In biblical contexts, the term "spike" is often associated with aromatic substances, particularly in reference to "spikenard," a costly and fragrant ointment mentioned in the Scriptures. Spikenard, derived from the plant Nardostachys jatamansi, was highly valued in ancient times for its aromatic and medicinal properties. It is referenced in several key passages in the Bible, highlighting its significance in both cultural and religious practices.

Biblical References:

1. Song of Solomon 1:12 : "While the king was at his table, my perfume spread its fragrance." This verse is part of a poetic dialogue that celebrates love and beauty, where the fragrance of spikenard is used metaphorically to describe the beloved's presence and allure. The mention of spikenard underscores the luxury and desirability associated with this aromatic oil.

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 passage recounts the anointing of Jesus by a woman, traditionally identified as Mary of Bethany. The use of spikenard in this act of devotion signifies the woman's deep reverence and love for Jesus, as well as the preparation for His impending burial.

3. 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." This account parallels the event in Mark, emphasizing the sacrificial nature of Mary's act and the overwhelming presence of the fragrance, symbolizing the pervasive impact of true worship and devotion.

Cultural and Religious Significance:

In ancient Jewish culture, spikenard was not only a luxury item but also held religious significance. It was used in anointing rituals, symbolizing consecration and dedication to God. The costly nature of spikenard made it a symbol of great sacrifice and honor, often reserved for special occasions or individuals of high status.

The use of spikenard in the anointing of Jesus is particularly significant in Christian theology. It prefigures His death and burial, as anointing was a customary practice for preparing a body for burial. The act of anointing by Mary is seen as a prophetic gesture, acknowledging Jesus' role as the Messiah and His impending sacrifice for humanity.

Symbolism:

Spikenard, as a symbol, represents several key themes in the Bible:

· Devotion and Worship: The use of spikenard in anointing Jesus highlights the depth of personal devotion and the willingness to offer one's best to God.
· Sacrifice: The costly nature of spikenard underscores the concept of sacrificial giving, reflecting the believer's call to offer their lives as a living sacrifice to God (Romans 12:1).
· Preparation for Burial: In the context of Jesus' anointing, spikenard symbolizes the preparation for His death, pointing to the redemptive purpose of His sacrifice.

In summary, the term "spike," particularly in reference to spikenard, carries rich theological and cultural connotations within the biblical narrative. It serves as a powerful symbol of love, sacrifice, and the anointing of Jesus as the Christ.1. (n.) A sort of very large nail; also, a piece of pointed iron set with points upward or outward.

2. (n.) Anything resembling such a nail in shape.

3. (n.) An ear of corn or grain.

4. (n.) A kind of flower cluster in which sessile flowers are arranged on an unbranched elongated axis.

5. (v. t.) To fasten with spikes, or long, large nails; as, to spike down planks.

6. (v. t.) To set or furnish with spikes.

7. (v. t.) To fix on a spike.

8. (v. t.) To stop the vent of (a gun or cannon) by driving a spike nail, or the like into it.

9. (n.) Spike lavender. See Lavender.

4101. pistikos -- trustworthy
... genuine, pure. From pistis; trustworthy, ie Genuine (unadulterated) -- spike-(nard).
see GREEK pistis. (pistikes) -- 2 Occurrences. 4100, 4101. pistikos. 4102 ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4101.htm - 6k

3487. nardos -- nard, ointment of nard
... nerd Definition nard, ointment of nard NASB Word Usage nard (2). spikenard. Of foreign
origin (compare nerd); "nard" -- (spike-)nard. see HEBREW nerd. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3487.htm - 6k

4338. proseloo -- to nail to
... nail to. From pros and a derivative of helos; to peg to, ie Spike fast -- nail to.
see GREEK pros. see GREEK helos. (proselosas) -- 1 Occurrence. 4337, 4338. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4338.htm - 6k

2247. helos -- a nail
... word Definition a nail NASB Word Usage nails (2). nail. Of uncertain affinity; a
stud, ie Spike -- nail. (elon) -- 2 Occurrences. 2246, 2247. helos. 2248 . ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2247.htm - 6k

From a Hindu Point of view
... Then I saw it had not a dial plate; only a strong cross-bar of wood, and the index
finger, so to speak, was longer than one would expect, a sharp wooden spike. ...
/.../wilson-carmichael/things as they are/chapter xxvi from a hindu.htm

There is a Definite Moment at which the Seed is Ripe...
... continued contractions. They fall, spike downward, by the weight of the
seed, and the sun finishes the work he began. Closer still ...
/.../trotter/parables of the christ-life/section 6 there is a.htm

Free Will --A Slave
... I intend to spike the gun this morning, or, rather, to turn it on the enemy, for
it was never theirs; it was never cast at their foundry at all, but was ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/free willa slave.htm

From St. Paul's Analogy of the Seed we Learn that the Body which ...
... The truth is, it is sown the barest grain, without a husk to cover it, without a
spike even in germ, without the protection of a bearded top, without the glory ...
/.../on the resurrection of the flesh/chapter lii from st pauls analogy.htm

Victory.
... A sharp-pointed spike is driven through the palm of each hand and through the
feet. The hands are also tied with ropes as additional security. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gordon/quiet talks about jesus/victory.htm

Herod is Confirmed in his Kingdom by Caesar, and Cultivates a ...
... So he concealed nothing of the truth, but spike thus before his face: "O Caesar,
as I was made king of the Jews by Antony, so do I profess that I have used my ...
/.../chapter 20 herod is confirmed.htm

Which of the Gods Can the Romans Suppose Presided Over the ...
... joints and knots of the stems, the god Nodotus; over the sheaths enfolding the ears,
the goddess Voluntina; when the sheaths opened that the spike might shoot ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/chapter 8 which of the gods.htm

Tertullian Refutes, Physiologically, the Notion that the Soul is ...
... There is also (another instrument in the shape of) a copper needle or spike, by
which the actual death is managed in this furtive robbery of life: they give it ...
/.../a treatise on the soul/chapter xxv tertullian refutes physiologically the.htm

That it is Possible, when the Human Body is Dissolved into the ...
... we do not observe any labour on the part of nature spent on the wheat or millet
or any other seed of grain or pulse, in changing it into stalk or spike or ears ...
/.../gregory/gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/xxvii that it is possible.htm

On the Feast of a Holy Confessor
... They might soon find out, why they spike thus, if they would only strive
to walk uprightly in the way of truth and righteousness. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tauler/the inner way/sermon xxxiii on the feast.htm

Spike (1 Occurrence)
... 5. (vt) To fasten with spikes, or long, large nails; as, to spike down planks. 6.
(vt) To set or furnish with spikes. 7. (vt) To fix on a spike. ...
/s/spike.htm - 7k

Spikenard (4 Occurrences)
... It is called by the Arabs sunbul Hindi, "the Indian spike." In the New Testament
this word is the rendering of the Greek nardos pistike. ...
/s/spikenard.htm - 10k

Nail (9 Occurrences)
... assertion; hence, to catch; to trap. 9. (n.) To spike, as a cannon. Int.
Standard Bible Encyclopedia. NAIL. nal: (1) As denoting the ...
/n/nail.htm - 14k

Gad (78 Occurrences)
... etc. 3. (n.) A sharp-pointed rod; a goad. 4. (n.) A spike on a gauntlet;
a gadling. 5. (n.) A wedge-shaped billet of iron or steel. ...
/g/gad.htm - 49k

Goad (2 Occurrences)
... Syrian farmer is usually a straight branch of oak or other strong wood from which
the bark has been stripped, and which has at one end a pointed spike and at ...
/g/goad.htm - 9k

Rush-rope (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Rush-rope (1 Occurrence). Job 41:2 Wilt thou put a
rush-rope into his nose, and pierce his jaw with a spike? (DBY). ...
/r/rush-rope.htm - 6k

Ear (670 Occurrences)
... 7. (vt) To take in with the ears; to hear. 8. (n.) The spike or head of any cereal
(as, wheat, rye, barley, Indian corn, etc.), containing the kernels. ...
/e/ear.htm - 42k

Pick (37 Occurrences)
... 15. (n.) A pike or spike; the sharp point fixed in the center of a buckler. 16.
(n.) Choice; right of selection; as, to have one's pick. 17. ...
/p/pick.htm - 18k

Spieth (1 Occurrence)

/s/spieth.htm - 6k

Stiffnecked (9 Occurrences)
... As the plowman required but one hand to guide the plow, he carried in the other
an "ox-goad." This was a light pole, shod with an iron spike. ...
/s/stiffnecked.htm - 11k

What is an ox goad / oxgoad in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

What does the Bible say about being stiff-necked? | GotQuestions.org

Spike: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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