Objects & worship
Frankincense
An aromatic tree resin used in offerings and presented as a gift.
Also called · pure incense
What it means
Frankincense is a fragrant resin obtained from trees. It is one incense ingredient, rather than a name for every kind of incense.
Exodus 30 prescribes equal weights of frankincense and other aromatics for the sanctuary incense. Making the same mixture for personal use is forbidden, with a warning that offenders will be cut off from their people.
In Leviticus 2, oil and frankincense accompany an offering of fine flour. A priest burns a portion of the offering on the altar.
How it appears in the Bible
In Matthew 2, wise men from the east worship the young Jesus and offer gold, frankincense, and myrrh. The passage does not explain why they chose each gift.
Translation note
Frankincense is a resin used as an incense ingredient. Myrrh is a different aromatic resin.