Spices in the Scriptures: A Biblical History of Herbs and Seasonings

Did you know food preparation can become a spiritual experience of biblical proportions? If you know the backgrounds and historical significances of the items you select, your cooking can take on new meanings. Since ancient times, spices have added zest and meaning to cuisine of all kinds.

As you select spices for your cuisine, you may be interested in the historical uses and meanings of these herbs and seasonings.

Aloe, listed biblically as ahalim, was used in ancient times to prepare a body for burial.

It is found in John 19:39: "[Joseph of Arimathea] was accompanied by Nicodemus, the man who earlier had visited Jesus at night. Nicodemus brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds."

Anise, listed biblically as anethon, is also known as cummin. It was viewed as a valuable commodity in New Testament times.

Matthew 23:23 mentions this: "Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices-mint, dill and cummin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law-justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former."

Balm, listed biblically as tsori, was a comfort remedy.

Jeremiah 46:11 mentions it: "Go up to Gilead and get balm, O Virgin Daughter of Egypt. But you multiply remedies in vain; there is no healing for you."

Bay leaf is listed biblically as ezrah.

This appears in Psalm 37:35: "I have seen a wicked and ruthless man flourishing like a green [bayleaf] tree in its native soil."

Cinnamon, listed biblically as cinnamon, was part of Moses' sacred anointing oil for the Tent of Meeting, the Ark of the Testimony, the holy objects, and the high priests.

Exodus 30:22-24 mentions this: "Then the LORD said to Moses, 'Take the following fine spices: 500 shekels of liquid myrrh, half as much (that is, 250 shekels) of fragrant cinnamon, 250 shekels of fragrant cane, 500 shekels of cassia-all according to the sanctuary shekel-and a hin of olive oil.'"

Coriander is listed biblically as gad, something similar in hue to heavenly manna.