σμύρνα
smýrna
G4666 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A fragrant gum or resin produced from the Commiphora tree, used as a perfume, incense, or for embalming; in broader contexts, refers to the aromatic substance, myrrh, specifically as an imported luxury good, an ingredient in perfumes, and in funerary or religious rites.
Semantic Range
myrrh (gum resin), aromatic resin, ingredient in perfume, incense ingredient, substance for embalming or anointing
Root / Etymology
Borrowed via Semitic languages (compare Hebrew מוֹר [mor], Arabic مُرّ [murr]) from an Afroasiatic root meaning 'bitter.' The form σμύρνα is apparently influenced by or a strengthened variant of μύρρα (myrrha), likely due to dialectal or trade-language variation.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical and Hellenistic Greek, σμύρνα and μύρρα are variants referring specifically to the gum-resin (myrrh) imported from Arabia or East Africa, prized for its use in perfumes, incense, and embalming. In the Septuagint, σμύρνα often translates Hebrew mor, describing the luxury and ritual uses of myrrh (Song of Songs 1:13, Exod 30:23). In the New Testament, it appears in the context of gifts for the infant Jesus (Matt 2:11), and anointing of Jesus’ body (John 19:39), attesting to its continued association with honor, ritual, and burial. English “myrrh” follows the Greek but does not distinguish between σμύρνα and μύρρα. No religious or ethnic connotation is attached; meaning is purely material. Related to μύρον which generally means 'ointment' or 'perfumed oil,' but σμύρνα always centers on the raw resin. Septuagint use helps shape the term’s semantic range in Christian Greek. The register signifies luxury, ritual, and often funereal association rather than everyday use.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
apparently strengthened for μύρον; myrrh:--myrrh.
Root Family
σμύρνα (smýrna) — resin, myrrh, aromatic gum
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4666-01 |
σμύρναν | smurnan | N ACC F SG |
myrrh | myrrh resin | myrrh | 1 |
G4666-02 |
σμύρνης | smurnes | N GEN F SG |
of myrrh | of myrrh resin | of myrrh | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4666-01 |
Matthew 2:11 | σμύρναν | smurnan | N ACC F SG |
myrrh | myrrh resin | myrrh |
G4666-02 |
John 19:39 | σμύρνης | smurnes | N GEN F SG |
of myrrh | of myrrh resin | of myrrh |