ἀλόη (aloē)
aloē
aloes
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun aloē refers to the fragrant wood of the aloe tree, typically used in its powdered form as a precious spice. In Scripture, it appears only once, in John 19:39, where Nicodemus brings a mixture of myrrh and aloes for Jesus’ burial.
This single occurrence highlights the word’s value and rarity. Aloes were not common daily items but expensive perfumes reserved for special occasions. The sources note its connection to Hebrew terms for fragrant plants, underscoring its role as a luxury good in the ancient world.
Its use in John’s Gospel adds a layer of honor to Jesus’ burial. By providing such costly spices, Nicodemus demonstrates respect and devotion, even in death. The word itself points to the care taken in preparing Jesus’ body, reflecting both cultural practices and theological significance.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word for aloe appears just once in the New Testament, nestled within the solemn account of Jesus’ burial in John 19:39. Nicodemus, who had previously visited Jesus under cover of darkness, now steps forward with a generous offering of myrrh and aloes. This fragrant wood was not a common household item but a costly spice, reserved for special occasions and honoring the dead.
Bringing about a hundred pounds of this mixture shows a profound shift in Nicodemus’s devotion. It reflects the deep respect and care his community held for Jesus, even in His final moments. This act of generosity points to the value placed on Christ’s body and the honor due to Him. In our own lives, we are invited to offer our best resources and heartfelt reverence to God, recognizing His worth above all material wealth.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- aloes1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀλόης1×
Key Verses
-
John 19:39
Nicodemus, who at first came to Jesus by night, also came bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred Roman pounds.
This verse uniquely records Nicodemus bringing a substantial amount of aloes mixed with myrrh, highlighting the word's association with costly burial preparations and public devotion.