Mastic, Mastick
NatureWhat is the meaning of Mastic, Mastick in the Bible?
The mastic tree (Pistacia lentiscus) is a shrub that grows in thickets on Mediterranean slopes and produces a prized gum used as a masticatory. The gum has a flavor and smell similar to the terebinth.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding the mastic tree clarifies biblical references to aromatic resins and chewing gums, illustrating the daily sensory experiences and medicinal practices of ancient Near Eastern and Mediterranean societies.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Physical & Symbolic Reality: Physical objects and natural elements like Mastic, Mastick were everyday realities for biblical writers, frequently used as living metaphors for spiritual truths.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Mastic, Mastick in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Mastic, Mastick clarify?
Related Topics
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
"Mastic, Mastick." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/mastic-mastick/