SCENTED WOOD (θύινον, from θύω, G2604, to offer burnt offerings). A species of lumber perhaps taken from the Cupressus thyiorides or Thyia articulata tree of Africa.

Along with such recognized valuables as gold, silver, jewels and pearls, fine linen, purple, silk and scarlet, scented wood was one of the imports highly prized by the “Babylon” of the Book of Revelation (18:12). According to Pliny the Elder, who lived a.d. 23-79, it was a sweet-scented type of citron wood, which took a high polish and showed a definite grain in waves. It was used by the Romans in the manufacture of furniture and by the Greeks in the construction of their temples, most often in the temple door.