Lexical Summary pistikos: Genuine, pure, trustworthy Original Word: πιστικός Strong's Exhaustive Concordance genuine, pureFrom pistis; trustworthy, i.e. Genuine (unadulterated) -- spike-(nard). see GREEK pistis NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom pistis Definition trustworthy NASB Translation pure (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4101: πιστικόςπιστικός, πιστικη, πιστικον (πιστός), pertaining to belief; a. having the power of persuading, skillful in producing belief: Plato, Gorgias, p. 455 a. b. trusty, faithful, that can be relied on: γυνή πιστικη καί οἰκουρός καί πειθομενη τῷ ἀνδρί, Artemidorus Daldianus, oneir. 2, 32; often so in Cedrenus (also (of persons) in Epiphanius, John Moschus, Sophronius of Damascus; cf. Sophocles' Lexicon, under the word); of commodities equivalent to δόκιμος, genuine, pure, unadulterated: so νάρδος πιστικη (but A. V. spike-(i. e. spiked) nard, after thenardispicati of the Vulg. (in Mark)), Mark 14:3; John 12:3 (for nard was often adulterated; see Pliny, h. n. 12,26; Dioscorides ( Mark 14:3; John 12:3 — in both passages πιστικῆς modifies “nard,” highlighting the exceptional worth of the perfume used to honor Jesus shortly before His Passion. Historical Background of Nard Spikenard was distilled from the roots of Nardostachys jatamansi, a plant native to the high Himalayas. Transported along the ancient spice routes to Palestine, it commanded prices that only the wealthy could afford; the jar in Mark 14:3 was valued at “more than three hundred denarii” (Mark 14:5). Its aroma was prized for personal grooming, burial preparation, and royal anointings, so its presence in a private home underscores deliberate, costly devotion. Interpretive Considerations of πιστικός 1. Purity and Authenticity: Most interpreters read πιστικός as “genuine,” stressing that the nard was not a diluted blend but the real commodity. Theological and Devotional Significance • Extravagant Worship: Both narratives portray wholehearted surrender; the woman “broke the jar” (Mark 14:3), leaving no possibility of retrieval. The disciples’ objection (“Why this waste?”) contrasts human pragmatism with Christ-centered lavishness. Typology and Prophetic Foreshadowing Just as priests and kings were anointed with costly oil, Jesus—the true Priest-King—is honored with finest nard. The purity of the perfume parallels the spotless Lamb. Its Himalayan origin hints at Gentile inclusion: distant nations contribute to Messiah’s exaltation, fulfilling Psalms 72:10-11. Applications for Ministry Today 1. Call to Costly Discipleship: Ministry that withholds nothing mirrors the woman’s act; the measure of value is not monetary but relational—Christ Himself. Related Passages and Themes • Sacrificial giving: 2 Samuel 24:24; Philippians 4:18 In every occurrence, πιστικός accents the purity of a gift offered to the pure Son of God, urging believers to render likewise unalloyed worship and testimony. Englishman's Concordance Mark 14:3 Adj-GFSGRK: μύρου νάρδου πιστικῆς πολυτελοῦς συντρίψασα NAS: perfume of pure nard; INT: of ointment of nard pure of great price having broken John 12:3 Adj-GFS |
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