Bible Dictionaries
Incense

Holman Bible Dictionary

A mixture of aromatic spices prepared to be burned in connection with the offering of sacrifices (Exodus 25:6 ). The word is also used to refer to the smoke produced by the burning. In the King James Version of the Bible, two Hebrew words are translated “incense”; however, the two words are practically synonymous. The incense used in worship was to be prepared according to exacting specifications and was to be offered only by the high priest. According to Luke 1:8-20 , Zacharias was burning incense in the Temple when he was visited by the angel Gabriel. See Sacrifice and Offerings.