What Does the Bible Say About Incense? The Ultimate Guide of Incense In Bible

Burning Incense is by no means a sin in the Bible. Instead, incense is mentioned in the Bible as something that can be pleasing to God, but it’s not just about burning fragrant substances. The significance of incense in the Bible goes beyond its physical properties; it often symbolizes prayer, worship, and devotion. When offered with the right heart and in a manner that aligns with God’s commands, incense becomes a pleasing aroma to the Lord. This article will in detail explain what does the bible say about incense and what does incense mean, symbolize and represent in the bible.

What Does Incense Symbolize in the Bible?

Let us start with what does incense symbolize in the bible. In the Bible, incense holds profound spiritual symbolism, especially when it comes to worship and prayer. It goes beyond its physical form and fragrance, serving as a visible and aromatic representation of people’s devotion to God. Here’s a closer look at what does incense represent in the bible.

Incense Represents Worship and Prayer

Incense is often linked to the act of prayer, symbolizing the way prayers rise up to God like the fragrant smoke of burning incense.
Psalm 141:2 captures this imagery beautifully: “Let my prayer be counted as incense before you, and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.”
This symbolism conveys that when believers offer prayers with a true and devoted heart, it is as though their worship is rising to heaven, much like the fragrant smoke from the incense altar.

Burning Incense As a Symbol of God’s Presence

Incense also serves as a symbol of God’s presencethroughout the Bible. In sacred spaces such as the Tabernacle or Temple, the burning of incense played a key role in worship.
Whenever incense was burned in these holy places, it came with a sense of reverence and awe. It wasn’t just a ritual for its own sake but a profound expression of the relationship between God and His people, with the sweet aroma symbolizing His closeness and the acceptance of their prayers and worship.

Incense and Spiritual Sacrifice

Incense in the Bible also holds deeper meanings related to spiritual sacrifice. It represents the idea that worship and prayer are more than just physical actions—they are spiritual offerings that require the right heart and intention.
Incense serves as a reminder that prayer is a form of offering, a “spiritual incense“that rises to God. Just as the sweet fragrance filled the sacred spaces of the Tabernacle and Temple, so do our prayers fill the spiritual space between us and God. When prayers are offered with honesty and faith, they become a pleasing aroma to the Lord, much like incense.

What Incense Was Used in the Bible?

While the Bible doesn’t specifically state that God favors any particular type of incense, it does provide clear guidelines on how certain incense should be used in worship. Certain fragrances like frankincense and myrrh are mentioned frequently in Bible, and their use often carries symbolic meaning in worship, prayer, and sacrifice. Let’s explore what kind of incense was used in the Bible and the spiritual qualities that made these offerings pleasing to God. There are basically three types of incenses clearly mentioned in the bible: frankincense, myrrh and sacred incense mixture. Her is a detailed illustration of them:

Frankincense

Frankincense is one of the most commonly mentioned incense types in the Bible, often used in sacrificial offerings and worship rituals. In Exodus 30:34, God specifically instructs Moses to include frankincense as part of the sacred incense mixture.
Frankincense is also famously one of the gifts brought to the infant Jesusby the Wise Men (Matthew 2:11), symbolizing His divine nature and His role as the High Priest. This connection underscores frankincense’s association with holy worship and communication with God.

Myrrh

Myrrh is another significant resin used in biblical worship, known for its aromatic and medicinal properties. In Exodus 30:23, myrrh is one of the primary ingredients in the holy anointing oil, marking it as an essential component in the consecration of priests and sacred objects.
In the life of Jesus, myrrh carries a more poignant symbolism. It is mentioned in the Gospel of John 19:39 as one of the spices used to anoint Jesus’ body after His crucifixion. This associates myrrh with suffering, sacrifice, and redemption, reflecting Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice for humanity. In this context, myrrh represents commitment and selfless devotion—qualities that make offerings pleasing to God.

Sacred Incense Mixture

In Exodus 30:34-38, God gives Moses a very specific recipe for sacred incense, which includes a combination of frankincense, along with other ingredients such as stacte, onycha, and galbanum. This precise formula was to be used exclusively for worship in the Tabernacle and later in the Temple, highlighting the holy and unique natureof the incense used in God’s presence.
God emphasizes that this particular blend of incense should never be used for personal enjoyment or any common purpose. Anyone who did so would face severe punishment.

What Does the Bible Say About Making & Burning Incense?

The Bible does not explicitly describe what incense was used, but the details provided about how incense was prepared suggest that it most likely took the form of powder or granulated resin. The incense described in the Bible was made from specific ingredients, carefully prepared, and used in worship rituals within the Tabernacle or Temple. Let’s explore the biblical evidence for how incense was used and what it might have looked like.

Guess from The Ingredients of Biblical Incense

In Exodus 30:34-38, God gives Moses precise instructions for creating a sacred incense mixture. This incense was made from several key ingredients: Stacte (Resin); Onycha (A type of shell or resin); Galbanum (A fragrant gum resin); Pure Frankincense (A well-known resin).
These ingredients were ground into a fine powder and mixed togetherto create a holy incense specifically for use in worship. The use of these natural, resin-based ingredients indicates that the incense was likely in a loose, powdered or granulated form.

How Incense Was Burned in the Bible

The Burning of Incense on the Altar: In Exodus 30:1-10, the instructions for the altar of incense are given. This altar was placed in the Tabernacle, and later in the Temple, where incense was burned daily as an offering to God. The priest would burn the incense each morning and evening as part of the regular worship schedule. The description suggests that the incense was likely in a powdered or granular form.
Sprinkling Incense on Coals: Leviticus 16:12 provides further insight into how the incense was used: “He shall take a censer full of burning coals from the altar before the Lord and two handfuls of finely ground fragrant incense and take them behind the curtain.” This passage specifically mentions that the incense was “finely ground”, indicating it was in powder form.
The Use of Fire and Coals in Burning Incense: Incense in the Bible was burned using fire from the altar, as seen in several passages. The process typically involved taking hot coals from the altar of burnt offerings, placing them in a censer or on the incense altar, and then sprinkling the powdered incense over the coals.

What Does the Bible Say about When to Burn Incense?

Incense in the Bible serves as a powerful symbol of prayer, worship, and God’s presence, and it is prescribed for use in specific times and circumstances to honor God and seek His favor. The Bible provides clear guidelines on when incense should be used, particularly in worship and sacrificial rituals. Here are the key moments and occasions when incense is prescribed for use in Bible:

Daily Incense Offering

Incense was used twice daily in the Tabernacle or Temple as part of regular worship. This practice was a daily act of devotion, symbolizing the unceasing prayers of God’s people rising before Him.
Exodus 30:7-8 details the specific command for priests to burn incense every morning and evening. “Aaron must burn fragrant incense on the altar every morning when he tends the lamps. He must burn incense again when he lights the lamps at twilight”.
The daily burning of incense was inseparable from the lamp-lighting ritual, symbolizing the continuous light of God’s presence and the ongoing prayers of the people. This practice illustrates the importance of constant communication with God through prayer.

Special Use on the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur)

The use of incense was especially important on Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, the holiest day of the Jewish calendar. On this day, the high priest would enter the Holy of Holies and burn incense before the Ark of the Covenant to cover the mercy seat (the Ark’s lid), symbolizing God’s glory and forgiveness.
Leviticus 16:12-13 describes this specific usage: “He is to take a censer full of burning coals from the altar …and the smoke of the incense will conceal the atonement cover above the tablets of the covenant law, so that he will not die.”
On this occasion, the incense cloudwas necessary to shield the high priest from God’s radiant glory and to represent the atonement made for the sins of Israel.

Festivals and Special Sacrifices

Incense was also prescribed for use during important festivals and sacrificial offerings. It was an essential part of the offerings presented to Godon holy days and in response to specific crises, such as plagues or times of national distress.
In Numbers 16:46-47, “Then Moses said to Aaron, ‘Take your censer and put incense in it, along with burning coals from the altar, and hurry to the assembly to make atonementfor them. Wrath has come out from the Lord; the plague has started.‘”

This passage demonstrates that incense was not only a part of routine worship but was also used in emergency situations to seek God’s mercy and intercession for the people. It served as a spiritual tool to halt divine judgment and bring forgiveness

What Does Incense Mean in the Bible?

In the Bible, the reason why God’s appreciation for incense goes far beyond its physical properties or fragrance. Instead, God values incense for its spiritual significance and the deeper meanings it conveys in worship. Incense represents the prayers of His people, the obedience of those who follow His commands, the invitation of His presence, the atonement made for sins, and the purity required in worship. Here is a breakdown of what incense means & represents in the bible:

Represents Continuous Prayer

One of the primary reasons God values incense is its association with prayer. Incense was burned daily in the Tabernacle and Temple, symbolizing the prayers of believers rising up to God.
Exodus 30:7-8: Priests burned incense every morning and evening as a daily ritual, symbolizing a constant stream of prayers from God’s people.
God delights in the continuity of prayer—the idea that His people are constantly reaching out to Him. The visual and aromatic act of burning incense serves as a physical reminder of the spiritual connectionbetween believers and God.

Demonstrates Obedience and Reverence

God gave very specific instructions on how incense should be made and used. The formulation of the incense was sacred, with certain ingredients like frankincense and galbanum used exclusively for worship. The obedience to these commands demonstrated the reverence and respect believers had for God.
Exodus 30:34-38: God provided Moses with an exact recipe for the incense and commanded that it be used only for sacred purposes.
God values this obedience because it shows a heart of submission and an understanding of His holiness. When believers carefully follow His commands, it reflects their desire to worship Him in the way He has prescribed, setting Him apart from all other things.

Invites God’s Presence

Incense is deeply connected to the presence of God in biblical worship. It was burned on the altar of incense in front of the Holy of Holies, the most sacred part of the Tabernacle and Temple. The fragrant smoke symbolized God’s presence filling the space, especially during moments of worship and atonement.
Leviticus 16:12-13: On the Day of Atonement, the high priestburned incense to create a cloud of smoke that covered the mercy seat, symbolizing God’s holy presence and protecting the priest from seeing His glory directly.
God values incense because it creates an atmosphere of holiness and reverence, reminding the people of His divine glory and protection. The rising smoke acts as a veil that represents His nearnesswhile maintaining the necessary distance between His holiness and sinful humanity.

Associated with Repentance and Atonement

Incense also plays a significant role in moments of repentance and atonement. In times of sin and judgment, incense was used as part of the rituals to seek forgiveness and mercy. For example, when a plague struck the Israelites, incense was used as part of the atonement process to stop the wrath of God.
Numbers 16:46-47: Aaron burned incense as a way of making atonement for the people to stop a deadly plague, representing the role of incense in interceding on behalf of sinners.
God appreciates incense because it represents the humility and repentant heartsof His people. The use of incense in these moments shows that believers recognize their need for divine forgiveness and are seeking reconciliation with God through faith and sacrifice.

Requires Purity and Holiness

Incense in the Bible also symbolizes purity and holiness. God required that the incense offered to Him be pure and only used in sacred contexts. The emphasis on purity in the preparation and use of incense reflects God’s desire for pure heartsin worship.
Exodus 30:9: God specifically commanded that no “strange incense” or impure offerings be burned on the altar, underscoring the need for pure and holy sacrifices.
God values holiness in worship, and the incense offered must represent a pure heart and sincere devotion. Just as the incense is meant to be pure, so too must the hearts of the worshippers be clean, devoted, and free from sin

Warning from the Bible about How to Use Incense Correctly

While incense is often seen as a symbol of prayer, worship, and God’s presence in the Bible, there are also several warnings associated with its use. These biblical cautions emphasize what circumstances does God become unhappy or even angry, which can have serious consequences, as outlined in Bible. Below are some of the most significant warnings about incense in the Bible.

Do Not Use Sacred Incense for Personal Purposes

Exodus 30:37-38 says: “Do not make any incense with this formula for yourselves; consider it holy to the Lord. Whoever makes incense like it to enjoy its fragrance must be cut off from their people.”
This warning shows that incense was not just a pleasant fragrance but a holy offering set apart for God alone. Using the sacred incense for any other reason would be a violation of its sanctity, showing disrespect for what is meant to be holy. God made it clear that any misuse of this incense would result in severe consequences.

Do Not Offer “Unauthorized Fire”

Leviticus 10:1-2 recounts: “Aaron’s sons Nadab and Abihu took their censers, put fire in them and added incense; and they offered unauthorized fire before the Lord, contrary to His command. So fire came out from the presence of the Lord and consumed them, and they died before the Lord.”
This story highlights the seriousness of offering incense in ways that are not in line with God’s instructions. God is not pleasedwith worship that is performed carelessly or without reverence. Nadab and Abihu’s punishment serves as a warning that worship must be done according to God’s commands, and any deviation can result in divine judgment.

Beware of Offering Incense with a Hypocritical Heart

In Isaiah 1:13, God rebukes the people of Israel, saying: “Stop bringing meaningless offerings! Your incense is detestable to me.”Similarly, in Jeremiah 6:20, God says: “What do I care about incense from Sheba or sweet calamus from a distant land? Your burnt offerings are not acceptable; your sacrifices do not please me.”
These verses highlight the fact that ritualistic worship—even if it involves the finest incense—is meaningless if it is not accompanied by a pure heartand genuine devotion. God is not impressed by external rituals alone; He desires sincerity and obedience from those who worship Him.

Avoid Using Incense in Idolatry

Jeremiah 44:17-19 describes the Israelites burning incense to the “Queen of Heaven,” a foreign goddess. The people believed they were offering incense to this goddess for protection and prosperity, but this led to God’s anger and eventual judgment.
God’s command is clear: incense should only be offered to Him, the one true God. Burning incense in honor of idols or false gods is seen as an act of spiritual unfaithfulness, and throughout the Bible, such actions bring about divine punishment.

Reverence and Respect for Sacred Offerings

Exodus 30:9 specifically states: “Do not offer on this altar any other incense or any burnt offering or grain offering, and do not pour a drink offering on it.”
This verse is a reminder that incense offerings must be made according to God’s instructions, using the proper ingredients and methods. Offering improper incense or mixing it with other sacrifices is a sign of disregard for God’s holiness, and God expects reverence in all aspects of worship.

Conclusion

In the Bible, incense carries a deep spiritual significance, symbolizing more than just a fragrant offering. It represents prayer, worship, repentance, and God’s presence, serving as a vital component in the relationship between believers and the divine. Through the careful use of incense in sacred rituals, believers express their devotion, obedience, and reverence toward God. However, the Bible also includes serious warnings, emphasizing that the use of incense must come from a pure heart and follow God’s specific instructions. Whether it is representing continuous prayer, inviting God’s presence, or symbolizing repentance, incense is a profound reminder of the holiness required in worship and the sincerity that God desires from His people.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does incense symbolize in the Bible?

Incense in the Bible primarily symbolizes prayer, worship, and devotion. As the fragrant smoke rises, it represents the prayers of believers ascending to God. It is also used in sacred rituals to signify God’s presence and acts as a reminder of the holiness required in worship.

What kind of incense is mentioned in the Bible?

The Bible frequently mentions frankincense incense and myrrh as key ingredients used in worship. Additionally, in Exodus 30:34-38, God gives specific instructions for a sacred incense mixture that includes stacte, onycha, galbanum, and frankincense. These resins were mixed into a powder form and used in the Tabernacle and Temple.

How was incense used in the Bible?

Incense was used during daily worship in the Tabernacle or Temple, with priests burning it twice a day—morning and evening—on the altar of incense. It was also used on special occasions such as the Day of Atonement and during significant festivals and sacrifices to seek God’s mercy and forgiveness.

Why does God value incense in the Bible?

God values incense because it represents prayer, obedience, and reverence. It is a physical expression of a believer’s devotion and submission to God’s will. When offered according to God’s instructions, incense serves as a spiritual offering that pleases Him.

What warnings are associated with the use of incense in the Bible?

The Bible includes several warnings about the improper use of incense. For example, in Exodus 30:37-38, God prohibits using sacred incense for personal purposes, and in Leviticus 10:1-2, offering unauthorized fire results in divine punishment. God also condemns the use of incense in idol worship and warns against offering it with a hypocritical heart.