νάρδος (nardos)
nardos
nard
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun nardos refers to spikenard, a precious aromatic oil derived from the roots of a plant native to the Himalayan region. In the ancient world, this substance was highly valued for its rich fragrance and was used to create fine perfumes and ointments. Its rarity and cost made it a symbol of great wealth and honor.
Scripture mentions this expensive perfume in two key passages: Mark 14:3 and John 12:3. In both accounts, a woman anoints Jesus’ head with nardous oil during a meal in Bethany. The act is described as breaking an alabaster jar of pure nard, which was worth a year’s wages for a laborer. This extravagant gesture highlights the depth of devotion and recognition of Jesus’ significance among his followers.
The word itself comes from foreign origins, possibly linked to Sanskrit or Hebrew roots, reflecting its exotic nature. Translators often render it simply as "nard" or "spikenard," preserving its sense of luxury and sacredness. The use of such costly material underscores themes of sacrifice and worship in the biblical narrative.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When we encounter nard in Scripture, we are immediately drawn into a story of extravagant love. This oil was not an everyday item; it represented a year’s wages for a laborer. To break the jar and pour it out was to give up something permanent and valuable. It reminds us that true worship often involves letting go of what we hold dear to honor who Jesus is.
In both Mark and John, this act happens just before the cross. The fragrance filled the room, creating a moment of peace and recognition amidst growing tension. For you, this word invites a simple question: What do you value enough to break open? It is not about the cost, but the heart behind the gift. We are invited to offer our best, not because we must, but because He is worthy.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- of nard2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- νάρδου2×
Key Verses
-
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.
This verse highlights the sheer value of the offering by specifying it was pure nard and very costly, emphasizing the magnitude of the woman's sacrifice.
-
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.
Here, Mary uses her hair to wipe Jesus' feet after anointing them, showing a level of humility and personal devotion that goes beyond mere ritual.