λίβανος
líbanos
G3030 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
An aromatic resin obtained from the frankincense tree (Boswellia species), used as incense; by extension, the substance itself or anything related to the aromatic gum. In Greek sources, primarily denotes the tree producing the incense or the resin, and, by metonymy, the incense. The term encompasses both the source plant and its product, especially as used in ritual contexts.
Semantic Range
frankincense tree, aromatic resin from the Boswellia tree, the incense produced from frankincense, incense as a ritual or cultic offering
Root / Etymology
Borrowed from Hebrew לְבוֹנָה (levonah), referring to frankincense, the resin of Boswellia trees native to Arabia and East Africa. The Greek term entered the language through commercial and cultic contact with the Levant, reflecting both the product and the ritual usage.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, λίβανος refers first to the frankincense tree and the valuable aromatic resin derived from it, prized in Mediterranean trade, especially from Arabia. The word's use in the Septuagint (LXX) typically renders Hebrew לְבוֹנָה, the aromatic resin required in the incense offerings of the Israelite cult (e.g., Exodus, Leviticus). In Hellenistic and New Testament contexts, λίβανος retains its primary sense as frankincense or incense, often in the context of temple worship, sacrifices, or gifts to deities and dignitaries. In both the LXX and the New Testament (e.g., Matthew 2:11), λίβανος specifically denotes the aromatic resin offered in ritual, symbolizing preciousness or reverence. Standard English translations as 'frankincense' or 'incense' cover the main aspects, but may obscure the distinction between source plant and resin. The term does not extend generically to all incense, but refers particularly to this resin. In later Christian tradition, the term is associated strongly with liturgical uses, but this postdates the New Testament period. No significant semantic shift is observed between earlier and later Koine usage; λίβανος consistently refers either to the tree or, more commonly, the resin or incense produced from it.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
of foreign origin (לְבוֹנָה); the incense-tree, i.e. (by implication) incense itself:--frankincense.
Root Family
λίβανος (líbanos) — aromatic resin, frankincense tree, incense
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G3030-01 |
λίβανον | libanon | N ACC M SG |
frankincense | frankincense resin | frankincense | 2 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G3030-01 |
Matthew 2:11 | λίβανον | libanon | N ACC M SG |
frankincense | frankincense resin | frankincense |
G3030-01 |
Revelation 18:13 | λίβανον | libanon | N ACC M SG |
frankincense | frankincense resin | frankincense resin |