σμύρνα (smurna)
smurna
myrrh
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun smurna refers to myrrh, a resinous gum that exudes from trees in Arabia and Ethiopia. In the ancient world, this costly substance served as both a precious perfume and an antiseptic agent for embalming. The term appears in only two New Testament verses, yet each instance carries significant weight regarding Jesus’ life and death.
In Matthew 2:11, wise men present myrrh alongside gold and frankincense as gifts to the infant Jesus. This offering highlights his royal status while subtly pointing toward his future suffering and burial. Later, in John 19:39, Nicodemus brings a mixture of myrrh and aloes to prepare Jesus’ body for entombment. Here, the substance fulfills its practical role in honoring the dead, marking the end of his earthly life.
Etymologically, the word likely strengthens an earlier root related to bitterness or water, reflecting the resin’s sharp taste and liquid form. Translators consistently render it as "myrrh," preserving the specific cultural and religious associations of the original audience. The brief appearance of this word underscores the connection between Jesus’ birth and his death, framing his entire mission within the context of sacrifice and honor.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Myrrh is a resin known for its bitter taste and rich aroma, used in ancient times as both perfume and medicine. In Matthew 2:11, the wise men bring myrrh to the baby Jesus, a gift that acknowledges his royal status while quietly pointing toward the suffering he would face. This single item connects the joy of his birth with the sacrifice of his death.
Later, in John 19:39, Nicodemus uses myrrh to prepare Jesus’ body for burial. Here, the substance serves a practical purpose, honoring the dead with costly spices. Together, these two moments show how myrrh frames Jesus’ life—from humble beginnings to a dignified end—reminding us that his mission was always about giving himself fully for others.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- of myrrh1×
- myrrh.1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- σμύρνης1×
- σμύρναν.1×
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 myrrh as one of the three gifts presented to Jesus, symbolizing both kingship and future suffering.
-
John 19:39
Nicodemus, who at first came to Jesus by night, also came bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred Roman pounds.
Here, myrrh is part of a large mixture used by Nicodemus to honor Jesus’ body after his death on the cross.