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μύρον (muron)

muron

ointment

G3464 · Greek · New Testament · 14 verses

Quick Reference

Language
Koine Greek
Testament
New Testament
Occurrences
14 verses
Root
—

Word Overview

The noun muron refers to a fragrant ointment or unguent, typically made from oils infused with spices. In the New Testament, it appears in fourteen verses, most frequently within the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. The term denotes a precious substance used for anointing, distinct from common cooking oil.

Its significance is most vividly illustrated in the accounts of Jesus’ burial preparation. In Luke 23:56, women prepare spices and ointments to anoint his body, while John 12:3 describes Mary using a pound of costly spikenard ointment to wash Jesus’ feet. These passages highlight muron as a marker of honor, love, and the somber reality of death.

Lexical sources note that this word often corresponds to the Hebrew shemen in the Septuagint, linking it to themes of blessing and consecration found in Psalms and Proverbs. While related to general oil (elaion), muron specifically implies a scented, perfumed preparation, emphasizing its value and sensory impact in biblical narratives.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The word muron points to something precious: a fragrant ointment used for honor or burial. In the Gospels, this substance appears in moments of deep intimacy and profound sorrow. When Mary anoints Jesus’ feet with costly nard, she offers her best in a gesture of love that transcends practical value. This act reminds us that true devotion often looks like giving freely what we hold dear, without calculating the cost.

We also see muron in the quiet preparation for burial. The women who bought spices and ointments after Jesus’ death were acting on hope, even when it seemed all was lost. Their careful work shows that faithfulness often lives in simple, tangible acts of care. Whether in joy or grief, offering our best to God is a way of acknowledging His worth.

This word invites us to consider what we are willing to pour out for Christ. It is not about the price tag, but the heart behind the gift. In a world that often values efficiency over reverence, muron calls us to slow down and offer something truly special—whether through prayer, service, or simple acts of love.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 14 verses where it appears, by frequency.

  • fragrant oil5×
  • of fragrant oil4×
  • with fragrant oil2×
  • oil.1×
  • myrrh1×
  • fragrant oil.1×
  • anointing oils1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

  • μύρου5×
  • μύρον5×
  • μύρῳ2×
  • μύρῳ.1×
  • μύρου.1×
  • μύρα1×

Key Verses

  • Matthew 26:12
    For in pouring this ointment on my body, she did it to prepare me for burial.

    Jesus interprets the woman’s act as a prophetic preparation for His burial, linking the ointment directly to His impending death.

  • John 12:3
    Therefore Mary took a pound of ointment of pure nard, very precious, and anointed Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the ointment.

    Mary’s use of a pound of pure nard fills the house with fragrance, showing how extravagant love can permeate an entire space.

  • Luke 7:38
    Standing behind at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears, and she wiped them with the hair of her head, kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment.

    The sinful woman anoints Jesus’ feet with ointment after washing them with tears, highlighting repentance and humble devotion.

  • Luke 23:56
    They returned and prepared spices and ointments. On the Sabbath they rested according to the commandment.

    The women prepare spices and ointments after the Sabbath, demonstrating faithful preparation even in the face of death.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does muron mean in the Bible?

Muron refers to a fragrant ointment or unguent, typically made from oils infused with spices. It was a valuable substance used for anointing kings, priests, or the dead, and is distinct from common cooking oil.

Why is muron significant in the Gospels?

It appears in key moments of devotion and preparation for burial. For example, Mary uses costly nard (muron) to anoint Jesus’ feet, showing deep love, while women prepare spices and ointments after His death, showing faithful care.

How is muron different from regular oil?

While regular oil (elaion) was used for everyday purposes like cooking or lighting, muron was specifically scented, perfumed, and often very expensive. It carried symbolic weight as a marker of honor, consecration, or mourning.

Every Occurrence (14 verses across 5 books)

Matthew 3 verses
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…

Matthew 26:9

For this ointment might have been sold for much and given to the poor.”

Matthew 26:12

For in pouring this ointment on my body, she did it to prepare me for burial.

Mark 3 verses
Luke 4 verses
John 3 verses
Revelation of John 1 verse