Sirach 24:15 - As cinnamon and aspalathus, I have given a scent of perfumes; And as choice myrrh, I spread abroad a pleasant odour; As galbanum, and onyx, and stacte, And as the fume of frankincense in the tabernacle.
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What does "Sirach 24:15" mean?
This verse from Sirach 24:15 is part of a larger passage where Wisdom personified is describing her origins, her purpose, and her influence in the world. The verse uses a series of rich, fragrant substances to illustrate the pervasive and delightful nature of Wisdom. Let's break it down:
"As cinnamon and aspalathus, I have given a scent of perfumes..." Cinnamon and aspalathus (a type of fragrant plant, possibly related to broom) were both highly valued spices and ingredients in perfumes. This suggests that Wisdom, like these spices, imparts a delightful and precious fragrance to the world. The word "perfumes" emphasizes the refined and attractive quality of wisdom.
"And as choice myrrh, I spread abroad a pleasant odour..." Myrrh was a resin prized for its fragrance and medicinal properties. It was used in incense, perfumes, and embalming. Here, Wisdom is compared to the widespread pleasant smell of Myrrh, suggesting that Wisdom's influence extends broadly, permeating everything with its beneficial qualities.
"As galbanum, and onyx, and stacte..." These are three more ingredients used in incense and perfumes, adding depth and complexity to the aroma.
Galbanum is a resin with a strong, somewhat bitter aroma.
Onycha (Onyx in some translations) is often interpreted as a fragrant shell or a plant that produced a sweet-smelling gum.
Stacte is a type of myrrh, usually liquid. This further emphasizes the diverse and nuanced nature of Wisdom.
"And as the fume of frankincense in the tabernacle." This is a crucial element. Frankincense was a central component of the incense burned in the Tabernacle (and later the Temple) in Jewish worship. The Tabernacle was the dwelling place of God's presence. By comparing Wisdom to the aroma of frankincense in the Tabernacle, the verse elevates Wisdom to a holy and sacred realm. It connects Wisdom to the divine and links it to the worship and presence of God.
In summary, the verse uses a series of powerful metaphors to illustrate:
The preciousness and desirability of Wisdom: The spices and resins mentioned were all highly valuable commodities.
The pervasive influence of Wisdom: The verse describes how Wisdom's scent is spread abroad, permeating everything.
The multifaceted nature of Wisdom: The variety of ingredients highlights the complexity and depth of Wisdom.
The connection of Wisdom to the divine: The comparison to frankincense in the Tabernacle suggests that Wisdom is not merely a human attribute, but something that originates from and leads to God.
The verse functions as a beautiful and evocative description of Wisdom, emphasizing its beauty, its beneficial influence, and its spiritual significance. It underscores the idea that Wisdom is not just knowledge or understanding, but a divine gift that enriches and sanctifies all aspects of life.
Sirach 24:15 - As cinnamon and aspalathus, I have given a scent of perfumes; And as choice myrrh, I spread abroad a pleasant odour; As galbanum, and onyx, and stacte, And as the fume of frankincense in the tabernacle.
What does "Sirach 24:15" mean?
This verse from Sirach 24:15 is part of a larger passage where Wisdom personified is describing her origins, her purpose, and her influence in the world. The verse uses a series of rich, fragrant substances to illustrate the pervasive and delightful nature of Wisdom. Let's break it down:
"As cinnamon and aspalathus, I have given a scent of perfumes..." Cinnamon and aspalathus (a type of fragrant plant, possibly related to broom) were both highly valued spices and ingredients in perfumes. This suggests that Wisdom, like these spices, imparts a delightful and precious fragrance to the world. The word "perfumes" emphasizes the refined and attractive quality of wisdom.
"And as choice myrrh, I spread abroad a pleasant odour..." Myrrh was a resin prized for its fragrance and medicinal properties. It was used in incense, perfumes, and embalming. Here, Wisdom is compared to the widespread pleasant smell of Myrrh, suggesting that Wisdom's influence extends broadly, permeating everything with its beneficial qualities.
"As galbanum, and onyx, and stacte..." These are three more ingredients used in incense and perfumes, adding depth and complexity to the aroma.
Galbanum is a resin with a strong, somewhat bitter aroma.
Onycha (Onyx in some translations) is often interpreted as a fragrant shell or a plant that produced a sweet-smelling gum.
Stacte is a type of myrrh, usually liquid. This further emphasizes the diverse and nuanced nature of Wisdom.
"And as the fume of frankincense in the tabernacle." This is a crucial element. Frankincense was a central component of the incense burned in the Tabernacle (and later the Temple) in Jewish worship. The Tabernacle was the dwelling place of God's presence. By comparing Wisdom to the aroma of frankincense in the Tabernacle, the verse elevates Wisdom to a holy and sacred realm. It connects Wisdom to the divine and links it to the worship and presence of God.
In summary, the verse uses a series of powerful metaphors to illustrate:
The preciousness and desirability of Wisdom: The spices and resins mentioned were all highly valuable commodities.
The pervasive influence of Wisdom: The verse describes how Wisdom's scent is spread abroad, permeating everything.
The multifaceted nature of Wisdom: The variety of ingredients highlights the complexity and depth of Wisdom.
The connection of Wisdom to the divine: The comparison to frankincense in the Tabernacle suggests that Wisdom is not merely a human attribute, but something that originates from and leads to God.
The verse functions as a beautiful and evocative description of Wisdom, emphasizing its beauty, its beneficial influence, and its spiritual significance. It underscores the idea that Wisdom is not just knowledge or understanding, but a divine gift that enriches and sanctifies all aspects of life.