The answer is: Silver

Matt 2:11

The visit of the wise men, often referred to as the Magi, is a captivating moment in the Christmas story found in Matthew 2:11. These clever seekers brought three gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh, each holding deep symbolic significance. Gold, valuable and regal, represents Jesus' royal status; frankincense is associated with divinity, used often in worship; myrrh, on the other hand, is a spice linked to burial, foreshadowing Jesus' suffering and death.

Interestingly, there were also cultural elements at play in this event. Gold was considered a common gift for royalty in many ancient cultures, while the aroma of frankincense in temples suggested a sacred honor. The inclusion of myrrh highlights that Jesus wasn’t only a king but also a figure destined for passion—the very nature of his mission.

And speaking of gifts, did you know that the wise men weren’t just three guys on camels? The number of wise men is never mentioned in the Bible, though many have popularized "three" because of the three gifts. As for silver, while that's not one of the gifts, it did play a critical role in belligerent narratives later in scripture, particularly in connection with Judas's betrayal.

This account draws a thread through many other themes found in the Old Testament, as gifts signify recognition of God incarnate and an invitation for all nations to join in reverence. It presents a classic example of how rich context could reshape our understanding of pivotal moments in scripture.