Lexical Summary nerd: Spikenard Original Word: נֵרְדְּ Strong's Exhaustive Concordance spikenard Of foreign origin; nard, an aromatic -- spikenard. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof foreign origin Definition nard NASB Translation nard (1), nard plants (1), perfume (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs נֵרְדְּ noun masculine, nard, an odorific plant from India (via Persia) (Sanskrit naladâ; Persian nârdîn; Sabean, Arabic transposed  according to DHMBurgen u. Schlosser 975 (SB xcvii) see also SabDenkm82; Greek νάρδος [so ᵐ5] (through Semites) LewyFremdwörter 40; compare LöwNo. 316 LagM. ii. 25); — absolute ׳נ Songs 4:14; suffix נִרְדִּי תַן רֵיחוֺ Songs 1:12; plural נְרָדִים Songs 4:13. נֵרִיָּה see נֵר below נור Topical Lexicon Botanical and Trade Background Nard (Nērd), obtained from the rhizome of the Himalayan plant Nardostachys jatamansi, was among the costliest perfumes of the ancient world. Harvested high in rugged mountain terrain, its transport to the Levant required long caravan routes through Arabia and Mesopotamia. By the time it reached Israel it was a luxury item, stored in alabaster or onyx flasks, reserved for royalty, bridal trousseaus, and sacred uses. Its rarity explains both its poetic allure and its connection with lavish acts of devotion. Occurrences in the Old Testament The Hebrew term appears three times, all in the Song of Songs—Song of Songs 1:12; 4:13; 4:14—where it frames scenes of marital delight and covenant intimacy. • Song of Songs 1:12: “While the king was at his table, my perfume spread its fragrance.” The bride’s nard fills the royal banqueting chamber, suggesting a love that is both public and regal. Symbolism in the Song of Songs 1. Extravagant Love: Nard’s costliness mirrors love that holds nothing back (compare Romans 8:32). Connection to New Testament Devotion The New Testament twice records the breaking of an alabaster jar of “pure nard” to honor Jesus (Mark 14:3; John 12:3). These scenes echo the Song’s imagery: Cultic and Worship Context Though not required in Temple ritual, nard’s sweetness aligned with the biblical principle that worship is to be offered from the best (cf. Malachi 1:8). In private devotion, fragrant oils accompanied fasting (Matthew 6:17) and burial (John 19:40). The association with intimacy and sacrifice reinforces the holistic nature of biblical worship—heart, body, and resources united. Historical Reception in the Church • Early Church: Gregory the Great took the bride’s nard as a figure of contemplative prayer whose fragrance rises to God. Practical Ministry Lessons 1. Costly Obedience: Genuine discipleship is measured not by minimal compliance but by lavish surrender. Eschatological Outlook Revelation 18:13 lists “cinnamon, spice, incense, myrrh, and frankincense” among Babylon’s wares, implying that earthly luxuries will be swallowed up in judgment. By contrast, the Song’s nard imagery is redeemed in the marriage supper of the Lamb (Revelation 19:7), where the church, having offered herself without reserve, is received by the Bridegroom forever. Summary Nard in Scripture embodies the meeting of costly devotion, covenant intimacy, and sacrificial love. From the bride’s garden in Solomon’s Song to Mary’s act in Bethany, its fragrance heralds the gospel message: the greatest treasure is poured out for the Beloved, and the sweetness of that offering fills the house of faith and, ultimately, the whole world. Forms and Transliterations נְרָדִֽים׃ נִרְדִּ֖י נֵ֣רְדְּ ׀ נרד נרדי נרדים׃ nə·rā·ḏîm nê·rəd neraDim nərāḏîm Nered nêrəd nir·dî nirDi nirdîLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Songs 1:12 HEB: שֶׁ֤הַמֶּ֙לֶךְ֙ בִּמְסִבּ֔וֹ נִרְדִּ֖י נָתַ֥ן רֵיחֽוֹ׃ NAS: was at his table, My perfume gave KJV: [sitteth] at his table, my spikenard sendeth forth INT: the king his table my perfume gave fragrance Songs 4:13 Songs 4:14 3 Occurrences |
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