Strong's Lexicon alabastron: Alabaster jar, alabaster box Original Word: ἀλάβαστρον Word Origin: Derived from the Greek word ἀλάβαστρος (alabastros), referring to a type of stone used to make containers. Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for "alabastron," the concept of anointing with oil is prevalent in the Old Testament, often using the Hebrew word "שֶׁמֶן" (shemen) for oil. Usage: The term "alabastron" refers to a small container or jar, typically made from alabaster, a fine-grained, translucent form of gypsum or calcite. These jars were used in ancient times to hold precious ointments, perfumes, or oils. In the New Testament, the alabaster jar is often associated with acts of devotion and anointing. Cultural and Historical Background: Alabaster was a valued material in the ancient world, prized for its beauty and ability to preserve the fragrance of perfumes. The jars were often sealed to keep the contents pure and were used in significant social and religious rituals. The breaking of an alabaster jar to anoint someone was a sign of great honor and respect, often reserved for special occasions or persons of high status. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof foreign origin Definition a box of alabaster NASB Translation alabaster vial (3), vial (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 211: ἀλάβαστρονἀλάβαστρον, , τό (in the plural in Theocritus, 15, 114; Anth, Pal. 9, 153; in other secular writings ὁ and ἡ ἀλάβαστρος; (the older and more correct spelling drops the p, cf. Stephanus' Thesaurus, under the word, 1385 d.; Liddell and Scott, under the word ἀλάβαστρος)), a box made of alabaster, in which unguents are preserved (Pliny, h. n, 13, 2 (3) (others, 13, 19) "unguenta optime servantur in alabastris); with the addition of μύρου (as in Lucian, dial. mer. 14, 2; (Herodotus 3, 20)): Luke 7:37; Matthew 26:7; Mark 14:3 (where L T adopt τόν ἀλάβαστρον, Tr WH (Meyer) τήν ἀλ.; Matthew and Luke do not add the article, so that it is not clear in what gender they use the word (cf. Tdf.s critical note at the passage)). Cf. Winers RWB (or B. D.) under the word Strong's Exhaustive Concordance alabaster box. Neuter of alabastros (of uncertain derivation), the name of a stone; properly, an "alabaster" box, i.e. (by extension) a perfume vase (of any material) -- (alabaster) box. Forms and Transliterations αλαβαστρον αλάβαστρον ἀλάβαστρον alabastron alábastronLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Matthew 26:7 N-ANSGRK: γυνὴ ἔχουσα ἀλάβαστρον μύρου βαρυτίμου NAS: came to Him with an alabaster vial of very costly KJV: having an alabaster box of very precious INT: a woman having an alabaster flask of ointment very costly Mark 14:3 N-ANS Mark 14:3 N-ANS Luke 7:37 N-ANS |
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