Bible Dictionary
Spices
Spices were aromatic substances used in sacred anointing oil, perfume, embalming, and royal stores. They were valued for their fragrance and practical uses.
Definition
Spices are aromatic substances used for fragrance and practical purposes. Several kinds are named in connection with biblical worship, burial, and royal treasure. Their value lay in their pleasant aroma and their usefulness in preparing oils, perfumes, and the dead.
Biblical Usage
Spices formed part of the sacred anointing oil and were used in embalming the dead. They were also associated with the burial preparations of Jesus and were stored by Hezekiah in his treasure-house.
Historical Background
The supplied material presents spices as valuable aromatic commodities kept in royal stores as well as used in religious and funerary practice.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Aromatic substances, of which several are named in Ex. 30. They were used in the sacred anointing oil (Ex. 25:6; 35:8; 1 Chr. 9:29), and in embalming the dead (2 Chr. 16:14; Luke 23:56; 24:1; John 19:39, 40). Spices were stored by Hezekiah in his treasure-house (2 Kings 20:13; Isa. 39:2).