Lance Carson
Mary Magdalene is a significant figure in the Bible, known for her close relationship with Jesus. One of the most famous scenes involving Mary Magdalene is the anointing of Jesus' feet with an expensive perfume, described as nard or spikenard. This act has been interpreted as a symbol of Mary Magdalene's love and appreciation for Jesus, and it is mentioned in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. The perfume, extracted from grasses in India, was highly valued and reserved for kings and nobility. This gesture has been immortalized in art and literature, capturing the essence of Mary Magdalene's devotion.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Nard, Spikenard |
| Base | Lavender |
| Colour | Violet, Blue |
| Consistency | Hard, lard-like substance |
| Cost | Very expensive, worth 300 days of salary |
| Container | Alabaster jar |
| Weight | One pound |
| Odor | Sweet |
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What You'll Learn
Mary Magdalene's perfume was spikenard
In the Bible, Mary Magdalene is described as using this perfume to anoint the feet of Jesus. This is mentioned in John 12:3, which says, "Mary took a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus". The sweet smell of the perfume filled the house, as described in John 12:3-8: "Mary took a very expensive bottle of perfume and poured it on Jesus' feet. She wiped them with her hair, and the sweet smell of the perfume filled the house".
The use of spikenard by Mary Magdalene is significant as it symbolises love, appreciation, and value for Jesus. Additionally, some interpret Mary's anointment as a prophecy of Jesus' upcoming death and burial.
The perfume is also mentioned in Arrian's Anabasis, where soldiers traversing the desert of Gadrosia trampled on "grass of nard", releasing a sweet-smelling aroma. This "nard" has been identified as lemongrass, which has fragrance similarities to lavender. Some scholars have suggested that the nard used by Mary Magdalene may have been lavender, as lavender was commonly used in Eastern Orthodox tradition.
Today, spikenard-based perfumes continue to be sold, often marketed as capturing the ancient aromas mentioned in scriptures.
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Spikenard was a costly perfume
The word "spikenard" comes from the Greek word "nardos", which describes one of the most expensive perfumes of that time. It was reserved for use as gifts for kings and nobility. In John 12:3, the Bible describes Mary's gift of spikenard as "very costly". The original Greek word used is "polutimos", which conveys something of great worth and considerable financial value.
The expense of the perfume is further emphasised by the reaction of Judas Iscariot, who asked why the perfume was not sold and the money given to the poor. According to Judas, the perfume was worth 300 denarii, or days' salary. However, Jesus defended Mary's use of the perfume, saying that it was to prepare him for burial.
The use of spikenard to anoint Jesus' feet was also unusual, as it was typically used to anoint the heads of kings and dignitaries. Mary's actions demonstrate her love, appreciation, and value for Jesus.
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The perfume was kept in an alabaster jar
The perfume Mary Magdalene used to anoint Jesus's feet was kept in an alabaster jar. This perfume, spikenard, was a costly gift, extracted from grasses that grew in India. It was so expensive that few people could afford to buy it, and it was usually reserved for kings and nobility. The Greek word used to describe the perfume, "nardou pistikes", has been translated as "pure nard", indicating its high quality.
The anointing of Jesus's feet with this precious perfume is a significant event recorded in the four gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. In the Gospel of John, Mary is identified as Mary of Bethany, the sister of Martha and Lazarus. This family was very close to Jesus, and Mary's gift was a profound expression of her love and devotion.
The gesture of anointing Jesus's feet with her hair, as described in John and Luke, is exceptional and symbolic. Mary's act of wiping Jesus's feet with her hair demonstrates her humility and honour towards him. The sweet fragrance of the perfume filled the house, creating a powerful and memorable atmosphere.
The alabaster jar that held the spikenard perfume is significant in itself. Alabaster is a precious stone, often associated with purity and beauty. The jar's material may symbolize the valuable nature of the perfume it contained. Additionally, the act of breaking the alabaster jar to release the perfume can represent sacrifice and devotion.
The story of Mary Magdalene anointing Jesus's feet with the perfume from the alabaster jar has been immortalized in art and literature, such as the illuminated manuscript from c. 1500 and the work of James Tissot in the 19th century.
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Mary poured the perfume on Jesus' feet
Mary anointed Jesus' feet with a costly perfume, an act of love and honour. The perfume, spikenard, was an expensive gift, normally reserved for kings and dignitaries. Mary's actions were symbolic, showing her devotion and appreciation for Jesus.
The Bible describes Mary taking an "ounce" or "pound" of this precious ointment and pouring it over Jesus' feet. She then wiped his feet with her hair, filling the house with its sweet fragrance. This act is recorded in the four gospels, with slight variations in the accounts. In Matthew and Mark, the woman is unnamed, while John identifies her as Mary of Bethany, sister of Martha and Lazarus.
The choice of spikenard is significant. It was a rare and costly perfume, extracted from grasses in India. The process of making it was lengthy and expensive, and its value is emphasised by Judas Iscariot, who questioned why it had not been sold to benefit the poor. However, Jesus defended Mary's actions, recognising the gesture as an act of preparation for his impending burial.
The use of nard or lavender in the anointing has also been discussed. Some sources suggest that nard and lavender are one and the same, with lavender passing through various cultures and translations. The scent may have symbolised love conquering death, connecting us to the ethereal worlds.
The act of anointing Jesus' feet with perfume was an exceptional gesture, demonstrating Mary's humility and deep respect for her Master. It is a powerful scene that has been immortalised in art and literature, capturing the essence of Mary's devotion and the significance of her gift.
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Mary wiped Jesus' feet with her hair
The act of Mary wiping Jesus' feet with her hair is a well-known biblical event recorded in the four gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. The event holds significant symbolic value and has been the subject of various interpretations.
In the Gospel of John, Chapter 12, Verse 3, it is mentioned that Mary took "a pound of very costly ointment of spikenard" and used it to anoint Jesus' feet, proceeding to wipe them with her hair. This act carries a profound symbolic meaning. Firstly, it symbolises humility and self-sacrifice. Mary, by using her hair, demonstrates her willingness to humble herself before the Lord, regardless of societal norms or personal vanity. She sets aside any concerns about her hair—something highly valued by women—and instead focuses on serving Jesus.
Additionally, the use of her hair can be interpreted as a practical choice. By using her hair, Mary ensures that none of the precious ointment is wasted on rags or towels. This efficiency reflects her desire to maximise the use of the ointment, honouring Jesus and recognising the importance of the moment.
The gesture also holds cultural significance. In Hebrew tradition, it was customary for wives to wash their husbands' feet after a long day's work. This has led to speculation about the nature of the relationship between Jesus and Mary. However, it is important to note that Jesus was a guest in the home of Simon the Leper, implying that he and Mary were not married.
The anointing of Jesus' feet by Mary Magdalene is a powerful moment that has captured the imagination of artists and theologians alike. The use of her hair in this act adds a layer of complexity to the event, inviting exploration and interpretation.
Moreover, the perfume used by Mary, known as "nard," has cultural and symbolic significance. Nard is believed to be a form of lavender, connecting the act to themes of love and victory over death. The costly nature of the ointment also adds to the symbolism, with Judas questioning why it was not sold and the money given to the poor. Jesus, however, defends Mary's action, stating that it was done to prepare him for his burial.
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Frequently asked questions
Mary Magdalene used an ointment of spikenard, a very expensive perfume extracted from grasses that grew in India.
Mary Magdalene loved, appreciated, and valued Jesus, and her actions were an act of humility.
Jesus said, "Leave her alone! She has kept this perfume for the day of my burial. You will always have the poor with you, but you won't always have me."
The word 'spikenard' comes from the Greek word 'nardos', which describes one of the most expensive perfumes at that time.
