Lexical Summary aloé: Aloe Original Word: ἀλόη Strong's Exhaustive Concordance aloes. Of foreign origin (compare akanthinos); aloes (the gum) -- aloes. see GREEK akanthinos HELPS Word-studies 250 alóē – "The strongly aromatic, quick-drying sap of a tree (the Aquillaria) – mixed with myrrh and used for embalming" (BAGD); "the true aloe plant (Aloē succotrina Lam, The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, 1:99). 250 (aloē) was used in ancient times for embalming fluid mixed with myrrh. Aloē is used in the Septuagint (S of Sol 4:14) as a "spice of love." [It probably refers to an aromatic substance derived from the eaglewood tree (Aquilaria agallocha, ibid), CBL.] NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof uncertain origin Definition aloe NASB Translation aloes (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 250: ἀλόηἀλόη (on the accent see Chandler § 149), (ης, ἡ, (commonly ξυλαλόν, ἀγάλλοχον), Plutarch, "the aloe, aloes: John 19:39. The name of an aromatic tree which grows in eastern India and Cochin China, and whose soft and bitter wood the Orientals used in fumigation and in embalming the dead (as, according to Herodotus, the Egyptians did), Hebrew אֲהָלִים and אֲהָלות (see Muhlau and Volck under the words), Numbers 24:6; Psalm 45:9; Proverbs 7:17; Song of Solomon 4:14. Arabic:Alluwe; Linn.:Excoecaria Agallochum. Cf. Winers RWB under the word Aloe (Low § 235; BB. DD.). Topical Lexicon Botanical and Cultural Background Aloes in biblical times referred to the fragrant heartwood of an aromatic tree prized throughout the Near East. When the inner fibers were pulverized or shaved, they released a rich scent that lingered for months. Because the trees grew mainly in Arabia, India, and distant eastern regions, aloes were transported along caravan routes that converged in Judea, making the spice both costly and a marker of honor. Aloes in the Old Testament Although the Greek term occurs only once in the New Testament, the fragrance is woven into earlier revelation: • Numbers 24:6 likens Israel’s future prosperity to “aloes planted by the LORD.” Together these passages portray aloes as a symbol of covenant blessing, royal dignity, and marital devotion. Role in the Burial of Christ John 19:39 records the only New Testament occurrence of the word: “Nicodemus, who had previously come to Jesus at night, also brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds”. The enormous quantity—sufficient for a king—signals several truths: 1. Public Honor. Nicodemus, once a secret inquirer, now honors the crucified Lord openly, fulfilling Proverbs 3:9 in deed by giving his wealth for Christ. Symbolism of Fragrance in Redemption Scripture often links pleasing aromas to acceptable sacrifice (Genesis 8:21; Ephesians 5:2). The aloes placed on Jesus’ body typify His perfect obedience ascending to the Father as a sweet-smelling offering. Believers, united with Christ, are now called “the fragrance of Christ” to the world (2 Corinthians 2:15), spreading the aroma of life through gospel witness. Historical Echoes in Early Church Practice Early Christian writers noted that costly spices at the tomb refuted claims that disciples stole the body; few grave robbers would disturb a corpse encased in seventy-five pounds of gummy resin. Moreover, the Church soon adopted fragrant oils both to honor martyrs and to symbolize the anointing of the Spirit, drawing from the precedent set in John 19. Ministry Applications • Generous Devotion: Nicodemus shows that true faith moves from secret curiosity to sacrificial service. Modern disciples likewise give their best resources for the honor of Christ. Summary Strong’s Greek 250 highlights more than an ancient perfume; it encapsulates royal splendor, covenant blessing, and the finished work of redemption. From the tents of Israel to the garden tomb, aloes consistently testify that the King is worthy of richest honor and that His people carry His pleasing fragrance into the world. Forms and Transliterations αλοης αλόης ἀλόης αλοητός αλοιφή αλοιφήν αλοιφής aloes aloēs alóes alóēsLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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