a very great train, with camels that bare spices, and very much gold, and precious stones: and when she was come to Solomon, she communed with him of all that was in her heart.
And she gave the king an hundred and twenty talents of gold, and of spices very great store, and precious stones: there came no more such abundance of spices as these which the queen of Sheba gave to king Solomon.
New Testament
Luke
People in the Bible and spices
Biblical figures whose stories intersect with this theme.
In the Bible dictionary
Studying spices for yourself
- Begin with Genesis 37:25, then read the passages below in canonical order.
- Compare how Genesis, Exodus and 1 Kings each treat the theme.
- Consider the lives of Solomon, Jesus and Hezekiah and how their stories intersect with it.
- Widen the study to related themes: Myrrh, Precious Stones, Women and Joseph.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Bible say about spices?
The Bible addresses spices across 15 verses, drawn from both the Old and New Testaments. These passages cluster most in Genesis, Exodus and 1 Kings. Closely related themes include Myrrh, Precious Stones, Women and Joseph. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Solomon, Jesus, Hezekiah and David.
How many Bible verses are about spices?
The Bible references spices in 15 verses (King James Version).
Where does the Bible first mention spices?
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 spices?
Solomon, Jesus, Hezekiah, David and Mary Magdalene.
Preach & teach
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