Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and Description:Nard, also known as spikenard, is a fragrant oil derived from the flowering plant Nardostachys jatamansi, which is native to the Himalayan regions of India and Nepal. This aromatic ointment was highly valued in ancient times for its rich fragrance and medicinal properties. It was often used in the preparation of perfumes and incense, as well as for anointing purposes.
Biblical References:Nard is mentioned several times in the Bible, most notably in the context of anointing and worship. Its use signifies honor, devotion, and the preparation for burial.
1.
Song of Solomon 1:12 : "While the king was at his table, my perfume spread its fragrance." This verse highlights the luxurious and intimate nature of nard, as it is associated with the presence of the king and the beloved.
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 illustrates the act of anointing Jesus with nard, symbolizing deep reverence and preparation for His impending death and 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 His feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume." Here, Mary’s use of nard demonstrates her devotion and recognition of Jesus’ divine nature, as well as foreshadowing His burial.
Cultural and Historical Context:In the ancient world, nard was a luxury item, often imported from distant lands, making it a symbol of wealth and status. Its use in anointing rituals underscores its significance in religious and cultural practices. The costly nature of nard is emphasized in the biblical accounts, where it is described as "very expensive" and "pure," indicating its high value and purity.
Theological Significance:The use of nard in the anointing of Jesus carries profound theological implications. It serves as an act of worship and recognition of Jesus as the Messiah. The anointing with nard is a prophetic gesture, pointing to Jesus’ sacrificial death and burial. The fragrance filling the house symbolizes the pervasive and enduring impact of Christ’s sacrifice and the devotion of His followers.
Symbolism:Nard represents the outpouring of love and devotion to God. It is a symbol of the believer’s willingness to offer their best to the Lord, regardless of the cost. The act of anointing with nard is a powerful expression of faith and acknowledgment of Jesus’ divine mission.
In summary, nard in the Bible is a multifaceted symbol of devotion, sacrifice, and the recognition of Jesus’ messianic role. Its presence in Scripture underscores the themes of worship, honor, and the foreshadowing of Christ’s redemptive work.
Smith's Bible Dictionary
Nard[SPIKENARD]
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
n.) An East Indian plant (Nardostachys Jatamansi) of the Valerian family, used from remote ages in Oriental perfumery.
2. (n.) An ointment prepared partly from this plant. See Spikenard.
3. (n.) A kind of grass (Nardus stricta) of little value, found in Europe and Asia.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
NARDnard.
SeeSPIKENARD.
Greek
3487. nardos --nard, ointment ofnard...nard, ointment of
nard. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: nardos Phonetic
Spelling: (nar'dos) Short Definition: spikenard, a perfume Definition
...4101. pistikos -- trustworthy
... genuine, pure. From pistis; trustworthy, ie Genuine (unadulterated) -- spike-(nard).
see GREEK pistis. (pistikes) -- 2 Occurrences. 4100, 4101. pistikos. 4102...
Strong's Hebrew
5373. nerd --nard... 5372, 5373. nerd. 5374 .
nard. Transliteration: nerd Phonetic Spelling:
(nayrd) Short Definition:
nard. Word Origin of foreign origin
...Library
Civ. Jesus Arrives and is Feasted at Bethany.
... there] as he sat at meat, there came ^a unto him a woman { ^d 3 Mary} ^a having
an alabaster cruse of exceeding precious ointment, ^b of purenard very costly...
The Arabic Gospel of the Infancy of the Saviour (Nt Apocrypha)
... And the old Hebrew woman took the piece of skin; but some say that she took the
navel-string, and laid it past in a jar of old oil ofnard....
On the Use of Ointments and Crowns.
... Simonides is not ashamed in Iambic lines to say,". "I was anointed with ointments
and perfumes,. And withnard.". For a merchant was present....
John Chapter xi. 55-57; xii
... 6. But "Mary," the other sister of Lazarus, "took a pound of ointment of purenard,
very precious, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped His feet with her...
His Last Week
... Mary therefore took a pound of ointment of purenard, very precious, and anointed
the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair; and the house was filled...
Hymn for Christmas-Day
... Methinks in all her rustic bowers The earth is spread with clustering flowers: Odours
ofnard and nectar sweet E'en o'er the sands of Syrtes fleet....
And Jesus Six Days Before the Passover...
... [2661] And Mary took a case of the ointment of finenard, of great price, [2662]
and opened it, and poured [8] it out on the head of Jesus as he was reclining...
The Feast at Bethany.
... Mary therefore took a pound of ointment of purenard, very precious, and anointed
the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair; and the house was filled...
August the Twelfth My Life and Hope
... I can "break the ball ofnard," and make perfume, "but still the sleeper sleeps."
"In Him is life." "In Christ shall all be made alive!". And here is my hope....
S. Mary Magdalene
... About thy curious, wild, young head? Why is this rich, this pistic [142]nard. Spilt,
and the box quite broke and marr'd? What pretty sullenness did haste....
Thesaurus
Nard (5 Occurrences)... Europe and Asia. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia.
NARD.
nard. See SPIKENARD.
Multi-Version Concordance
Nard (5 Occurrences). Mark 14:3
...Spikenard (4 Occurrences)
... The margin of the Revised Version in these passages has "pisticnard," pistic being
perhaps a local name. Some take it to mean genuine, and others liquid....
Expensive (6 Occurrences)
... 14:3 While he was at Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at the
table, a woman came having an alabaster jar of ointment of purenard-very costly...
Pure (160 Occurrences)
... 14:3 While he was at Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at the
table, a woman came having an alabaster jar of ointment of purenard-very costly...
Cypresses (6 Occurrences)
... Song of Songs 4:14 Cypresses withnard --nard and saffron, Cane and cinnamon, With
all trees of frankincense, Myrrh and aloes, with all chief spices. (YLT)....
Cane (11 Occurrences)
... Song of Songs 4:14 Cypresses withnard --nard and saffron, Cane and cinnamon, With
all trees of frankincense, Myrrh and aloes, with all chief spices. (YLT)....
Ointment (29 Occurrences)
... 14:3 While he was at Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at the
table, a woman came having an alabaster jar of ointment of purenard-very costly...
Narration (3 Occurrences)
Narcis'sus (1 Occurrence)
Narcis'sus. Narcissus, Narcis'sus.Nard . Multi-Version Concordance
Narcis'sus (1 Occurrence).... Narcissus, Narcis'sus.Nard . Reference Bible.
Odor (46 Occurrences)
... John 12:3 Mary therefore took a pound of ointment of purenard, very precious, and
anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house...
Resources
What is spikenard in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about aromatherapy? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about brokenness? | GotQuestions.orgNard: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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