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נֵרְדְּ (ne.red)

ne.red

nard

H5373 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 3 verses

H:N-M

Quick Reference

Language
Biblical Hebrew
Testament
Old Testament
Occurrences
3 verses
Root
—
Part of speech
H:N-M

Word Overview

The Hebrew word nered refers to nard, a highly prized aromatic plant originally native to India. In the ancient Near East, this substance was valued not merely for its scent but for its rarity and cost, often imported through trade routes that passed via Persia. Its distinctive fragrance made it a luxury item associated with wealth, honor, and special occasions.

In Scripture, nered appears only three times, all within the poetic book of Song of Solomon. It is mentioned as an ingredient in a perfume or ointment, symbolizing beauty, love, and royal splendor. The sources highlight its use in contexts of celebration and intimacy, reflecting its status as a precious gift rather than a common household item.

Translators typically render nered as "nard" or "spikenard," preserving the specificity of the plant rather than generalizing it to "fragrance." This choice maintains the historical and cultural weight of the term, reminding readers that such scents were tangible signs of value and affection in biblical times.

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

What This Word Means for Your Faith

Nard was one of the most expensive perfumes in the ancient world, imported from distant lands like India and valued for its rarity. When Scripture mentions this spice, it points to something precious, costly, and set apart for special moments. It reminds us that beauty and love are not cheap things but treasures worth honoring.

In the Song of Solomon, nard appears in scenes of intimacy and celebration, showing how God designed joy and affection to be expressed with richness and care. The fragrance was not just a scent but a sign of deep respect and delight between lovers. We see here that our relationships can reflect honor and generosity, offering our best to those we cherish.

This word invites us to consider what we value in our own lives. Are we holding back the good things God has given, or are we willing to share them freely? Nard teaches us that love often involves sacrifice and that true intimacy is built on mutual honor. May your heart be open to receiving and giving such precious gifts.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.

  • nard/ my1×
  • nard plants1×
  • nard1×

Forms in the text

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

  • נֵ֣רְדְּ\׀1×
  • נִרְדִּ֖/י1×
  • נְרָדִֽים\׃1×

Key Verses

  • Song of Solomon 1:12
    While the king sat at his table, my perfume spread its fragrance.

    This verse highlights the king's presence as the occasion for spreading the fragrance, linking nard to royal honor and intimate celebration.

  • Song of Solomon 4:13
    Your shoots are an orchard of pomegranates, with precious fruits, henna with spikenard plants,

    Here nard is grouped with pomegranates and henna, showing it as part of a lush garden that represents the beloved's beauty and fertility.

  • Song of Solomon 4:14
    spikenard and saffron, calamus and cinnamon, with every kind of incense tree; myrrh and aloes, with all the best spices,

    The list places nard alongside saffron and cinnamon, emphasizing its status among the most elite spices used in sacred or royal contexts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does nard mean in the Bible?

Nard refers to a rare and expensive aromatic plant from India, used to make high-quality perfume. In Scripture, it symbolizes wealth, honor, and deep affection, appearing only in poetic contexts like the Song of Solomon.

Why is nard mentioned only three times?

Because nard was an imported luxury item, it was not commonly used in everyday life. Its rarity made it suitable only for special occasions, royal honors, or intimate celebrations, which is why the biblical text reserves it for significant moments.

How is nard different from other spices like myrrh?

While both are costly and fragrant, nard comes from a plant root and was primarily used in perfumes for beauty and romance. Myrrh, by contrast, often had medicinal or burial associations and was more common in temple rituals.

Every Occurrence (3 verses across 1 books)

Song of Solomon 3 verses
Song of Solomon 1:12

While the king sat at his table, my perfume spread its fragrance.

Song of Solomon 4:13

Your shoots are an orchard of pomegranates, with precious fruits, henna with spikenard plants,

Song of Solomon 4:14

spikenard and saffron, calamus and cinnamon, with every kind of incense tree; myrrh and aloes, with all the best spices,