Bible Dictionary
Apothecary
An apothecary was a perfumer or maker of fragrant oils and ointments. Such craftsmen prepared sacred anointing oil and incense, as well as other perfumes used in daily life.
Definition
An apothecary was a perfumer or maker of fragrant oils, ointments, and related preparations. The term is more accurately rendered perfumer in several passages.
Biblical Usage
Perfume-makers prepared the holy oils and ointments used in Israel’s worship, and the term also occurs in references to ordinary perfumes.
Historical Background
The work was associated with specially qualified priests in the preparation of sacred oils and ointments. The word is also used in the Old Testament and Apocrypha for perfumers.
Scripture References
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Rendered in the margin and the Revised Version “perfumer,” in Ex. 30:25; 37:29; Eccl. 10:1. The holy oils and ointments were prepared by priests properly qualified for this office. The feminine plural form of the Hebrew word is rendered “confectionaries” in 1 Sam. 8:13.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>a-poth'-e-ka-ri: Found in English Versions of the Bible eight times in the Old Testament and Apocrypha for Hebrew word rendered more accurately "perfumer" by the Revised Version (British and American) in Ex 30:25,35; 37:29; Ec 10:1; though inconsistently retained elsewhere (2Ch 16:14 the English Revised Version; Ne 3:8 the English Revised Version (compare the margin); Sirach 38:8; 49:1). See PERFUMER.</p>