Balm
NatureWhat is the meaning of Balm in the Bible?
Balm, also known as tseri or tsori, is an odoriferous resin brought from Gilead by Ishmaelite Arabs and used for medicinal purposes. It was one of the gifts sent by Jacob to Joseph and named as one of the exports from Judea to Tyre.
SIGNIFICANCE
The significance of balm lies in its use as a symbol of healing and medicine, with biblical references highlighting its medicinal properties and figurative applications.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Physical & Symbolic Reality: Physical objects and natural elements like Balm were everyday realities for biblical writers, frequently used as living metaphors for spiritual truths.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Balm in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Balm clarify?
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Balm." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/balm/