Alabaster
“From 'alabastron' (perfume vessel), possibly from Arabic 'al bastraton' (whitish stone) or the Egyptian town Alabastron”
Summary
A valuable stone from which vessels were made to preserve precious ointments, particularly associated with the woman who anointed Jesus with costly nard.
☩Biblical Usage
Alabaster appears in Scripture only in connection with the 'alabaster box' or vessel of precious ointment used to anoint Jesus. A woman broke such a vessel containing 'ointment of spikenard, very precious' and anointed Jesus' head—once at Bethany and once in Galilee. The Greek word 'alabastron' came to designate any perfume vessel regardless of material.
☩Material and Origin
Oriental alabaster, named from the Egyptian town of Alabastron near Tell el-Amarna where it was quarried, is a translucent carbonate of lime with colored streakings of red, yellow, and gray due to iron oxide. The ancients considered it the best material for preserving ointments, superior to our modern gypsum-based alabaster. The vessels were typically shaped with a long, narrow neck and rounded bottom.
☩Breaking the Box
When Scripture records that the woman 'broke' the alabaster vessel, this likely means she broke the seal on its mouth, since these containers were carefully sealed to prevent evaporation of the precious fragrance. Some interpret the breaking literally, suggesting the vessel made sacred by its use would never be put to lesser purpose—a profound expression of total devotion to Christ.
☩Spiritual Significance
This incident represents the gospel's protest against utilitarian calculation in worship. Jesus defended the woman against Judas's objection about the cost (estimated at 300 denarii, roughly a year's wages), declaring her act a beautiful memorial of devotion. Whatever tends to uplift, ennoble, and refine the soul is good when offered to Christ.
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Alabaster," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. I (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.F. N. Peloubet & M. A. Peloubet (ed.), "Alabaster," in Smith's Bible Dictionary (Porter & Coates, 1884).
- 3.James Hastings (ed.), "Alabaster," in Dictionary of Christ and the Gospels, vol. I (T. & T. Clark, 1906–1908).