Topical Encyclopedia Alabaster is a fine-grained, translucent form of gypsum or calcite, often white or delicately tinted, used in ancient times for carving and creating various vessels and ornaments. In biblical contexts, alabaster is particularly noted for its use in crafting containers for precious ointments and perfumes, highlighting its value and beauty.Biblical References: 1. Matthew 26:7 : "a woman came to Him with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, which she poured on His head as He was reclining at the table." This passage describes an event during the final days of Jesus' ministry, where a woman anoints Him with costly perfume contained in an alabaster jar. The act signifies honor and devotion, as well as a prophetic preparation for His burial. 2. Mark 14:3 : "While Jesus was in Bethany in the home of Simon the leper, a woman came with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, made of pure nard. She broke open the jar and poured it on His head." This account parallels the one in Matthew, emphasizing the sacrificial nature of the woman's act and the significance of the alabaster vessel as a container for something precious. 3. Luke 7:37-38 : "When a sinful woman from that town learned that Jesus was dining there, she brought an alabaster jar of perfume. As she stood behind Him at His feet weeping, she began to wet His feet with her tears and wipe them with her hair. Then she kissed His feet and anointed them with the perfume." Here, the alabaster jar is again a symbol of repentance and worship, as the woman uses its contents to honor Jesus. 4. John 12:3 : "Then Mary took about a pint of expensive perfume, made of pure nard, and she anointed Jesus’ feet and wiped them with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume." Although the alabaster jar is not explicitly mentioned in this account, the context and parallel passages suggest its use. Cultural and Historical Context: In the ancient Near East, alabaster was highly prized for its beauty and durability. It was often used to create small, sealed containers for perfumes and ointments, which were luxury items in biblical times. The alabaster jars were typically designed to preserve the fragrance and quality of their contents, making them suitable for storing valuable substances like nard, a costly aromatic oil. The breaking of an alabaster jar, as described in the Gospels, was a significant act. It symbolized the complete and irrevocable offering of something precious. The act of anointing Jesus with the contents of such a jar was a profound expression of love, devotion, and recognition of His divine role. Symbolism and Theological Significance: Alabaster vessels in the Bible are often associated with themes of sacrifice, worship, and the acknowledgment of Jesus' messianic identity. The use of an alabaster jar to anoint Jesus serves as a powerful metaphor for the outpouring of one's life and resources in service to God. It also prefigures the anointing of Jesus' body after His crucifixion, underscoring the connection between His death and the fulfillment of His redemptive mission. The alabaster jar narratives invite believers to consider the cost of discipleship and the call to offer their best to Christ, reflecting the ultimate sacrifice He made for humanity. Nave's Topical Index Matthew 26:7There came to him a woman having an alabaster box of very precious ointment, and poured it on his head, as he sat at meat. Nave's Topical Index Mark 14:3 Luke 7:37 Library Epistle xxxv. To Leontius, Ex-Consul. Princely Service. Jesus and the Bethany Sisters. A Caution to the Presumptuous On the Use of Ointments and Crowns. The Close of the Theban Empire The Waterpots at Cana Matt. xxvi. 6, 7 The Third Day in Passion-Week - the Events of that Day - the ... A Persuasive to Steadfastness Resources What is spikenard in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgQuestions about John | GotQuestions.org Questions about Luke | GotQuestions.org Alabaster: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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