“And they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.” – Matthew 2:11
Bible Verses About Frankincense
Symbol of Worship
In the Bible, frankincense holds a precious place as a symbol of worship. We see it used in various offerings, representing the desire to connect with God. The pleasing aroma of frankincense signifies our prayers rising to heaven. The use of this wonderful resin invites us to reflect on our own worship, encouraging us to seek a deeper relationship with the Lord. We can experience the warmth and intimacy that comes with truly worshiping God, offering Him our hearts and lives as sweet fragrances. Our worship should not be just a formality, but a heartfelt expression of love and devotion to our Creator.
Exodus 30:34
“And the LORD said unto Moses, Take unto thee sweet spices, stacte, and onycha, and galbanum; these sweet spices with pure frankincense: of each shall there be a like weight.” – Exodus 30:34
Exodus 30:7
“And Aaron shall burn thereon sweet incense every morning: when he dresseth the lamps, he shall burn incense upon it.” – Exodus 30:7
Psalm 141:2
“Let my prayer be set forth before thee as incense; and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.” – Psalm 141:2
Revelation 5:8
“And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odors, which are the prayers of saints.” – Revelation 5:8
Revelation 8:3
“And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne.” – Revelation 8:3
Offering to God
Frankincense is not just an aromatic substance; it is a significant offering to God. We learn from the Scriptures that our offerings should reflect our gratitude and love for God. Just as frankincense was brought before the Lord, we too are called to present our lives as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to Him. Offering our talents, time, and resources signifies commitment to His work. We recognize the importance of sacrificial giving, knowing that it goes beyond mere participation and becomes an act of genuine worship. Let us strive to be intentional in our offerings, ensuring that they are reflective of our relationship with God.
Matthew 2:11
“And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.” – Matthew 2:11
Isaiah 60:6
“The multitude of camels shall cover thee, the dromedaries of Midian and Ephah; all they from Sheba shall come: they shall bring gold and incense; and they shall shew forth the praises of the LORD.” – Isaiah 60:6
Philippians 4:18
“But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, well pleasing to God.” – Philippians 4:18
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.” – Leviticus 2:1
Mark 14:3
“And being in Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at meat, there came a woman having an alabaster box of ointment of spikenard very precious; and she brake the box, and poured it on his head.” – Mark 14:3
Symbol of Healing
Frankincense is well-known for its medicinal properties in addition to its spiritual significance. We learn that healing is an essential aspect of our Christian life. Just as frankincense was used in ancient times for healing, we should also recognize how Christ came to heal us, both physically and spiritually. Our faith invites us to believe in His power to heal and restore. Together, we can support each other in praying for healing, remembering that God is our ultimate healer. This mental and spiritual healing allows us to fully experience the peace and joy God desires for us.
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.” – Genesis 37:25
Song of Solomon 4:14
“Spikenard and saffron; calamus and cinnamon, with all trees of frankincense, myrrh and aloes, with all the chief spices.” – Song of Solomon 4:14
Matthew 8:16
“When the even was come, they brought unto him many that were possessed with devils: and he cast out the spirits with his word, and healed all that were sick.” – Matthew 8:16
James 5:14
“Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.” – James 5:14
Mark 16:18
“They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.” – Mark 16:18
Connection to the Holy Spirit
Frankincense has powerful connections to the Holy Spirit and its renewing presence in our lives. When we embrace the Holy Spirit, we are filled with the joy, peace, and strength that comes from God. Just as the sweet aroma of frankincense symbolizes the presence of the Holy Spirit, we too should seek that deep relationship with Him. The Spirit guides, comforts, and empowers us in every season of life. Together, we can invite the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts, leading us to live out our faith in a way that reflects God’s love and grace. Through Him, we can influence others positively and be the fragrance of Christ to the world around us.
Luke 11:13
“If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?” – Luke 11:13
Romans 8:26
“Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.” – Romans 8:26
1 Corinthians 2:12
“Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.” – 1 Corinthians 2:12
Galatians 5:25
“If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” – Galatians 5:25
Ephesians 1:13
“In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise.” – Ephesians 1:13
Representation of Christ
Frankincense has been directly linked to the representation of Christ within the Scriptures. Just as frankincense was offered to Christ at His birth, we recognize that He is the ultimate gift to the world. Understanding the story behind the gifts of the Magi unravels a deeper meaning of Christ’s role as our Savior. Frankincense symbolizes His divine nature and role as a High Priest. We can celebrate Jesus as the reason behind our faith, acknowledging the greatness of His sacrifice. By reflecting on His life, we find encouragement to follow in His footsteps every day, treating others with love and compassion, just as He did.
Hebrews 4:14
“Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.” – Hebrews 4:14
Hebrews 7:27
“Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people’s: for this he did once, when he offered up himself.” – Hebrews 7:27
John 1:29
“The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” – John 1:29
Colossians 1:19
“For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell.” – Colossians 1:19
John 14:6
“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” – John 14:6
Symbol of Purity
Frankincense also represents purity – something we should strive for in our Christian lives. The clean aroma directs our attention to the holiness of God and invites us to reflect on our path. Just as frankincense was used in devotion, we are called to live lives that please God. Together, we can embrace purity in our hearts and actions, allowing us to shine brightly in a world that often strays from righteousness. We should seek to embody virtues such as kindness, honesty, and integrity. Let’s commit to pursuing purity in everything we do, reflecting the true character of Christ in our lives.
1 Peter 1:16
“Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.” – 1 Peter 1:16
Psalm 24:4
“He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.” – Psalm 24:4
Philippians 4:8
“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” – Philippians 4:8
Matthew 5:8
“Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.” – Matthew 5:8
2 Timothy 2:21
“If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honor, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work.” – 2 Timothy 2:21
Final Thoughts
Frankincense carries profound meanings and lessons throughout the Bible. From being a symbol of worship to representing healing and purity, its significance guides us in our spiritual walk. We are reminded of how Frankincense symbolizes our offerings to God and our relationship with the Holy Spirit. Moreover, we celebrate Frankincense’s representation of Jesus Christ, our Savior and High Priest.
As we explore these verses, let us remember the purpose behind each use of Frankincense. In our worship, offerings, and daily lives, we should strive to reflect purity and holiness. Together, we can grow in our faith and support one another in this journey.
If you’re curious to learn about other biblical references encompassing the essence of sacred elements, I encourage you to look up Exodus 30:22 or explore Exodus 40:34 for further understanding.