What does spikenard refer to in the Bible?

Meaning and Etymology

Spikenard refers to a highly prized aromatic perfume derived from the plant Nardostachys jatamansi (commonly called “nard”). The word “spikenard” in English stems from the Latin “spica nardi,” indicating the spiked shape of the plant from which the oil is extracted. In Greek texts, including portions of the New Testament, the term “nardos” appears. This potent fragrance was famously expensive in ancient times due to the great distances required to transport it—from regions in or near the Himalayan mountains, into the areas of biblical lands.

Biblical Mentions in the Old Testament

Though the Old Testament does not always use the specific term “spikenard” in every modern translation, the Song of Solomon (Song of Songs) includes references to perfume or nard that evoke the same botanical aroma:

• Song of Solomon 1:12: “While the king was at his table, my perfume spread its fragrance.”

• Song of Solomon 4:13–14 describes a garden of beloved spices, which includes nard among other precious plants: “…with every kind of incense tree, with myrrh and aloe—with all the finest spices.”

The presence of nard (or spikenard) in these passages underscores its renown as a luxurious and precious perfume, symbolizing intimate devotion and deep affection. In the cultural context of the Ancient Near East, the use of spikenard conveys the theme of lavish love and exclusive commitment—a point consistent with the overall message of the Song of Solomon.

Biblical Mentions in the New Testament

The New Testament records significant events in which pure nard (commonly referred to as “spikenard” in some translations) is used to anoint Jesus:

• Mark 14:3: “While Jesus was in Bethany reclining at the table in the home of Simon the Leper, a woman came with an alabaster jar of expensive perfume, made of pure nard. She broke open the jar and poured it on Jesus’ head.”

• 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.”

These parallel accounts highlight spikenard’s extraordinary value. A single container of this oil was worth a year’s wages in first-century Palestine (cf. John 12:5), signifying both the monetary sacrifice and the extravagant act of reverence.

Cultural and Historical Context

Spikenard was traded along ancient routes linking India, the Himalayas, and the Mediterranean world. The high cost resulted from a combination of its rarity, difficult harvest methods, and extensive travel distances needed to bring it into regions such as Judea and Galilee. Because of its expense, spikenard was often reserved for special occasions, high social status gatherings, or religious rites.

Cuneiform inscriptions and other ancient literary sources outside the Old and New Testaments also attest to the use of precious oils like nard. Archaeological excavations in areas of the ancient Near East have unearthed small, sealed alabaster jars used to store perfumes and fragrant oils, corroborating the biblical descriptions of perfume containers (Mark 14:3).

Symbolic and Theological Significance

1. Love and Devotion

In the Old Testament’s Song of Solomon, nard typifies deep, intimate affection. In the New Testament, it signifies devotion to Christ. The lavish anointing documented in Mark 14 and John 12 is often seen as an act of unreserved love—an illustration of wholeheartedly recognizing Jesus’ worth.

2. Sacrifice

The disciple Judas Iscariot questioned the costliness of Mary’s gift, suggesting it could have been sold for charity (John 12:5). However, Jesus upheld her action, highlighting that genuine acts of honor should not be diminished by the world’s perspective on economics (John 12:7–8). This underscores the scriptural principle that sacrificial giving, motivated by love, pleases God.

3. Preparation for Burial

Jesus interpreted Mary’s anointing as preparation for His burial (Mark 14:8). In first-century Judea, fragrant oils were routinely used to anoint the deceased, as part of funeral customs. By anointing Him with spikenard, Mary was unwittingly contributing to a prophetic foreshadowing of Christ’s impending sacrifice and burial—an event culminating in the resurrection.

4. Glory and Honor

The accounts in Mark and John specifically mention that the perfume’s fragrance filled the entire house (John 12:3). This imagery underscores the notion that genuine worship and prayer rise like a pleasing aroma before God (cf. Revelation 8:3–4). It highlights that a heart devoted to the Messiah transforms the surrounding atmosphere.

Practical Insights and Lessons

• Worship in Spirit and Substance: Believers can glean from Mary’s act of anointing Jesus that worship includes not only inner devotion but often involves tangible deeds. Genuine worship overflows into practical expressions of love, whether through service, sacrifice, or thanksgiving.

• Valuing Christ Above All: The act of pouring out costly spikenard underscores the principle of holding nothing back from Him. In a culture prone to measuring all things from a purely economical standpoint, this biblical narrative encourages a mindset that places spiritual devotion over material calculations.

• Timeliness in Obedience: Mary’s anointing came before Jesus’ crucifixion. It suggests that prompt obedience to God’s prompting allows believers to participate in significant moments that honor the Lord—sometimes in ways that go beyond their immediate understanding.

• Pointing to the Power of the Resurrection: Though the anointing with spikenard was in the context of Jesus predicting His burial, the biblical narrative as a whole points to His resurrection (a central doctrine of faith). The account thus sits within the larger testimony that Christ’s life, death, and rising from the dead ensure salvation.

Relevant Archaeological and Scholarly Notes

• Perfume Vessels: Excavations in Israel and surrounding regions have discovered alabaster jars closely matching biblical descriptions. Some scholars note remnants of dried perfumed oils inside certain containers. Such findings lend credence to the Gospel descriptions, as recognized by numerous archaeologists and biblical historians.

• Trade Records and Spikenard: Early records in Greek, Roman, and Babylonian texts reference Nardostachys-based compounds. The transit of nard through Persia and Arabia is documented in commercial ledgers and travel writings from the first centuries AD.

• Textual Consistency: Multiple manuscript copies, including extant Greek New Testament papyri and codices, consistently mention the costly nature of the nard employed in these accounts (Mark 14, John 12). By comparing these reliable manuscripts, scholars affirm the unwavering nature of this detail, showing consistency within the biblical narrative.

Conclusion

Spikenard in Scripture holds both literal and symbolic importance. Literally, it was a precious fragrance highly prized in biblical times. Symbolically, it exemplifies extravagant love, worship, and devotion—seen especially in Mary’s act of anointing Jesus. The passages that mention spikenard are plentiful in meaning, signifying how God values offerings of a sincere heart more than mere outward display. Earthly riches pale alongside the reality of Christ’s worth, and the aroma of spikenard reminds readers across generations of God’s ultimate plan of redemption.

Thus, the biblical references to spikenard point to deeper truths about worship, sacrifice, and devotion, consistently weaving together the message of Scripture surrounding the Savior’s loving character and the believer’s fitting response.