[Greek] σμύρνα (smyrna), [Latin] myrrha: myrrh, aromatic resin; Mt.2:11,Jn.19:39
Background Information:
Greek Hellenism: This term means a resin gum used as an embalming material, incense, salve, and unguent.
Herodotus’ The Histories 2.86: “They take out all the intestines filing the belly with pure ground myrrh and casia and other spices.”
Euripides’ Ion 1175: “For he brought water for washing hands from the pitchers, and burned the myrtle incense.” Aristophanes’ Knights 1332 states “Perfumed with myrrh, he spreads around him not the odor of lawsuits, but that of peace.”
Herodotus’ The Histories 7.181:”The Persian soldiers on the ships took great pains to keep him alive for his valor, tending his wounds with ointments.”
Old Testament: This aromatic resin comes from South Arabia and North Ethiopia. This sap, when hardened, becomes a gum with volatile oil. When heated, this substance gives off a strong scent.
New Testament: As with the Old Testament, the Jews used myrrh to prepare the deceased body. Embalming was not a Jewish practice. Instead, myrrh was used in a pulverized form. The pulverized form, placed in the deceased’s clothes, was used to protect against rapid body decomposition.
Smyrna: This was an ancient Greek city on the Aegean coast of Turkey. This city’s name most likely derived from its trade of myrrh. Smyrna is one the seven cities addressed to in the Book of Revelations.
Scripture:
“Then they opened their treasures and offered Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.” Mt.2:11
Myrrh represents the anointing of a king. In a more practical basis, myrrh can be used in a variety of medical uses. Perhaps, this myrr
h could have been used for diaper rash and other skin conditions.
“Nicodemus, the one who had first come to Him at night, also came bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes weighing about 100 pounds.” Jn.19:39
Nicodemus was preparing Jesus’ body for burial. A speedy resurrection was not expected or anticipated by the Jews.
Conclusion:
Myrrh, Smyrna
It was interesting to learn myrrh has multiple medical uses, which could have been immediately very beneficial for the infant Jesus. Also, this Greek term refers both to the resin and the city in Turkey.
Well, there is not much myrrh I can say about this post. ☺☺☺
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