There are a lot of different spices mentioned in the bible. While some of them might not be familiar to us today, they were important components of both food and medicine in biblical times.
Let’s take a look at some of the most popular spices mentioned in the bible, and see what we can learn about them.
Spices That Are Mentioned In The Bible
Mint (Luke 11:42)
Mint was used as a symbol of hospitality in biblical times and was often used to flavor food. It was also thought to have medicinal properties and was used to treat a variety of ailments.
In the New Testament, Jesus compares the Pharisees to mint, which is only used for decoration and has no real value. He says that they are like whitewashed tombs, which look clean on the outside but are full of dead men’s bones on the inside.
Mint is a hardy plant that can grow in most climates and soil types. It is easy to care for and can be propagated by cuttings or seeds. Mint prefers full sun but will tolerate partial shade. It should be kept well-watered, especially during dry periods.
Mint is a versatile herb that can be used in many different dishes. It can be added to salads, soups, stews, sauces, and desserts. Mint can also be used to make tea and other beverages.
Mint is a refreshing herb that has many uses. Whether you are looking to add flavor to your food or want to use it for its medicinal properties, mint is a great choice.
Cinnamon (Exodus 30:23)
Cinnamon was used as a spice and as an ingredient in the holy anointing oil. It was also used to make a special kind of incense that was used in the tabernacle and temple.
Cinnamon is a spice that is made from the inner bark of a tree called Cinnamomum Verum. Cinnamon has a sweet, warm flavor and is used to flavor many different dishes. It is also used as a natural sweetener.
Cinnamon is thought to have many health benefits. It is a good source of antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties. Cinnamon is also used to help regulate blood sugar levels.
Cinnamon can be used in both sweet and savory dishes. It is often used in baking, but it can also be added to stews, curries, and other savory dishes. Cinnamon can be purchased in whole sticks, ground powder, or as an extract.
See 8 Biblical Herbs For HealingCumin (Isaiah 28:25)
Cumin was a popular spice in biblical times and was used to flavor food and as a medicine. It was also used as a weight for gold and silver.
Cumin is a spice that is made from the dried seeds of a plant called Cuminum Cyminum. Cumin has an earthy, slightly spicy flavor and is used in many different dishes. It is a common ingredient in Indian, Middle Eastern, and Mexican cuisine.
Cumin can be used in both sweet and savory dishes. It is often used to flavor bread, cakes, and cookies. It can also be used to season meats, poultry, and fish.
Cumin is a versatile spice that can be used in many different dishes. Try adding it to your next meal for a flavorful twist.
Acorus calamus ( Exodus 30:23)
Acorus calamus is a plant that was used in the holy anointing oil. It was also used to make the incense that was used in the tabernacle and temple.
Acorus calamus is a tall, reed-like plant that grows in damp places. The root of the plant is aromatic and has a spicy taste.
Acorus calamus was used in ancient times to treat a variety of ailments, including colds, coughs, stomach problems, and fever. It was also used as a diuretic and stimulant.
The oil of Acorus calamus was used in the holy anointing oil. It was also used to make the incense that was used in the tabernacle and temple.
Acorus calamus is mentioned in Exodus 30:23 as one of the ingredients in the holy anointing oil.
“Take the following fine spices: 500 shekels of liquid myrrh, half as much (that is, 250 shekels) of fragrant cinnamon, 250 shekels of fragrant calamus,”
Frankincense: (Song of Solomon 4:14, Matthew 2:11, Exodus 30:34 )
Frankincense is a resin that is obtained from the trees of the genus Boswellia. Frankincense has a sweet, woody scent and is used in perfumes, incense, and cosmetics. It is also used as a medicine.
Frankincense was one of the gifts that were given to Jesus by wise men. It was also used in the temple by the priests.
Frankincense has many health benefits. It is a good source of antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties. Frankincense is also used to treat asthma, bronchitis, and arthritis.
Frankincense can be used in a variety of ways. It can be burned as incense, added to perfumes and cosmetics, or used as medicine.
Myrrh: (Esther 2:12, Song of Solomon 5:5, Matthew 2:11, Mark 15:23 )
Myrrh is a resin that is obtained from the trees of the genus Commiphora. Myrrh has a bitter taste and a strong, pungent odor. It is used as a medicine and in perfumes, incense, and cosmetics.
Myrrh is mentioned several times in the Bible. In Esther 2:12, Queen Esther was given myrrh to perfume her body before she met with King Xerxes. In Song of Solomon 5:5, the lover compares his beloved’s skin to black onyx and compares her hair to perfumed myrrh. In Matthew 2:11, the Magi bring gold, frankincense, and myrrh to the infant Jesus. In Mark 15:23, myrrh is mixed with wine and offered to Jesus on the cross as a painkiller.
Myrrh has a long history of use in traditional medicine. It was used to treat wounds, digestive problems, and colds. Myrrh is still used in some herbal remedies. Myrrh is available in tinctures, ointments, and powders.
Cassia: (Psalm 45:8, Song of Solomon 4:14 )
Cassia is a spice that is obtained from the inner bark of the Cinnamomum cassia tree. Cassia has a sweet, cinnamon-like flavor and is used in baking and cooking. It is also used as a medicine.
Cassia is mentioned in the Bible in Psalm 45:8 and Song of Solomon 4:14. In Psalm 45:8, the writer compares the King’s robes to cassia and says that they smell of myrrh and aloes.
In Song of Solomon 4:14, the lover compares his beloved’s skin to black onyx and her hair to perfumed myrrh.
Cassia was used in ancient times to treat stomach problems and colds. It was also used as a diuretic and stimulant. Cassia is still used in some traditional medicines. Cassia is available in tinctures, ointments, and powders.
Spikenard: (Song of Solomon 1:12, 4:13-14, John 12:3 )
Spikenard is a spice that is obtained from the roots of the Nardostachys jatamansi plant. Spikenard has a sweet, musky scent and is used in perfumes and incense. It was also used as a medicine.
Spikenard is mentioned in the Bible in Song of Solomon 1:12, 4:13-14, and John 12:3. In Song of Solomon 1:12, the lover compares his beloved’s hair to black wool and her eyes to spikenard.
In Song of Solomon 4:13-14, the lover compares his beloved’s skin to black onyx and her hair to perfumed myrrh. He also says that she smells of spikenard.
In John 12:3, Mary anoints Jesus with expensive spikenard perfume.
Spikenard was used in ancient times to treat stomach problems, colds, and headaches. It was also used as a diuretic, stimulant, and laxative. Spikenard is still used in some traditional medicines. Spikenard is available in tinctures, ointments, and powders.
Conclusion:
The Bible is full of spices! Spices were used for many different purposes in biblical times, from flavoring food to embalming the dead. Some of the most common spices mentioned in the Bible include frankincense, myrrh, cinnamon, and pepper.
While we may not use spices in quite the same way as they did in biblical times, we can still enjoy their flavor and aroma in our daily lives. So the next time you’re cooking up a meal or baking a cake, reach for those spices and think of the long history that they represent.
See 8 Biblical Herbs For Healing
