Topical Bible: Pound in John the Weight Was Equivalent to About Twelve Ounces

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In the context of the New Testament, the term "pound" refers to a unit of weight used during the time of Jesus. The Greek word translated as "pound" in the Berean Standard Bible is "litra" (λίτρα), which was a Roman measure of weight. This unit is mentioned in the Gospel of John, specifically in John 12:3 and John 19:39.

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."

In this passage, Mary uses a "pound" of expensive perfume to anoint Jesus' feet. The use of the term "pound" here indicates a significant quantity of perfume, emphasizing the lavishness of Mary's act of devotion. The weight of a Roman pound, or litra, was approximately twelve ounces, which is slightly less than the modern pound (16 ounces) used in the United States today.

John 19:39 : "Nicodemus, who had previously come to Jesus at night, also brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds."

Here, Nicodemus brings a mixture of myrrh and aloes weighing about seventy-five pounds to prepare Jesus' body for burial. This substantial amount of spices reflects the honor and respect Nicodemus had for Jesus, as well as the Jewish burial customs of the time, which involved using large quantities of spices to anoint the body.

The use of the Roman pound in these passages highlights the cultural and historical context of the New Testament. The Roman influence on the region during the time of Jesus is evident in the adoption of Roman measurements. Understanding the weight of a "pound" as approximately twelve ounces helps modern readers grasp the magnitude of the actions described in these passages.

Theologically, these references to the pound underscore themes of devotion, sacrifice, and honor. Mary's anointing of Jesus with a costly perfume signifies her deep love and reverence for Him, while Nicodemus' generous provision of burial spices reflects his recognition of Jesus' significance and his desire to honor Him in death. These acts of devotion are emblematic of the broader Christian call to offer one's best to Christ, recognizing His worthiness and the transformative power of His life and sacrifice.

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John 12:3
Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odor of the ointment.
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