Myrrh is the fragrant gum resin obtained from small, thorny trees native to Arabia and the Horn of Africa. In the ancient world it was prized for perfume, incense, medicine, and above all for embalming. Trade caravans carried it northward along the Incense Route, making it a luxury item associated with royal courts and temple worship.

Occurrences in the New Testament

1. Matthew 2:11 — Wise men from the east “presented to Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh”.
2. John 19:39 — Nicodemus brought “a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds” to prepare the body of Jesus for burial.

These two appearances form a literary inclusio: the child is greeted with myrrh at His birth and laid to rest with myrrh at His death, underscoring the unity of the Gospel message.

Old Testament Foundations

• Exodus 30:23 lists myrrh as the chief ingredient in the holy anointing oil, setting it apart for sacred service.
• Song of Solomon repeatedly employs myrrh to portray the intimacy and delight of covenant love (Song of Solomon 1:13; 4:6).
• Esther 2:12 records its use in royal beautification, a reminder of its association with purity and favor.

The New Testament writers assume this background; thus myrrh carries connotations of consecration, sacrificial love, and regal honor.

Christological Significance

Gold speaks of kingship, frankincense of deity, and myrrh of sacrificial death. By including myrrh in their gifts, the Magi unknowingly proclaim Isaiah’s Servant: a King who will suffer and die (Isaiah 53). At Calvary, that prophecy is realized; myrrh is now used by Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea, two wealthy men who publicly align themselves with the crucified Messiah (John 19:38-42). The aromatic resin that once perfumed the sanctuary now testifies that the true Temple has given His life.

Connection to Smyrna in Revelation

The city name “Smyrna” is derived from the same root. The church there is commended for faithfulness amid persecution (Revelation 2:8-11). Just as resin yields its fragrance when crushed, so the believers in Smyrna are exhorted to remain fragrant witnesses even unto death, assured of the crown of life.

Symbolism in Christian Worship

Early Christian liturgies incorporated myrrh-based incense as a visual and olfactory reminder of Christ’s offering. The sweet smell rising during prayer reflects the heavenly scene where “the prayers of the saints” ascend like incense (Revelation 8:4).

Pastoral and Devotional Applications

• Worship: Believers offer their “bodies as a living sacrifice” (Romans 12:1), becoming a pleasing aroma to God (2 Corinthians 2:15).
• Suffering: Myrrh’s bitterness points to the reality of suffering, yet its fragrance anticipates resurrection glory (Philippians 3:10-11).
• Generosity: The Magi’s costly gift challenges modern disciples to honor Christ with their best resources (Proverbs 3:9).

Summary

Myrrh threads through Scripture as a fragrant signpost—from tabernacle oil, to bridal imagery, to the cradle and the cross—ultimately pointing to the once-for-all sacrifice and triumphant resurrection of Jesus Christ. Its presence calls the Church to a life of consecrated worship, sacrificial love, and steadfast hope.