Dictionaries :: Perfumes

Easton's Bible Dictionary

Perfumes:

were used in religious worship, and for personal and domestic enjoyment (Exd 30:35-37; Pro 7:17; Sgs 3:6; Isa 57:9); and also in embalming the dead, and in other funeral ceremonies (Mar 14:8; Luk 24:1; Jhn 19:39).

Smith's Bible Dictionary

Perfumes:

The free use of perfumes was peculiarly grateful to the Orientals (Proverbs 27:9) whose olfactory nerves are more than usually sensitive to the offensive smells engendered by the heat of their climate. The Hebrews manufactured their perfumes chiefly from spices imported from Arabia though to a certain extent also from aromatic plants growing in their own country. Perfumes entered largely into the temple service, in the two forms of incense and ointment (Exodus 30:22-38). Nor were they less used in private life; not only were they applied to the person, but to garment (Psalm 45:8; Solomon 4:11) and to articles of furniture, such as beds (Proverbs 7:17).