λίβανος (libanos)
libanos
frankincense
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun libanos refers to frankincense, a precious resin harvested from specific trees. In the New Testament, it appears only twice, yet its presence carries significant weight. Matthew 2:11 records it as one of the gifts brought by the Magi to the infant Jesus, while Revelation 18:13 lists it among the luxury goods traded in the fallen city of Babylon.
This term is a direct loan from Semitic languages, mirroring the Hebrew levonah found in the Old Testament. It denotes both the source tree and the aromatic resin itself, which was burned as incense in temple worship. The word highlights the value placed on this substance, serving as a marker of wealth and sacred ritual in the ancient world.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Frankincense was a precious resin burned in ancient temples, creating clouds of sweet smoke that rose toward heaven. In Matthew 2:11, the Magi brought this gift to Jesus, acknowledging His royal status and divine nature. This act connects the worship of the Old Testament with the coming of Christ, showing that He is worthy of our highest honors.
Yet the word also appears in Revelation 18:13 among the goods of fallen Babylon. Here, frankincense represents worldly wealth and luxury that ultimately fails. It reminds us that material riches cannot save or satisfy the soul. We are invited to offer God not just gold, but our sincere worship and devotion.
When we pray, our prayers rise like incense before God. This word encourages us to bring our best to Him, trusting in His presence rather than in earthly treasures. May your heart be filled with gratitude for the King who received these gifts long ago.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- frankincense2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- λίβανον2×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 2:11
They came into the house and saw the young child with Mary, his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Opening their treasures, they offered to him gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
This verse highlights frankincense as a royal gift acknowledging Jesus' divine identity.
-
Revelation of John 18:13
and cinnamon, incense, perfume, frankincense, wine, olive oil, fine flour, wheat, cattle, sheep, horses, chariots, and people’s bodies and souls.
Here the word appears in a list of Babylon's luxury goods, symbolizing fleeting worldly wealth.