759. aróma

Lexical Summary

aróma: Spice, aromatic substance

Original Word: ἄρωμα
Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter
Transliteration: aróma
Pronunciation: ah'-ro-mah
Phonetic Spelling: (ar'-o-mah)
KJV: (sweet) spice
NASB: spices
Word Origin: [from G142 (αἴρω - take) (in the sense of sending off scent)]

1. an aromatic

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

sweet spice.

From airo (in the sense of sending off scent); an aromatic -- (sweet) spice.

see GREEK airo

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
of uncertain origin
Definition
a spice
NASB Translation
spices (4).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 759: ἄρωμα

ἄρωμα, ἀρώματος, τό (from ἈΡΩ to prepare, whence ἀρτύω to season; (others connect it with the root ar (ἀρόω), to plow (cf. Genesis 27:27); others besides)), spice, perfume: Mark 16:1; Luke 23:56; Luke 24:1; John 19:40. (2 Kings 20:13; Esther 2:12; Song of Solomon 4:10, 16. (Hippocrates), Xenophon, Theophrastus, and subsequent writings.)

Topical Lexicon

Definition and Scope

Strong’s Greek 759 (ἄρωμα) denotes fragrant spices or aromatic substances customarily mixed, ground, or infused into oils. In Scripture its appearance is confined to the burial narratives of Jesus Christ, where the term is never used casually but always in connection with reverent acts of devotion, love, and faith.

Old Testament Antecedents

Although ἄρωμα itself is Greek, its conceptual roots lie in the Hebrew use of sweet spices for anointing (Exodus 30:23-25), temple incense (Exodus 30:34-35), and burial preparation (2 Chronicles 16:14). Such fragrant compounds symbolized purity, honor, and the pleasant aroma of sacrificial obedience before the Lord (Leviticus 1:9; Psalm 141:2).

Uses in the Gospel Narratives

1. Mark 16:1: “When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so they could go and anoint Him.”
2. Luke 23:56: “Then they returned and prepared spices and perfumes. And on the Sabbath they rested according to the commandment.”
3. Luke 24:1: “On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women came to the tomb, bringing the spices they had prepared.”
4. John 19:40: “They took the body of Jesus and wrapped it in linen cloths with the spices, according to the Jewish burial custom.”

Burial Customs in Second Temple Judaism

Jewish burial involved rapid interment, wrapping the body in linen, and surrounding it with dry aromatic spices to retard decay and mask odor (cf. John 11:39-44). Myrrh and aloes (John 19:39) were common, but “spices” could also include costly balsams or nard. The women’s intention to complete what Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus began (John 19:38-40) reflects customary piety and familial duty.

Symbolic and Theological Themes

• Honor to the Messiah: The generous use of spices declares the inestimable worth of Jesus, echoing the Magi’s gifts at His birth (Matthew 2:11).
• Anticipation of Resurrection: The women come expecting to anoint a corpse, yet their devotion becomes the backdrop for the empty-tomb proclamation. Their unused spices silently testify that death could not hold the Lord.
• Fulfillment of Scripture: Psalm 16:10 promises that God’s Holy One would not see decay. The presence of spices underscores the historical reality of Jesus’ death while highlighting the prophetic triumph over corruption.

Christological Implications

Ἄρωμα frames the death and resurrection event: it marks the final human attempt to preserve Jesus’ body, only to be superseded by divine preservation through resurrection. John emphasizes an extraordinary volume of spices (about one hundred litrai, John 19:39), presenting Jesus’ burial as royal and thereby affirming His kingship even in death.

Practical Ministry Application

1. Sacrificial Devotion: The women’s costly act encourages believers to honor Christ with tangible expressions of love, time, and resources.
2. Sabbath Obedience and Service: Luke highlights their careful observance of the Sabbath before resuming labor. True devotion harmonizes worship, rest, and service.
3. Gospel Witness: The unused spices became silent witnesses to the resurrection, reminding Christians that faithful service—even when plans change—serves God’s greater purpose.

Devotional Reflection

Believers today can view every act of service, whether completed or interrupted, as a fragrant offering to God (Philippians 4:18). The spices of Mark, Luke, and John call Christians to prepare their hearts continually, knowing that the risen Christ transforms even our burial preparations into resurrection proclamations.

Forms and Transliterations

αρώμασι αρωματα αρώματα αρώματά ἀρώματα αρώματος αρωματων αρωμάτων ἀρωμάτων aromata arōmata arṓmata aromaton aromáton arōmatōn arōmátōn

Englishman's Concordance

Mark 16:1 N-ANP
GRK: Σαλώμη ἠγόρασαν ἀρώματα ἵνα ἐλθοῦσαι
NAS: bought spices, so
KJV: had bought sweet spices, that
INT: Salome bought spices that having come

Luke 23:56 N-ANP
GRK: δὲ ἡτοίμασαν ἀρώματα καὶ μύρα
NAS: and prepared spices and perfumes.
KJV: and prepared spices and ointments;
INT: moreover they prepared spices and ointments

Luke 24:1 N-ANP
GRK: ἃ ἡτοίμασαν ἀρώματα
NAS: bringing the spices which
KJV: bringing the spices which
INT: that which they had prepared spices

John 19:40 N-GNP
GRK: μετὰ τῶν ἀρωμάτων καθὼς ἔθος
NAS: it in linen wrappings with the spices, as is the burial
KJV: with the spices, as
INT: with the spices as a custom

Strong's Greek 759
4 Occurrences

ἀρώματα — 3 Occ.
ἀρωμάτων — 1 Occ.