King James Bible Dictionary

(Heb. ahalim), a fragrant wood (Numbers 24:6; Psalms 45:8; Proverbs 7:17; Song of Solomon 4:14), the Aquilaria agallochum of botanists, or, as some suppose, the costly gum or perfume extracted from the wood. It is found in China, Siam, and Northern India, and grows to the height sometimes of 120 feet. This species is of great rarity even in India. There is another and more common species, called by Indians aghil, whence Europeans have given it the name of Lignum aquile, or eagle-wood. Aloewood was used by the Egyptians for embalming dead bodies. Nicodemus brought it (pounded aloe-wood) to embalm the body of Christ (John 19:39); but whether this was the same as that mentioned elsewhere is uncertain.

The bitter aloes of the apothecary is the dried juice of the leaves Aloe vulgaris.

Used as perfume
Psalms 45:8; Proverbs 7:17; Song of Solomon 4:14

Used in embalming the dead
John 19:39

Lign-aloes
Numbers 24:6

ALOES noun, in medicine, is the inspissated juice of the aloe. The juice is collected from the leaves, which are cut and put in a tub, and when a large quantity is procured, it is boiled to a suitable consistence; or it is exposed to the sun, till all the fluid part is exhaled. There are several kinds sold in the shops; as the socotrine aloes from Socotora, an isle in the Indian ocean; the hepatic or common Barbadoes aloes; and the fetid or caballine aloes

ALOES is a stimulating stomachic purgative; when taken in small doses, it is useful for people of a lax habit and sedentary life.

(in Heb. Ahalim, Ahaloth), The name of a costly and sweet-smelling wood which is mentioned in (Numbers 24:6; Psalms 45:8; Proverbs 7:17; Solomon 4:14; John 19:39) It is usually identified with the Aquilaria agollochum , an aromatic wood much valued in India. This tree sometimes grows to the height of 120 feet, being 12 feet in girth.

AL'OES-WOOD, noun [See Agallochum.]