לֹט
𐤋𐤈
lôṭ
H3910 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
An aromatic resinous gum obtained from certain shrubs, especially believed to be labdanum (the gum of the Cistus shrub), used for its fragrance and possibly medicinal properties. In Biblical usage, denotes a valuable commodity often included among other precious trade goods.
Semantic Range
aromatic resin, gum, labdanum, fragrant gum, valued commodity, trade good, ingredient in incense or perfumery
Root / Etymology
From the root לוּט (lut), meaning 'to wrap, envelop,' possibly referring to the sticky, thick nature of the resin. The precise etymology is uncertain but may reflect the physical quality of the substance rather than its botanical source.
Historical & Contextual Notes
'לֹט' occurs rarely in the Hebrew Bible (Genesis 37:25 as an export item with other precious resins). The identification as 'myrrh' in some older translations is unlikely; modern scholarship aligns the term with labdanum, a resin obtained from Cistus shrubs native to the Eastern Mediterranean. This differentiates it from other Biblical aromatic resins such as 'tsori' (balm) and 'nekoth' (gum), which refer to different botanical sources and products. In trade contexts of the patriarchal period, resins like לֹט were highly prized and associated with wealth and transregional commerce. English translations often render לֹט as 'myrrh,' but this reflects later interpretive traditions rather than botanical exactness. In the Biblical period, its usage points to its status as a luxury export and a component in perfumery or incense, and not necessarily the same species as New Testament myrrh.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
probably from לוּט; a gum (from its sticky nature), probably ladanum; myrrh.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
לות (l-w-ṭ) — to wrap, envelop, be enveloped
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H3910-01 |
וָ/לֹ֔ט | valot | HC/Ncmsa |
and myrrh | and aromatic resin | 2 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H3910-01 |
Genesis 37:25 | וָ/לֹ֔ט | valot | HC/Ncmsa |
and myrrh | and aromatic resin |
H3910-01 |
Genesis 43:11 | וָ/לֹ֔ט | valot | HC/Ncmsa |
and myrrh | and aromatic resin |