Aloes

Aromatic plants with a resin often used for embalming and sometimes associated with healing and soothing properties.

True aloe
True aloe (© Thamizhpparithi Maari (Wikimedia Commons)) Aloe (bitter aloe)

About Aloes

The aloe is a plant found mostly in Africa that looks similar to a lily. Some types of aloe provide both medicine and fiber. In the Bible, aloe is mentioned with other fragrant plants like myrrh and balm (see Psalm 45:8; Proverbs 7:17; Song of Solomon 4:14; John 19:39).

Most scholars believe these verses refer to two different plants:

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The plant itself Article

Habitat, identification, and how translators render the term across languages.

Key References

Psalm 45:9

The daughters of kings are among your honored women; the queen stands at your right hand, adorned with the gold of Ophir.

Proverbs 7:17

I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, with aloes, and with cinnamon.

John 19:39

Nicodemus, who had previously come to Jesus at night, also brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds.

All Scripture References (3)

Psalms (1)
Psalm 45:9

The daughters of kings are among your honored women; the queen stands at your right hand, adorned with the gold of Ophir.

Proverbs (1)
Proverbs 7:17

I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, with aloes, and with cinnamon.

John (1)
John 19:39

Nicodemus, who had previously come to Jesus at night, also brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds.