Bible Dictionary
Aloes, Lign Aloes
Lign aloes was a costly, sweet-smelling wood, commonly identified with aromatic aquilaria wood. It appears in descriptions of fragrance, perfume, and royal or bridal splendor.
Definition
Lign aloes is a costly, sweet-smelling wood used as a fragrance. It is generally identified with aromatic Aquilaria wood, also called aloe-wood.
Biblical Usage
It appears in biblical descriptions of royal, bridal, and personal fragrance, including the Psalms, Proverbs, Song of Solomon, and the burial preparation of Jesus.
Historical Background
The tree associated with lign aloes grows in India and may reach about 120 feet in height and twelve feet in girth. Its wood was highly valued for its aroma.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Smith's Bible Dictionary
(in Heb. Ahalim, Ahaloth), The name of a costly and sweet-smelling wood which is mentioned in (Numbers 24:6; Psalms 45:8; Proverbs 7:17; Song of Solomon 4:14; John 19:39) It is usually identified with the Aquilaria agollochum, an aromatic wood much valued in India. This tree sometimes grows to the height of 120 feet, being 12 feet in girth.