Fragrance of Life: Cinnamon in the Bible

Biblical scholars and historians alike have been intrigued by references to cinnamon in the Bible. There are four references: three in the OT (Ex. 32.28; Pr. 4.14 and SS 7.17); and one in the NT (Rev. 18.2). The plant species identified as cinnamon by modern botanical classification, Cinnamomum verum (Berchthold & Presl) or Cinnamomum zeylanicum (Blume), is indigenous to southwestern India and Sri Lanka.2 If indeed this is the same species as mentioned in the Bible, scholars ask, how did it reach the Mediterranean world at such an early date? Beginning with Herodotus (5th cent. BC), ancient and modern historians have speculated about where cinnamon was produced, and named regions as wide apart as Ethiopia and China.3 A detailed historical investigation of the ancient spice trade will not be pursued here. This article will focus on the biblical texts themselves and seek to understand the significance of cinnamon usage in their specific contexts.

Mihindukulasuriya, Prabo. (2012) "The Fragrance of Life: Cinnamon in the Bible" [PDF document].