ἀλάβαστρον (alabastron)
alabastron
jar
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun alabastron refers to a small jar or bottle designed to hold precious perfumed oils. In the ancient world, these containers were often crafted from alabaster, a fine-grained stone that was both beautiful and practical for preserving delicate scents. The sources indicate it is a specific type of vessel, distinct from general jars, emphasizing its role in storing valuable unguents rather than common substances.
This word appears in only three verses within the Gospels, all describing moments where women anoint Jesus with costly perfume. In Matthew 26:7 and Mark 14:3, a woman uses an alabastron to pour ointment on his head, while Luke 7:37 records a similar act using the same type of jar. The consistent use of this specific term highlights the expense and intimacy of these gestures, as breaking or emptying such a sealed vessel represented a significant sacrifice.
Etymologically, the word derives from alabastos, referring to the stone material itself, though its exact origins remain uncertain. Translators typically render it as "jar" or "bottle," but the Greek carries connotations of luxury and careful preservation. By specifying this container, the Gospel writers draw attention to the value of the gift offered, framing the act not merely as ritual but as a profound offering of something rare and cherished.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word alabastron refers to a small, delicate jar made of stone, designed specifically to hold precious perfumed oils. In the ancient world, these vessels were not everyday containers but treasures kept safe for special occasions or deep intimacy. When the Gospels mention this jar, they are highlighting an act of profound value and personal sacrifice.
Each time we see an alabastron in the biblical text, it is broken open to pour out something rare and costly upon Jesus. This breaking signifies that true worship often involves letting go of our most guarded possessions. It invites us to consider what we hold tightly in our own lives and whether we are willing to offer those things freely to God.
These moments remind us that devotion is not measured by the size of the gift, but by the heart behind it. The women who brought these jars did not hesitate to pour out their treasures, showing that love for Christ surpasses all earthly value. We can find comfort in knowing that God sees and honors such sincere offerings.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- an alabaster flask3×
- alabaster flask1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀλάβαστρον4×
Key Verses
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Matthew 26:7
a woman came to him having an alabaster jar of very expensive ointment, and she poured it on his head as he sat at the table.
This verse highlights the high cost of the ointment, emphasizing that the woman's gift was a significant financial sacrifice.
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Mark 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 pure nard—very costly. She broke the jar and poured it over his head.
The specific detail of breaking the jar shows that the act was irreversible and total, leaving nothing back for herself.
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Luke 7:37
Behold, a woman in the city who was a sinner, when she knew that he was reclining in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster jar of ointment.
Here the jar is brought by a woman known as a sinner, connecting the precious offering with deep personal repentance and grace.