Opobalsamum
NatureWhat is the meaning of Opobalsamum in the Bible?
The Revised Version margin in Exodus 30:34 identifies ope-balsamum as an ingredient in the sacred incense, likely serving as a variant spelling or synonym for stacte, a clear gum resin.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding ope-balsamum clarifies the specific botanical ingredients used in the Temple incense, revealing the material culture and resource management involved in maintaining the prescribed ritual purity of ancient Israelite worship.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Physical & Symbolic Reality: Physical objects and natural elements like Opobalsamum were everyday realities for biblical writers, frequently used as living metaphors for spiritual truths.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Opobalsamum in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Opobalsamum clarify?
Scripture Passages Mentioned:
Exodus 30:34
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
"Opobalsamum." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/opobalsamum/