prepared by the apothecaries' art, compound, ointment
“Ointment” From Boyd’s Bible Dictionary:
(smear). Highly prized, and made of perfumes in oil. For uses, see Oil.
“Apothecary” From Boyd’s Bible Dictionary:
(to place away). The apothecary’s art was called for in the mixing of perfume (Ex. 30:35).
“Ointment” From Concise Bible Dictionary:
Except in Exodus 30:25 (where the Hebrew words are mishchah and roqach, and may be translated “an oil of holy ointment, a perfume”), and in 1 Chronicles 9:30 and Job 41:31 (where the words are derived from roqach), the Hebrew word is shemen, which is constantly translated “oil.” It is used for “fatness, oil, spiced oil,” and hence “ointment,” with which on joyful occasions the head was anointed (Psa. 133:2), and is elsewhere called: “the oil of gladness” (Psa. 45:7; compare Prov. 27:9,16; Eccl. 7:1; Eccl. 9:8; Amos 6:6). As an emollient it was applied to wounds or bruises (Isa. 1:6). In the New Testament the word is μύρον, “oil mingled with fragrant spices,” with such Mary anointed the Lord, and its perfume filled the house (John 12:3,5); it was also used by a woman “which was a sinner” (Luke 7:37-38). The ointment would be more or less costly according to the ingredients.
“Apothecary (Raqach)” From Concise Bible Dictionary:
This term is not used in scripture in the modern sense of a compounder of drugs for medicine; but in that of a compounder of ointments, such as would now be called a “perfumer,” as it is rendered in the margin of Exodus 30:25, where the holy anointing oil is an ointment compounded “after the art of the apothecary.” The same was said of the holy incense (Ex. 30:35; Ex. 37:29). Asa was buried in a tomb filled with sweet odors and spices prepared by the apothecaries’ art (2 Chron. 16:14; compare also Neh. 3:8). Spices were also carried to the tomb of the Lord to embalm His body.
Strong’s Dictionary of Hebrew Words:
Transliteration:
mirqachath
Meaning:
from 7543; an aromatic unguent; also an unguent-pot
KJV Usage:
prepared by the apothecaries' art, compound, ointment