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Bible dictionary for children

Frankincense

Frankincense is a fragrant resin from a tree.

Illustrated symbol for Frankincense

In simple words

What does it mean?

Frankincense is a fragrant resin from a tree. It was valuable and could be burned as incense in worship.

Matthew names frankincense among the gifts brought by the wise men to Jesus. It is not ordinary cooking spice or perfume in a bottle.

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What do valuable gifts tell us about the visitors' purpose?

An example from the Bible

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Bible context & readings +

Read the surrounding passage to see who is speaking and how this word or idea is being used. The linked reading opens the full chapter.

Related reading: 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.
Full readings at eBible.org · World English Bible Classic. Read with an adult.

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