The Theology of Frankincense: Understanding Its Sacred Role

Frankincense in the Old Testament

Building on its symbolic role in worship, frankincense holds a foundational place in Israelite ritual practice, particularly in the construction of sacred incense for the Tabernacle.

Exodus 30:34-38 specifies frankincense as a key ingredient in the anointing oil and sacred incense blend, which was burned daily before the Lord’s presence in the Tabernacle. This mixture, described as a "holy anointing oil" (Exodus 30:25), symbolized the consecration of people and objects to divine service. The prohibition against replicating this formula (Exodus 30:38) underscores its unique role in mediating access to God’s holiness.

These rituals established frankincense as a material representation of worship ascending to God, a theme that resonates throughout biblical narrative and prophecy.

Frankincense and the Arrival of Jesus

In Matthew 2:11, the Magi’s presentation of frankincense to Jesus recontextualizes its ancient Israelite symbolism within the Christian narrative of divine revelation.

Matthew 2:11 records that the Magi ‘entered the house and saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.’ This act echoes Exodus 30’s sacred incense traditions, where frankincense was reserved for divine service. By offering frankincense - long associated with God’s presence in the Tabernacle - the Magi implicitly recognize Jesus as the embodiment of the divine holiness symbolized by that ritual. The choice of this gift, distinct from common trade goods, underscores their acknowledgment of Jesus’ transcendent identity.

The gift’s theological weight lies in its continuity with Old Testament typology. The burning of frankincense in the Tabernacle represented worship ascending to God (Exodus 30:34-38), and its presentation to Jesus affirms that He is the ultimate recipient of worship and fulfills Israel’s sacred traditions.

This moment also anticipates Jesus’ later role as the ‘incense’ of divine mediation. The Magi’s gesture, rooted in Exodus but reoriented toward the Messiah, bridges Israel’s covenantal history with the new reality of God’s incarnate presence. Their recognition of Jesus’ divinity through frankincense thus becomes a pivotal symbol of the gospel’s fulfillment of Old Testament promise.

Frankincense and Our Worship Today

The Magi’s offering of frankincense to Jesus establishes a model for how this symbol continues to shape Christian worship practices today.

By linking frankincense to both the sacred rituals of Exodus 30 and the divinity of Christ, believers are called to approach worship with reverence that transcends ritual, prioritizing spiritual sacrifice over superficial gestures. The ancient association of frankincense with prayers ascending to God (Exodus 30:34-38) invites modern worshippers to offer their devotion with sincerity, recognizing that our spiritual priorities must align with the holiness it symbolizes. This fragrance, once burned in the Tabernacle as a tangible expression of adoration, challenges us to cultivate a worship life that rises as incense - unselfish, intentional, and directed toward God’s glory. In doing so, we mirror the Magi’s recognition of Jesus (Matthew 2:11) and embrace the call to honor Him with our highest offerings.

Exploring Further

The symbolic resonance of frankincense extends to biblical depictions of prayer and divine reception, as seen in Psalm 141:2 and Revelation 5:8.

Psalm 141:2 likens prayers to rising incense, while Revelation 5:8 portrays golden bowls of incense as the prayers of saints presented to God. These passages underscore frankincense’s enduring role as a metaphor for worship and spiritual ascent, inviting reflection on how symbolic gifts bridge earthly devotion and heavenly realities.