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Tyndale Open Bible Dictionary

PERFUME

Term covering a wide range of materials prepared from ground-up minerals, vegetable oils, and roots, which were used from the earliest times to enhance one’s personal presentation or to produce pleasing fragrances both for secular and religious purposes. The Bible mentions a wide variety of perfumes, such as aloes, balm, balsam, bdellium, cassia, cinnamon, frankincense, gum, myrrh, nard, sweet cane, spice, ointment, and so on. There must have been a vigorous perfume trade with such lands as Arabia (frankincense, myrrh), India (aloes, nard), Ceylon (cinnamon), Persia (the spice galbanum), and Somaliland (frankincense). In the Bible there are several references to those who traded in these items; for example, the Arabian (Ishmaelite) merchants who took Joseph to Egypt (Gn 37:25 OET (RV-only · LV-only)), the caravans of the queen of Sheba (1 Kgs 10:10 OET (RV-only · LV-only)), and the traders of Sheba and Raamah who brought spices to Tyre (Ez 27:22 OET (RV-only · LV-only)).

GEN 37:25: OET GEN 37:25 (RV-only GEN 37:25 · LV-only GEN 37:25)

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OET-RV GEN 37:25

25 Then they sat down to eat, and a bit later when they looked up, look, there was a caravan of Yishmaelim (Ishmaelites) coming towards them. They had left Gilead carrying spices and balm and myrrh on their camels that they were going to take down to Mitsrayim (Egypt).

OET-LV GEN 37:25

25 And_they _lived to_eat bread and_they _lifted _up eyes _of_their and_they _saw and_BEHOLD/LO/SEE a _caravan _of Yishmāˊ^ʼēlī was_coming from_Gilˊād and_camels _of_their were_carrying spice and_balm and_myrrh they_were_travelling to_take_them_down towards_Miʦrayim/(Egypt).

KI1 10:10: OET KI1 10:10 (RV-only KI1 10:10 · LV-only KI1 10:10)

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OET-RV KI1 10:10

10 Then the queen gave to king four tonnes of gold and very many spices and precious gemstones. Never again did King Shelomoh receive more spices than what the queen gave him that day.

OET-LV KI1 10:10

10 And_she/it _gave to/for_the _king one _hundred and_twenty talent[s]_of gold and_spices much very and_stone _of precious not like_spice (the)_that it _has _come again to_increase _in _number which the _queen _of Shəⱱāʼ she _gave to/for_the _king Shəlomoh/(Solomon).

EZE 27:22: OET EZE 27:22 (RV-only EZE 27:22 · LV-only EZE 27:22)

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OET-RV EZE 27:22

22 Traders from Sheva and Ramah came to sell you the best of every spice and all kinds of precious gems—they traded gold for your goods.

OET-LV EZE 27:22

22 The _traders _of Shəⱱāʼ and_Raˊmāh they were_your(pl)_of_traders for_the_best _of every _of spice and_on/over_all stone precious and_gold they _exchanged wares _of_your.

There are several biblical references to those who prepared perfumes. For example, Bezalel prepared holy anointing oil and sacred incense for the tabernacle (Ex 37:29 OET (RV-only · LV-only)). The holy anointing oil was a mixture of four constituents (30:22-25 OET (RV-only · LV-only)): myrrh, cinnamon, aromatic cane, and cassia mixed in olive oil. In postexilic times, some priests were given the responsibility of mixing perfumes for incense (1 Chr 9:30 OET (RV-only · LV-only)), and a perfumer is mentioned among those who built Nehemiah’s wall (Neh 3:8 OET (RV-only · LV-only)).

EXO 37:29: OET EXO 37:29 (RV-only EXO 37:29 · LV-only EXO 37:29)

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OET-RV EXO 37:29

29 He got a professional ointment maker to make the sacred anointing oil and the pure, fragrant incense.

OET-LV EXO 37:29

29 And_he/it _made DOM the _oil _of (the)_anointing a _holy _thing and_DOM the _incense _of the _perfume(s) pure the_work _of a _perfumer.

EXO 30:22–25: OET EXO 30:22–25 (RV-only EXO 30:22–25 · LV-only EXO 30:22–25)

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OET-RV EXO 30:22

22 Then Yahweh told Mosheh (Moses):

OET-RV EXO 30:23

23 Then you yourself must collect these spices: 6kg of fragrant sap named myrrh, then 3kg of fragrant cinnamon, 3kg of fragrant cane,

OET-RV EXO 30:24

24 and 6kg of fragrant casia bark. (Use the official weight for everything.) Also, four litres of olive oil.

OET-RV EXO 30:25

25 Get a professional perfumer to make this into a sacred, fragrant, anointing oil.

OET-LV EXO 30:22

22 And_ YHWH _he/it _spoke to Mosheh to_saying.

OET-LV EXO 30:23

23 And_you(ms) take to/for_yourself(m) spices the_best _of myrrh _of flowing five hundred(s) and_cinnamon _of spice half _of_its fifty and_two _hundred and_cane _of spice fifty and_two _hundred.

OET-LV EXO 30:24

24 And_cassia five hundred(s) by_the _shekel _of the _holy _place and_oil _of olive[s] a _hin.

OET-LV EXO 30:25

25 And_you _will _make DOM_him/it oil _of anointing _of holiness ointment _of an _ointment _mixture the_work _of a _perfumer oil _of anointing _of holiness it _will _be.

CH1 9:30: OET CH1 9:30 (RV-only CH1 9:30 · LV-only CH1 9:30)

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OET-RV CH1 9:30

30 Some of the priests mixed the fragrances and spices.

OET-LV CH1 9:30

30 And_from the _sons _of the _priests were _those _who_mixed _of (of)_the_ointment _mixture of_spices.

NEH 3:8: OET NEH 3:8 (RV-only NEH 3:8 · LV-only NEH 3:8)

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OET-RV NEH 3:8

8 Next again was Harhayah’s son Uziel (one of the goldsmiths), then Hananyah (who was a son of the perfumers) rebuilt as far as the Broad Wall.

OET-LV NEH 3:8

8 On his/its_hand ˊUzziy^ʼēl the _son _of Ḩarhₐ^yāh goldsmiths he _repaired and_on his/its_hand Ḩₐnan^yāh the _son _of the _perfumers he _repaired and_they _restored Yərūshālaim/(Jerusalem) to the_wall (the)_broad.

Modern excavation has produced tangible evidence of a variety of cosmetic vessels and appliances, although, strangely enough, little is said in the Bible about these (Is 3:20 OET (RV-only · LV-only); Mt 26:7 OET (RV-only · LV-only); Mk 14:3 OET (RV-only · LV-only); Lk 7:37 OET (RV-only · LV-only)). The reference to alabaster containers gains support from their use in Egypt and from archaeology. Some ancient sites in Palestine have yielded numerous small decorated cosmetic bowls, often made of alabaster; small bottles for scents and oils; and palettes for mixing cosmetics. Some of these items are imports from lands like Egypt.

ISA 3:20: OET ISA 3:20 (RV-only ISA 3:20 · LV-only ISA 3:20)

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OET-RV ISA 3:20

20 scarves, armlets, and sashes, perfume bottles and charms,

OET-LV ISA 3:20

20 The_turbans and_the _ankle_chains and_the_sashes and_the _houses _of the_living _creatures and_the_charms.

MAT 26:7: OET MAT 26:7 (RV-only MAT 26:7 · LV-only MAT 26:7)

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OET-RV MAT 26:7

7 A woman inside the house came up to him carrying a carved alabaster flask of very expensive lotion, which she poured over his head as he was seated,

OET-LV MAT 26:7

7 a_woman having an_alabaster _flask of_ heavily _valued _ointment approached to _him, and she _poured _down it on the head of _him reclining.

MRK 14:3: OET MRK 14:3 (RV-only MRK 14:3 · LV-only MRK 14:3)

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OET-RV MRK 14:3

3 Meanwhile, Yeshua (Jesus; Grk. Yesus) was in Beyt-Ania (Bethany) at the home of Shim’on (Simon) who had previously had leprosy. Yeshua was sitting there when a woman came in with a hand-crafted container of very expensive fragrant lotion. Breaking open the sealed flask, she poured the fragrant oil over Yeshua’s head.

OET-LV MRK 14:3

3 And him being in Baʸthania, in the house of _Simōn the leprous, reclining of _him, a_woman came having an_alabaster _flask of _ointment, of_ genuine expensive _nard, having _broken the alabaster _flask, she _poured _down it on _the head of _him.

LUK 7:37: OET LUK 7:37 (RV-only LUK 7:37 · LV-only LUK 7:37)

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OET-RV LUK 7:37

37 Then wow, a sinful woman from the city who knew that he was reclining in there, came into the room carrying a beautiful carved stone flask of scented skin-cream.

OET-LV LUK 7:37

37 And see a_woman who was in the city a_sinner, and having _known that he _is _reclining in the house of _the Farisaios_party _member, having _brought _back an_alabaster _flask of _ointment,

There was a wide range of uses for the various perfumes, whether powders or oils. Perfumed oils were regularly used to anoint the body in order to soothe sun-dried skin (2 Sm 12:20 OET (RV-only · LV-only); Ru 3:3 OET (RV-only · LV-only)). On one occasion, King Ahaz clothed, fed, and anointed men who returned home from captivity (2 Chr 28:15 OET (RV-only · LV-only)). The rich in the land could afford the “finest oils” (Am 6:6 OET (RV-only · LV-only)), although such extravagance could be costly (Prv 21:17 OET (RV-only · LV-only)). This biblical picture is corroborated by evidence from Egypt and Mesopotamia. In particular, there was a lavish use of oils and ointments in the royal palaces of the East.

SA2 12:20: OET SA2 12:20 (RV-only SA2 12:20 · LV-only SA2 12:20)

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OET-RV SA2 12:20

20 Then David got up from the ground and washed, and he rubbed lotions on and changed his clothes, then he entered Yahweh’s tent and worshipped him. Then he went back home and asked for food to be served, and he ate.

OET-LV SA2 12:20

20 And_ Dāvid _he/it _rose _up from_the_ground and_he _bathed and_he _anointed _himself and_he _changed his and_he _went the _house _of YHWH and_he _bowed _down and_he _went to house _of_his _own and_he _asked and_they _set to_him/it food and_he/it _ate.

RUT 3:3: OET RUT 3:3 (RV-only RUT 3:3 · LV-only RUT 3:3)

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OET-RV RUT 3:3

3 So wash yourself and put on some perfume. Wear your cloak and go out to the threshing floor, but don’t let him know you’re there until he’s finished eating and drinking.

OET-LV RUT 3:3

3 And_you _will _wash and_you _will _anoint _yourself and_you _will _put mmm on and the _threshing_floor do _not make _yourself _known to_man until finishes_he to_eat and_to_drink.

CH2 28:15: OET CH2 28:15 (RV-only CH2 28:15 · LV-only CH2 28:15)

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OET-RV CH2 28:15

15 Then some men from Yisrael were called out by name to come and search the plunder to find clothes and dress the naked captives from Yehudah and give them sandals. Then they gave them food and drink, as well as oil to rub on their wounds. They gave donkeys to those who couldn’t easily walk, and took them to Yeriho (Jericho) (Yeriho, the Palm City) which was nearer their relatives, then those men returned to Shomron.

OET-LV CH2 28:15

15 And_ the_men who they _had _been _designated by_names _they _arose and_they _took _hold on_captive[s] and_all people _of_their _naked they _clothed from the_booty and_they_clothed _them and_they_shod _them and_they_fed _them and_they_gave _them _to _drink and_they_anointed _them and_they_led _them on_donkeys to/from_all/each/any/every one _who_stumbled and_they_brought _them Yərīḩō/(Jericho) the _city _of the _palm _trees beside relatives _of_their and_they _returned Shomrōn.

AMO 6:6: OET AMO 6:6 (RV-only AMO 6:6 · LV-only AMO 6:6)

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OET-RV AMO 6:6

6 They drink bowls of wine
⇔ and anoint themselves with the finest oils,
⇔ but they don’t grieve over Yisrael’s (Israel) ruin.

OET-LV AMO 6:6

6 Those_who_drink in_bowls _of wine and_the_best _of oils they _smear and_not they _were _sickened on the _ruin _of Yōşēf/(Joseph)

PRO 21:17: OET PRO 21:17 (RV-only PRO 21:17 · LV-only PRO 21:17)

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OET-RV PRO 21:17

17 The lover of pleasure will become poor.
⇔ ≈ Anyone who loves wine and rich food won’t become wealthy.

OET-LV PRO 21:17

17 Will _be_a _person _of lack one _who_loves pleasure one _who_loves wine and_oil not he _will _gain _riches.

Ointments and oils of various kinds that gave off a pleasing fragrance were regularly used. The Song of Songs has many references to such ointments (Sg 1:3 OET (RV-only · LV-only)), some of which are specifically named: spikenard (1:12 OET (RV-only · LV-only); 4:13-14 OET (RV-only · LV-only)), myrrh (1:13 OET (RV-only · LV-only); 3:6 OET (RV-only · LV-only); 4:6 OET (RV-only · LV-only); 5:1, 5, 13 OET SNG 5:1 · OET SNG 5:5 · OET SNG 5:13 (RV-only SNG 5:1 · RV-only SNG 5:5 · RV-only SNG 5:13 · LV-only SNG 5:1 · LV-only SNG 5:5 · LV-only SNG 5:13)), frankincense (3:6 OET (RV-only · LV-only); 4:6 OET (RV-only · LV-only)), spices (5:13 OET (RV-only · LV-only); 6:2 OET (RV-only · LV-only); 8:14 OET (RV-only · LV-only)), henna (1:14 OET (RV-only · LV-only); 4:13 OET (RV-only · LV-only)), fragrant powders (3:6 OET (RV-only · LV-only)), saffron (4:14 OET (RV-only · LV-only)), calamus, and cinnamon (4:14 OET (RV-only · LV-only)). And there are references in other parts of the Bible to perfumes and ointments of various kinds (1 Kgs 10:2, 10 OET KI1 10:2 · OET KI1 10:10 (RV-only KI1 10:2 · RV-only KI1 10:10 · LV-only KI1 10:2 · LV-only KI1 10:10); 2 Kgs 20:13 OET (RV-only · LV-only); Prv 27:9 OET (RV-only · LV-only); Is 3:24 OET (RV-only · LV-only)).

SNG 1:3: OET SNG 1:3 (RV-only SNG 1:3 · LV-only SNG 1:3)

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OET-RV SNG 1:3

3 As for the fragrance of your perfumes—they’re good.
⇔ Your reputation is like fragrant oil
⇔ so the eligible young women love you.

OET-LV SNG 1:3

3 To_odour oils _of_your are_good is_oil which_it _is _poured _out your(ms)_name therefore yes/correct/thus/so young _women they_love _you.

SNG 1:12: OET SNG 1:12 (RV-only SNG 1:12 · LV-only SNG 1:12)

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OET-RV SNG 1:12

12 While the king was on his couch,
⇔ my perfume gave off its fragrance.

OET-LV SNG 1:12

12 Until that_the_king was_at_table _of_his nard _of_my it _gave _forth odour _of_its.

SNG 4:13–14: OET SNG 4:13–14 (RV-only SNG 4:13–14 · LV-only SNG 4:13–14)

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OET-RV SNG 4:13

13 Your shoots are an orchard of pomegranate trees with delicious fruits,
⇔ and henna and nard spice plants,

OET-RV SNG 4:14

14 nard and saffron, calamus and cinnamon, with all trees used for incense,
⇔ myrrh and aloes, with all the best spices,

OET-LV SNG 4:13

13 Shoots _of_your are_a _garden _of pomegranates with fruit _of excellence(s) henna _plants with nard _plants.

OET-LV SNG 4:14

14 Nard and_saffron calamus and_cinnamon with all _of the_trees _of frankincense myrrh and_aloes with all _of the_best _of spices.

SNG 1:13: OET SNG 1:13 (RV-only SNG 1:13 · LV-only SNG 1:13)

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OET-RV SNG 1:13

13 My dearest is like a perfume sachet
⇔ that stays between my breasts.

OET-LV SNG 1:13

13 Is_(the)_bag _of (the)_myrrh lover _of_my to_me between breasts _of_my it _lodges.

SNG 3:6: OET SNG 3:6 (RV-only SNG 3:6 · LV-only SNG 3:6)

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OET-RV SNG 3:6

6 Who’s that coming up from the wilderness like columns of smoke—
⇔ fragrant smoke of myrrh and frankincense from all the merchant’s powders?

OET-LV SNG 3:6

6 Who this is_coming _up from the_wilderness like_columns _of smoke she _is_perfumed _of myrrh and_frankincense from_all the_scent-powder _of a _trader.

SNG 4:6: OET SNG 4:6 (RV-only SNG 4:6 · LV-only SNG 4:6)

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OET-RV SNG 4:6

6 Until the daylight arrives and the shadows flee,
⇔ I myself will go to the mountain of myrrh
⇔ ≈ and to the hill of frankincense.

OET-LV SNG 4:6

6 Until that_ the_day _it _will _breathe and_ the_shadows _they _will _flee I _will _go to_me to the _mountain _of (the)_myrrh and_near/to the _hill _of (the)_frankincense.

SNG 5:1; SNG 5:5; SNG 5:13: OET SNG 5:1 · OET SNG 5:5 · OET SNG 5:13 (RV-only SNG 5:1 · RV-only SNG 5:5 · RV-only SNG 5:13 · LV-only SNG 5:1 · LV-only SNG 5:5 · LV-only SNG 5:13)

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OET-RV SNG 5:1

5 I have come to my garden, my girlfriend, my bride.
⇔ I’ve plucked my myrrh with my spice.
⇔ I’ve eaten my honeycomb with my honey.
⇔ I’ve drunk my wine with my milk.
⇔ Eat, friends,
⇔ drink, and drink freely, dear ones.

OET-RV SNG 5:5

5 I got myself up to open to my dearest and my hands dripped with myrrh.
⇔ My fingers dripped with flowing myrrh on the arm of the bolt.

OET-RV SNG 5:13

13 His cheeks are like a bed of spices—like towers where aromatic herbs are hung.
⇔ ≈ His lips are lilies—dripping with flowing myrrh.

OET-LV SNG 5:1

5 I _have _come to_garden _of_my my _sister _of_my bride I _have _gathered myrrh _of_my with spice _of_my I _have _eaten honeycomb _of_my with honey _of_my I _have _drunk wine _of_my with milk _of_my eat Oh _friends drink and_become _drunk Oh _lovers.

OET-LV SNG 5:5

5 I I _arose to_open to_lover _of_my and_hands _of_my they _dripped myrrh and_fingers _of_my myrrh flowing on the _handles _of the _bolt.

OET-LV SNG 5:13

13 Cheeks _of_his are_like _(the)_bed _of (the)_spice towers _of aromatic _herbs lips _of_his are_lilies dripping myrrh flowing.

SNG 5:13: OET SNG 5:13 (RV-only SNG 5:13 · LV-only SNG 5:13)

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OET-RV SNG 5:13

13 His cheeks are like a bed of spices—like towers where aromatic herbs are hung.
⇔ ≈ His lips are lilies—dripping with flowing myrrh.

OET-LV SNG 5:13

13 Cheeks _of_his are_like _(the)_bed _of (the)_spice towers _of aromatic _herbs lips _of_his are_lilies dripping myrrh flowing.

SNG 6:2: OET SNG 6:2 (RV-only SNG 6:2 · LV-only SNG 6:2)

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OET-RV SNG 6:2

2 My dearest went down to his garden, to the beds of spices,
⇔ → in order to graze in the gardens and in order to gather lilies.

OET-LV SNG 6:2

2 Lover _of_my he _has _gone _down to_garden _of_his to_the _beds _of (the)_spice to_graze in_gardens and_to_gather lilies.

SNG 8:14: OET SNG 8:14 (RV-only SNG 8:14 · LV-only SNG 8:14)

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OET-RV SNG 8:14

14 Flee, my dearest, and be like a gazelle
⇔ ≈ or a young stag on the mountains of spices.

OET-LV SNG 8:14

14 Hasten my _lover _of_my and_be _like to/for_yourself(m) (to)_a_gazelle or (to)_the_fawn _of the _deer(s) on mountains _of spices.

SNG 1:14: OET SNG 1:14 (RV-only SNG 1:14 · LV-only SNG 1:14)

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OET-RV SNG 1:14

14 My dearest is like a cluster of henna blossoms to me,
⇔ in the Eyn-Gedi vineyards.

OET-LV SNG 1:14

14 Is_(the)_cluster _of (the)_henna _blossom lover _of_my to_me in_the _vineyards _of ˊĒyn.

SNG 4:13: OET SNG 4:13 (RV-only SNG 4:13 · LV-only SNG 4:13)

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OET-RV SNG 4:13

13 Your shoots are an orchard of pomegranate trees with delicious fruits,
⇔ and henna and nard spice plants,

OET-LV SNG 4:13

13 Shoots _of_your are_a _garden _of pomegranates with fruit _of excellence(s) henna _plants with nard _plants.

SNG 4:14: OET SNG 4:14 (RV-only SNG 4:14 · LV-only SNG 4:14)

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OET-RV SNG 4:14

14 nard and saffron, calamus and cinnamon, with all trees used for incense,
⇔ myrrh and aloes, with all the best spices,

OET-LV SNG 4:14

14 Nard and_saffron calamus and_cinnamon with all _of the_trees _of frankincense myrrh and_aloes with all _of the_best _of spices.

KI1 10:2; KI1 10:10: OET KI1 10:2 · OET KI1 10:10 (RV-only KI1 10:2 · RV-only KI1 10:10 · LV-only KI1 10:2 · LV-only KI1 10:10)

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OET-RV KI1 10:2

2 She came to Yerushalem (Jerusalem) with lots of her top people, camels carrying spices and gemstones and a lot of gold. Then she went to Shelomoh and started asking him everything that had been on her mind.

OET-RV KI1 10:10

10 Then the queen gave to king four tonnes of gold and very many spices and precious gemstones. Never again did King Shelomoh receive more spices than what the queen gave him that day.

OET-LV KI1 10:2

2 And_she _came to_Yərūshālaim/(Jerusalem) with_a _retinue numerous very camels which _were_carrying spices and_gold much very and_stone _of precious and_she _came to Shəlomoh/(Solomon) and_she _spoke to_him/it DOM all _of that it _was with heart _of_her.

OET-LV KI1 10:10

KI2 20:13: OET KI2 20:13 (RV-only KI2 20:13 · LV-only KI2 20:13)

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OET-RV KI2 20:13

13 When the messengers arrived, Hizkiyah listened to them, then he showed them his entire treasure house: the gold and silver, the spices and the best oil, the house of his armour, and everything that was in his treasuries. He didn’t keep anything in his palace or in his kingdom secret from them.

OET-LV KI2 20:13

13 And_he/it _listened to_them Ḩizqiy^yāh and_he_showed _them DOM all _of the _house _of his _treasure _of_his DOM the_silver and_DOM the_gold and_DOM the_spices and_DOM the_oil _of (the)_good and_DOM the _house _of his _weapons _of_his and_DOM all _of that it _was _found in_storehouses _of_his not it _was anything which not he_showed _them Ḩizqiy^yāh in_house _of_his and_on/over_all realm _of_his.

PRO 27:9: OET PRO 27:9 (RV-only PRO 27:9 · LV-only PRO 27:9)

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OET-RV PRO 27:9

9 Lotions and perfumes make a person cheery,
⇔ → but it’s so pleasant to be given good advice by a friend.

OET-LV PRO 27:9

9 Oil and_perfume it _makes _glad a _heart and_the _sweetness _of his/its_neighbour is_from_the_counsel _of a _person.

ISA 3:24: OET ISA 3:24 (RV-only ISA 3:24 · LV-only ISA 3:24)

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OET-RV ISA 3:24

24 When that happens, there’ll be a stink instead of fragrance,
⇔ a rope instead of a nice sash,
⇔ baldness instead of a styled hairdo,
⇔ sackcloth instead of fancy clothes,
⇔ brands on the skin instead of beauty,

OET-LV ISA 3:24

24 And_it _was in _place _of perfume rottenness it _will _be and_in _place _of a _belt a _rope and_in _place _of a _work well-set _hair baldness and_in _place _of a _robe a _girding _of sackcloth branding in _place _of beauty.

Perfumes were put on clothes (Ps 45:8 OET (RV-only · LV-only PSA 45:9); Sg 4:11 OET (RV-only · LV-only)) and sprinkled on couches (Prv 7:17 OET (RV-only · LV-only)). Perfumes and spices also played an important role in the burial of the dead. They were used in embalming (Gn 50:2-3, 26 OET GEN 50:2–3 · OET GEN 50:26 (RV-only GEN 50:2–3 · RV-only GEN 50:26 · LV-only GEN 50:2–3 · LV-only GEN 50:26)) and were sprinkled on the bier or burned in the fire at some funerals (2 Chr 16:14 OET (RV-only · LV-only)). Nicodemus brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes to be used in wrapping the body of Jesus (Jn 19:39-40 OET (RV-only · LV-only)). In the funeral of Herod the Great, 500 slaves carried the spices (Josephus’s Antiquities 17.8.3).

PSA 45:8: OET PSA 45:8 (RV-only PSA 45:8 · LV-only PSA 45:9)

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OET-RV PSA 45:8

8 All your clothes smell of myrrh, aloes, and cassia.
⇔ Stringed instruments playing from of ivory palaces have made you glad.

OET-LV PSA 45:9

9  Are_myrrh and_aloes cassia(s) all _of clothes _of_your from palaces _of ivory stringed _instrument they_have _made _you _glad.

SNG 4:11: OET SNG 4:11 (RV-only SNG 4:11 · LV-only SNG 4:11)

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OET-RV SNG 4:11

11 Your lips drip with nectar, my bride.
⇔ Honey and milk are under your tongue,
⇔ and your clothes smell nice like Levanon’s forests.

OET-LV SNG 4:11

11 Honey lips _of_your they _drip Oh _bride honey and_milk are_under tongue _of_your and_the _odour _of your(pl)_garments _of_your is_like_the _odour _of Ləⱱānōn.

PRO 7:17: OET PRO 7:17 (RV-only PRO 7:17 · LV-only PRO 7:17)

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OET-RV PRO 7:17

17 I’ve perfumed my bed
⇔ with fragrant myrrh and aloes and cinnamon.

OET-LV PRO 7:17

17 I _have _sprinkled bed _of_my myrrh aloes and_cinnamon.

GEN 50:2–3; GEN 50:26: OET GEN 50:2–3 · OET GEN 50:26 (RV-only GEN 50:2–3 · RV-only GEN 50:26 · LV-only GEN 50:2–3 · LV-only GEN 50:26)

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OET-RV GEN 50:2

2 Then he commanded those of his servants who were physicians to embalm his father. So Yisrael’s (Israel) body was embalmed

OET-RV GEN 50:3

3 over the next forty days (which is the normal time for embalming), and the Mitsrim (Egyptians) mourned for him for seventy days.

OET-RV GEN 50:26

26 Then Yosef died at the age of 110, and the specialists embalmed his body and it was put in a coffin in a tomb in Mitsrayim.

OET-LV GEN 50:2

2 And_ Yōşēf _he/it _commanded DOM servants _of_his DOM the_physicians to_embalm DOM his/its_father and_ the_physicians _they _embalmed DOM Yisrā^ʼēl/(Israel).

OET-LV GEN 50:3

3 And_they _were _completed to_him/it forty day[s] if/because thus the _days _of the _embalming(s) they _were _completed and_ Miʦrayim/(Egypt) _they _wept _for DOM_him/it seventy day[s].

OET-LV GEN 50:26

26 And_ Yōşēf _he/it _died a _son _of one _hundred and_ten years and_people _embalmed DOM_him/it and_he _was _put in_coffin in_Miʦrayim.

CH2 16:14: OET CH2 16:14 (RV-only CH2 16:14 · LV-only CH2 16:14)

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OET-RV CH2 16:14

14 and he was buried in the tomb that he’d had carved out in ‘The City of David’. They laid his corpse on a bed of prepared spices and perfumes that had been mixed ready. Then they lit a large bonfire in his honour.

OET-LV CH2 16:14

14 And_people_buried _him in_his _own _of_grave(s) which he _had _dug to_him/it in_the _city _of Dāvid and_they_made _him _lie in_place which he _had _filled spices and_kinds mixed as_ointment _mixture _of work and_they _burnt to_him/it a _burning great up _to (to)_muchness.

JHN 19:39–40: OET JHN 19:39–40 (RV-only JHN 19:39–40 · LV-only JHN 19:39–40)

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OET-RV JHN 19:39

39 Nikodemos (the one who had first visited Yeshua at night) also came, bringing around 30kg of burial spices.

OET-RV JHN 19:40

40 So they took Yeshua’s body and wrapped it around with linen strips with the spices as per the Jewish burial customs.

OET-LV JHN 19:39

39 And Nikodaʸmos also came, the one having _come to him at _the first by _night, bringing a_wrapping of _myrrh and aloe, about a_hundred pounds.

OET-LV JHN 19:40

40 Therefore they _took the body the of_Yaʸsous, and they _bound it in _linen _cloths with the spices, as the_custom of _the Youdaiōns is to _be _burying.

Besides the personal use of such materials, there was a wide range of oils, perfumes, and incense used in worship. A holy anointing oil was used to anoint the tabernacle and its furnishings and the Aaronic priests at their induction (Ex 30:22-25 OET (RV-only · LV-only); Ps 133 OET (RV-only · LV-only)). An interesting prescription for the sacred incense to be prepared by the perfumer is given in Exodus 30:34-35 OET (RV-only · LV-only). The items listed are well known both in Israel and in other parts of the ancient East.

PSA 133:1–3: OET PSA 133:1–3 (RV-only PSA 133:1–3 · LV-only PSA 133:1–3)

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OET-RV PSA 133:1

133 Listen, it’s really good and pleasant
⇔ when the nation’s people get on well together.

OET-RV PSA 133:2

2 It’s like having expensive oil on the head,
⇔ running down the beard—Aharon’s (Aaron) beard,
⇔ and which then runs down onto the collar of his robes.

OET-RV PSA 133:3

3 It’s like the dew on Mt. Hermon
⇔ which falls on the mountains of Tsiyon (Zion),
⇔ because Yahweh commanded the blessing there—eternal life.

OET-LV PSA 133:1

133 The _song _of the _ascents of_Dāvid THERE how good and_how pleasant brothers is_the_dwelling also together.

OET-LV PSA 133:2

2 Like_oil (the)_good on the_head which_runs _down on the_beard the _beard _of ʼAhₐron which_is_running _down on the _opening _of his _robes _of_his.

OET-LV PSA 133:3

3 Like_the _dew _of Ḩermōn which_is_running _down on the _mountains _of Tsiyyōn if/because there YHWH he _has _commanded DOM the_blessing life until (the)_perpetuity.

EXO 30:34–35: OET EXO 30:34–35 (RV-only EXO 30:34–35 · LV-only EXO 30:34–35)

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OET-RV EXO 30:34

34 Then Yahweh told Mosheh (Moses): Collect equal amounts of stacte, onycha, and galbanum spices, and pure frankincense,

OET-RV EXO 30:35

35 and get a professional ointment mixer to add salt and make it into pure incense that will be sacred.

OET-LV EXO 30:34

34 And_ YHWH _he/it _said to Mosheh take to/for_yourself(m) spices stacte and_onycha and_galbanum spices and_frankincense pure a _part in_a _part it _will _be.

OET-LV EXO 30:35

35 And_you _will _make DOM_her/it incense ointment the_work _of a _perfumer salted pure a _holy _thing.

The NT contains a number of figurative references. Christ gave himself as a fragrant offering to God (Eph 5:2 OET (RV-only · LV-only)). The gifts of the Philippians to Paul were described as a fragrant offering (Phil 4:18 OET (RV-only · LV-only)) and the prayers of the saints are described as bowls of incense (Rv 5:8 OET (RV-only · LV-only)).

EPH 5:2: OET EPH 5:2 (RV-only EPH 5:2 · LV-only EPH 5:2)

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OET-RV EPH 5:2

2 and immerse yourselves in love just as the messiah loves you all and allowed himself to suffer for us as an offering and sacrifice which is like a pleasant fragrance to God.

OET-LV EPH 5:2

2 and be _walking in love, as also the chosen _one /messiah loved you _all, and gave_ himself _over for us, an_offering and a_sacrifice to_ the _god into an_aroma of_a_sweet _fragrance.

PHP 4:18: OET PHP 4:18 (RV-only PHP 4:18 · LV-only PHP 4:18)

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OET-RV PHP 4:18

18 But now I’ve received everything I need. I have plenty now that Epafroditos arrived with what you all sent. It was like a fragrant sacrifice that’s acceptable to God and which pleases him.

OET-LV PHP 4:18

18 But I _am _receiving _fully all things, and I _am _being _plentiful, I _have _been _filled, having _received from Epafroditos the things from you _all, an_aroma of_a_sweet _fragrance, a_sacrifice acceptable, well _pleasing to_ the _god.

REV 5:8: OET REV 5:8 (RV-only REV 5:8 · LV-only REV 5:8)

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OET-RV REV 5:8

8 When he’d taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders knelt down in front of the lamb. Each elder held a harp and a bowl that was full of incense (which symbolised the prayers of the believers).

OET-LV REV 5:8

8 And when he _took the four, scroll the living _creatures and the twenty four elders fell before the lamb, having each a_harp and bowls golden being _full of _incenses, which are the prayers of _the holy ones.

See also Cosmetics; Oil; Ointment; Perfumer.