The wise men gave Jesus the gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, which have deep symbolic and scriptural significance. These gifts were profoundly prophetic and symbolized the person and work of Christ; they were not arbitrary. Myrrh represented His impending sacrifice, frankincense His divinity and priestly function, and gold His reign. These components are found throughout Scripture in a variety of settings and are frequently connected to worship, sacrifice, and divine intent. This article examines Bible passages pertaining to myrrh, frankincense, and gold to determine their spiritual significance and applicability to believers today.
In addition to being valuable commodities, gold, frankincense, and myrrh are also rich in spiritual symbolism that is seen throughout the Bible verses about gold, frankincense and myrrh. From the Old Testament to the New Testament, these presents symbolize the life and ministry of Jesus Christ and stand for sacrifice, adoration, and majesty. Believers are still motivated by the profound significance of the wise men’s gifts to the baby Jesus. We’ll examine biblical passages that have these components in this piece, emphasizing how they function in God’s redemptive purpose.
One of the most famous events in the birth tale is when the Magi deliver the infant King gold, frankincense, and myrrh. But these presents are more than just decorative; they have deep religious meaning. Myrrh foreshadows Christ’s agony and death, frankincense indicates His function as the High Priest, and gold symbolizes His everlasting kingdom. Come along as we examine passages from the Bible that highlight the profound significance of these abilities and how they relate to God’s divine design.
Christians have been fascinated with gold, frankincense, and myrrh for millennia because they represent important truths about the person and purpose of Jesus. The Magi’s priceless offerings allude to His sacrifice, priesthood, and monarchy. However, the nativity myth is not the only way they are significant. These components appear often throughout Scripture in ways that shed light on God’s covenant, worship, and redeeming activity. This article explores the biblical background of these talents, revealing their prophetic and spiritual significance for our spiritual development.
30 Beautiful Bible Verses About Gold, Frankincense, And Myrrh in 2025
1. Matthew 2:11
“On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.”
This verse describes the moment when the wise men, or Magi, visited the infant Jesus. They brought three significant gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Each gift symbolized an important aspect of Jesus’ identity—gold for His kingship, frankincense for His priestly role, and myrrh as a foreshadowing of His sacrificial death. These gifts pointed to the divine purpose for which He was born.
2. Isaiah 60:6
“Herds of camels will cover your land, young camels of Midian and Ephah. And all from Sheba will come, bearing gold and incense and proclaiming the praise of the Lord.”
This prophecy in Isaiah speaks of the nations bringing gifts to Jerusalem in recognition of God’s glory. Gold and frankincense are mentioned here as part of the offerings, prefiguring the gifts that would later be brought to Jesus by the Magi. These gifts signify honor and worship, pointing to the future revelation of God’s salvation through Jesus Christ.
3. Revelation 21:21
“The twelve gates were twelve pearls, each gate made of a single pearl. The great street of the city was of gold, as pure as transparent glass.”
In the vision of the New Jerusalem, gold is used to describe the purity and splendor of heaven. The reference to gold here connects with the symbolism of gold as representing divinity and the eternal reign of Christ, which was first recognized in the gifts of the Magi.
4. Exodus 30:34-35
“Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘Take fragrant spices—gum resin, onycha and galbanum—and pure frankincense in all its quantity, and make a fragrant blend of incense, the work of a perfumer. It is to be sacred and set apart for the Lord.'”
Frankincense was used in the Old Testament for sacred purposes, including the incense offered in the tabernacle. It symbolizes the divinity of Christ and His role as High Priest, as frankincense was burned as an offering to God. This use of frankincense foreshadowed the role of Jesus in interceding for humanity before God.
5. Psalm 72:10-11
“The kings of Tarshish and of distant shores will bring tribute to him; the kings of Sheba and Seba will present him gifts. All kings will bow down to him and all nations will serve him.”
This passage prophesies the tribute of nations and kings to the Messiah. The reference to Sheba brings to mind the gifts of gold and frankincense, which were brought to King Solomon in recognition of his wisdom and reign, symbolizing the same tribute to Jesus as the true King.
6. Matthew 2:2
“Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”
The Magi’s journey to find Jesus was motivated by the recognition that He was born to be the King of the Jews. This highlights the first meaning of the gift of gold—acknowledging Jesus as the King, worthy of royal honor and worship.
7. Matthew 2:10
“When they saw the star, they were overjoyed.”
The joy of the Magi when they saw the star symbolized their anticipation and reverence for the child King. Their joy was closely tied to the understanding that the long-awaited Savior was born, marking the significance of their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
8. 1 Kings 10:2
“She came to Solomon and talked with him about all that she had on her mind.”
The Queen of Sheba brought gold and spices to King Solomon, just as the Magi later did for Jesus. The Queen’s visit and the gifts she brought symbolize the recognition of divine wisdom and authority. For Jesus, these gifts acknowledge His superior wisdom and divine purpose.
9. 1 Kings 10:10
“Then she gave the king 120 talents of gold, large quantities of spices and precious stones. Never again were so many spices brought in as those the Queen of Sheba gave to King Solomon.”
The lavish gifts of gold and spices brought by the Queen of Sheba to Solomon highlight the honor given to a king. These gifts foreshadowed the wealth and reverence that would be brought to Jesus, acknowledging Him as the true King of kings.
10. Isaiah 60:9
“Surely the islands look to me; in the lead are the ships of Tarshish, bringing your children from afar, with their silver and gold, to the honor of the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel.”
This prophecy points to the gathering of nations and the bringing of gold as an offering to honor God. This foreshadows the bringing of gifts to Jesus, further emphasizing the worldwide recognition of His divine kingship.
11. Genesis 2:11
“The name of the first is Pishon; it winds through the entire land of Havilah, where there is gold.”
Gold, mentioned in Genesis as being found in the land of Havilah, signifies wealth and divine provision. Gold represents God’s glory and the richness of His creation, elements later used to symbolize Jesus’ royal status and His eternal kingdom.
12. Exodus 25:11
“Overlay it with pure gold, both inside and out, and make a gold molding around it.”
Gold was used in the construction of the tabernacle to symbolize the holiness and purity of God’s dwelling place. The use of gold in the tabernacle and in offerings points to the divinity and purity of Jesus Christ, who would be the ultimate sacrifice and dwelling of God with mankind.
13. Malachi 3:3
“He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; he will purify the Levites and refine them like gold and silver.”
This verse highlights the refining work of God, where gold is used as a symbol of purification and holiness. Just as gold is refined, Jesus’ life and sacrifice were the ultimate purification for mankind’s sins.
14. Proverbs 8:10
“Choose my instruction instead of silver, knowledge rather than choice gold.”
Wisdom is portrayed here as more valuable than gold, emphasizing the superiority of spiritual wealth. Jesus, the embodiment of divine wisdom, was recognized with gold, symbolizing that He is the true source of eternal wisdom and knowledge.
15. Revelation 3:18
“I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see.”
Gold refined in the fire symbolizes spiritual purity and refinement. This verse emphasizes the value of spiritual riches over material wealth, pointing to Jesus’ work of refining believers through faith in Him.
16. Isaiah 60:17
“Instead of bronze I will bring you gold, and silver in place of iron. Instead of wood I will bring you bronze, and iron in place of stones. I will make peace your governor and well-being your ruler.”
This promise of gold replacing lesser materials symbolizes the greatness and purity of God’s future kingdom. Gold, as a symbol of divine wealth, points to the glory and majesty of the coming reign of Christ.
17. Revelation 5:8
“And when he had taken it, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of God’s people.”
This verse connects gold with the prayers of the saints, symbolizing the preciousness of intercession and worship. Just as frankincense was used in the tabernacle as a symbol of prayer, the golden bowls filled with incense represent the pleasing aroma of prayer to God.
18. Zechariah 9:16
“The Lord their God will save them on that day as the flock of his people. They will sparkle in his land like jewels in a crown.”
Zechariah speaks of God’s people shining with glory, much like gold and jewels. This reflects the idea that Jesus, through His sacrifice, has made believers royal in God’s eyes, just as gold was used to symbolize royalty and honor.
19. Mark 15:23
“They offered him wine mixed with myrrh, but he did not take it.”
This verse refers to Jesus’ suffering on the cross. Myrrh, which was often used to numb pain, was offered to Jesus to dull His suffering, but He rejected it, choosing to endure the full extent of His sacrifice for humanity.
20. Luke 23:56
“Then they went home and prepared spices and perfumes. But they rested on the Sabbath in obedience to the commandment.”
Myrrh, used for anointing the dead, is a reminder of Jesus’ sacrificial death. The women prepared these spices in anticipation of Jesus’ burial, demonstrating the prophetic significance of myrrh as an element foreshadowing His death.
21. Matthew 27:57-60
“As evening approached, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who had himself become a disciple of Jesus. Going to Pilate, he asked for Jesus’ body, and Pilate ordered that it be given to him. Joseph took the body, wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, and placed it in his own new tomb that he had cut out of the rock.”
Myrrh is associated with burial rituals, and Joseph of Arimathea’s actions fulfill the prophetic symbolism of preparing Jesus’ body for burial. This passage highlights the fulfillment of the gift of myrrh, used as part of the embalming process in ancient times.
22. Mark 15:46
“So Joseph bought some linen cloth, took down the body, wrapped it in the linen, and placed it in a tomb cut out of rock. Then he rolled a stone against the entrance of the tomb.”
The use of linen cloth here, along with myrrh, symbolizes the mourning and care associated with death. Myrrh’s prophetic role in Jesus’ burial foreshadows His sacrificial death and ultimate resurrection.
23. Luke 2:12
“This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
While not directly related to myrrh, the humble birth of Jesus contrasts with the royal gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, highlighting the disparity between the world’s view of royalty and God’s redemptive plan.
24. 2 Corinthians 2:15
“For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing.”
Frankincense is a symbol of the pleasing aroma of Christ’s sacrifice. This verse ties into the offering of frankincense, indicating that Christ’s life and sacrifice are like a fragrant offering to God, accepted on behalf of humanity.
25. Revelation 8:3-4
“Another angel, who had a golden censer, came and stood at the altar. He was given much incense to offer, with the prayers of all God’s people, on the golden altar in front of the throne.”
Incense, symbolized by frankincense, is presented in this verse as an offering that represents the prayers of believers. It points to Christ’s intercession on behalf of humanity, echoing His role as the High Priest.
26. Isaiah 60:3
“Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn.”
This prophecy illustrates the global recognition of Jesus as the Messiah. The gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh represent the nations coming to Jesus to honor Him as the true King.
27. Matthew 2:11
“Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.”
The gifts given by the Magi highlight Jesus’ royal status (gold), divine nature (frankincense), and sacrificial mission (myrrh). Each gift had deep theological significance for the Messiah.
28. John 12:3
“Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.”
The act of anointing Jesus’ feet with precious perfume symbolizes the honoring of His sacrificial mission, similar to the gifts of myrrh brought by the Magi. It highlights Jesus’ worthiness of the most precious offerings.
29. 2 Corinthians 2:14
“But thanks be to God, who always leads us as captives in Christ’s triumphal procession and uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of him everywhere.”
The spread of the fragrance of Christ is akin to the burning of frankincense, symbolizing the spread of the gospel and the worship of Jesus. This verse underscores the role of believers in sharing Christ’s victory.
30. Psalm 45:8
“All your robes are fragrant with myrrh and aloes and cassia; from palaces adorned with ivory the music of the strings makes you glad.”
The fragrance of myrrh in this passage symbolizes honor, joy, and purity, reflecting the royal status of the Messiah. The use of myrrh here symbolizes the beauty and fragrance of Jesus’ sacrifice, which brings gladness to His followers.
Conclusion
In summary, the Magi’s gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to the baby Jesus had profound symbolic significance in addition to being a historical fact. Jesus’ monarchy is symbolized by gold, which confirms His right to rule as the King of kings. His divinity and function as the High Priest who makes intercession for people are symbolized by frankincense. Myrrh, which is frequently connected to death and burial, reminds us of His mission to save the world by foreshadowing His atoning death on the cross. The acknowledgment of Jesus as the anticipated Messiah, who personifies the entirety of God’s redemptive purpose, is further supported by these gifts from the Magi.
Furthermore, these gifts still have an impact on us now, highlighting the complexity of Christ’s earthly ministry. They serve as a reminder of the respect we should show Him as the divine Savior, the dignity He deserves as our King, and the atonement He paid for our sins. We are urged to give our own hearts in worship as we consider these symbols, acknowledging Jesus’ reign, accepting His position as our priest, and fervently and gratefully accepting His supreme sacrifice. The everlasting value of Christ’s life and the hope He offers humanity are ultimately indicated by these gifts, despite their material nature.
