ἄρωμα (arōma)
arōma
spices
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun arōma refers to spices or perfumes, specifically those used for aromatic purposes. In the New Testament, it appears only four times, always in connection with burial preparations. The word describes the costly substances that women and disciples brought to anoint Jesus’ body after His death.
Its etymology links to emitting a scent, highlighting the sensory nature of these materials. Mark 16:1 mentions spices bought for this purpose, while Luke 23:56 and 24:1 record women preparing them. John 19:40 specifies a mixture of myrrh and aloes, weighing about seventy-five pounds, which Nicodemus used to wrap Jesus’ body.
This term underscores the honor given to Jesus even in death. The large quantity of spices indicates significant expense and care. Unlike ordinary burial practices, this elaborate preparation points to the unique significance of His passing. The word itself carries no theological weight beyond its literal sense, yet its usage reveals deep devotion.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word arōma simply means spices, yet its appearance in the Gospels carries a quiet weight. It describes the costly myrrh and aloes that Nicodemus brought, along with the preparations made by the women who followed Jesus. These were not mere ritual items but tangible expressions of love and honor at a moment when hope seemed lost.
When you read about these aromatic substances, consider the care taken to wrap the body of Christ. It was an act of devotion that transcended the shame of the cross. This detail reminds us that God values the intimate, costly gestures of those who love Him, even in our darkest hours.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- spices3×
- spices,1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀρώματα3×
- ἀρωμάτων,1×
Key Verses
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John 19:40
So they took Jesus’ body, and bound it in linen cloths with the spices, as the custom of the Jews is to bury.
This verse specifies the large quantity of myrrh and aloes used by Nicodemus, highlighting the exceptional honor given to Jesus in His burial.
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Mark 16:1
When the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, that they might come and anoint him.
Here the women buy spices specifically to anoint the body, showing their persistent devotion despite the Sabbath rest.
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Luke 23:56
They returned and prepared spices and ointments. On the Sabbath they rested according to the commandment.
This passage records the women preparing the spices after resting on the Sabbath, linking obedience to God's law with acts of love for Jesus.