Lexical Summary nardos: Nard Original Word: νάρδος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance spikenard. Of foreign origin (compare nerd); "nard" -- (spike-)nard. see HEBREW nerd HELPS Word-studies 3487 nárdos – nard (spikenard); an Indian plant, "the nardostachys nardus jatamansi, used for the preparation of a fragrant ointment; ointment of nard: Mk 14:3; Jn 12:3" (Abbott-Smith). When refined, nard is a "perfume, made originally from the 'Nardostachys Jatamansi' growing on the Himalayas" (Souter). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof foreign origin, cf. nerd Definition nard, ointment of nard NASB Translation nard (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3487: νάρδοςνάρδος, νάρδου, ἡ (a Sanskrit word (cf. Fick as in Löw below); Hebrew נֵרְדְּ, Song of Solomon 1:12; Song of Solomon 4:13f); a. nard, the head or spike of a fragrant East Indian plant belonging to the genus Valeriana, which yields a juice of delicious odor which the ancients used (either pure or mixed) in the preparation of a most precious ointment; hence, b. nard oil or ointment; so Mark 14:3; John 12:3. Cf. Winer, RWB under the word Narde; Rüetschi in Herzog x., p. 203; Furrer in Schenkel, p. 286f; (Löw, Aramäische Pflanzennamen (Leip. 1881), § 316, p. 368f; Royle in Alex.'s Kitto under the word Nerd; Birdwood in the 'Bible Educator' ii. 152). Topical Lexicon Definition and Overview Nard (Greek nardos) is a costly aromatic ointment extracted from the roots of Nardostachys jatamansi, a plant native to the Himalayas. Its rarity and expense made it a luxury commodity in the ancient Near East, synonymous with lavish devotion and royal honor. Botanical and Trade Background Spikenard grew high in the mountains of what is now Nepal and northern India. Transported along the Silk Road and overland caravan routes, it reached the Roman world in sealed alabaster jars, protecting both fragrance and value (cf. “alabaster jar of very expensive perfume,” Mark 14:3). Its price—about three hundred denarii, roughly a laborer’s annual wage—underscored any act of anointing with nard as extravagant and deliberate. Old Testament and Second-Temple Echoes • Song of Solomon 1:12; 4:13-14 associates nard with bridal affection, intimacy, and fragrant celebration. These texts prepare the reader to recognize nard as a perfume of covenantal love and kingly dignity. New Testament Occurrences 1. Mark 14:3 – “While Jesus was in Bethany at the home of Simon the leper, a woman came with an alabaster jar of expensive perfume—pure nard. She broke the jar and poured it on His head.” Narrative Significance of the Anointings • Prophetic Preparation: Jesus interprets the anointing as preparation for His burial (Mark 14:8). Typological and Theological Themes 1. Messiah-King: Just as kings were anointed with precious oil (Psalm 45:7), Jesus receives nard, affirming His royal identity. Implications for Worship and Ministry • Extravagant Love: True worship is measured not by frugality but by wholehearted surrender. Devotional and Ethical Applications • Stewardship: While Scripture esteems wise charity, it also upholds offerings of beauty and honor to the Lord. Key References Song of Solomon 1:12; 4:13-14 Forms and Transliterations ενάρκησε ενάρκησεν νάρδος ναρδου νάρδου νάρδων nardou nárdouLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Mark 14:3 N-GFSGRK: ἀλάβαστρον μύρου νάρδου πιστικῆς πολυτελοῦς NAS: of pure nard; [and] she broke KJV: of ointment of spikenard very precious; INT: alabastar flask of ointment of nard pure of great price John 12:3 N-GFS |
    |