Jump to: Smith's • ISBE • Webster's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Greek • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms 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 NardWebster'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. Greek 3487. nardos -- nard, ointment of nard ... nard, ointment of nard. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: nardos Phonetic Spelling: (nar'dos) Short Definition: spikenard, a perfume Definition ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3487.htm - 6k 4101. pistikos -- trustworthy Strong's Hebrew 5373. nerd -- nard... 5372, 5373. nerd. 5374 . nard. Transliteration: nerd Phonetic Spelling: (nayrd) Short Definition: nard. Word Origin of foreign origin ... /hebrew/5373.htm - 5k Library Civ. Jesus Arrives and is Feasted at Bethany. The Arabic Gospel of the Infancy of the Saviour (Nt Apocrypha) On the Use of Ointments and Crowns. John Chapter xi. 55-57; xii His Last Week Hymn for Christmas-Day And Jesus Six Days Before the Passover... The Feast at Bethany. August the Twelfth My Life and Hope S. Mary Magdalene Thesaurus Nard (5 Occurrences)... Europe and Asia. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. NARD. nard. See SPIKENARD. Multi-Version Concordance Nard (5 Occurrences). Mark 14:3 ... /n/nard.htm - 8k Spikenard (4 Occurrences) Expensive (6 Occurrences) Pure (160 Occurrences) Cypresses (6 Occurrences) Cane (11 Occurrences) Ointment (29 Occurrences) Narration (3 Occurrences) Narcis'sus (1 Occurrence) Odor (46 Occurrences) Resources What is spikenard in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about aromatherapy? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about brokenness? | GotQuestions.org Nard: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Nard (5 Occurrences)Mark 14:3 John 12:3 Song of Songs 1:12 Song of Songs 4:13 Song of Songs 4:14 Subtopics Related Terms |