Lexical Summary alabastron: Alabaster jar, alabaster box Original Word: ἀλάβαστρον Strong's Exhaustive Concordance alabaster box. Neuter of alabastros (of uncertain derivation), the name of a stone; properly, an "alabaster" box, i.e. (by extension) a perfume vase (of any material) -- (alabaster) box. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof foreign origin Definition a box of alabaster NASB Translation alabaster vial (3), vial (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 211: ἀλάβαστρονἀλάβαστρον, , τό (in the plural in Theocritus, 15, 114; Anth, Pal. 9, 153; in other secular writings ὁ and ἡ ἀλάβαστρος; (the older and more correct spelling drops the p, cf. Stephanus' Thesaurus, under the word, 1385 d.; Liddell and Scott, under the word ἀλάβαστρος)), a box made of alabaster, in which unguents are preserved (Pliny, h. n, 13, 2 (3) (others, 13, 19) "unguenta optime servantur in alabastris); with the addition of μύρου (as in Lucian, dial. mer. 14, 2; (Herodotus 3, 20)): Luke 7:37; Matthew 26:7; Mark 14:3 (where L T adopt τόν ἀλάβαστρον, Tr WH (Meyer) τήν ἀλ.; Matthew and Luke do not add the article, so that it is not clear in what gender they use the word (cf. Tdf.s critical note at the passage)). Cf. Winers RWB (or B. D.) under the word Topical Lexicon Material Culture Background The alabastron was a slender, long-necked flask carved from translucent calcite (commonly called alabaster). Originating in Egypt and prized throughout the Greek and Roman worlds, such vessels were designed to store precious ointments that were sealed until use. Breaking the narrow neck released the fragrance in a single, irrevocable act, making each alabastron a symbol of costly, wholehearted commitment. Occurrences in the New Testament • Matthew 26:7 All three scenes center on a woman who brings an alabastron of costly perfume to Jesus. In each account, the flask becomes a tangible expression of worship, repentance, and prophetic insight into His impending death. Narrative Contexts and Emphases Matthew links the anointing directly to Jesus’ burial: “When she poured this perfume on My body, she did it to prepare Me for burial” (Matthew 26:12). Mark stresses the extravagance—“She broke the jar” (Mark 14:3)—highlighting irreversible devotion. Luke frames the event within a dinner at a Pharisee’s house, emphasizing forgiveness and gratitude: “Her many sins have been forgiven; hence she has loved much” (Luke 7:47). Historical and Social Significance Possessing an alabastron of nard could represent a year’s wages. Its destruction therefore signaled social and financial sacrifice. In honor-shame culture, pouring it over Jesus risked public censure; yet the women choose honor for Christ over personal reputation. Their actions challenge conventional expectations about gender, piety, and wealth, illustrating that true worship transcends social boundaries. Prophetic and Theological Dimensions 1. Anticipation of the Cross: The fragrance fills the house just days before the crucifixion, foreshadowing the aroma of Christ’s sacrificial offering (Ephesians 5:2). Ministry Lessons • Wholehearted Worship: True devotion holds nothing in reserve. Applications for the Contemporary Church The alabastron episodes call today’s disciples to costly, public allegiance to Christ, confident that no sacrifice poured out for Him is wasted. They remind congregations to welcome repentant sinners, honor women’s Spirit-empowered service, and keep the cross central as the fragrance of Christ spreads “in every place” (2 Corinthians 2:14). Forms and Transliterations αλαβαστρον αλάβαστρον ἀλάβαστρον alabastron alábastronLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Matthew 26:7 N-ANSGRK: γυνὴ ἔχουσα ἀλάβαστρον μύρου βαρυτίμου NAS: came to Him with an alabaster vial of very costly KJV: having an alabaster box of very precious INT: a woman having an alabaster flask of ointment very costly Mark 14:3 N-ANS Mark 14:3 N-ANS Luke 7:37 N-ANS |
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