neuter of (of uncertain derivation), the name of a stone; properly, an "alabaster" box, i.e. (by extension) a perfume vase (of any material):--(alabaster) box.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word ἀλάβαστρον (alábastron, `{{G211}}`) refers primarily to a vessel made of alabaster stone. Alabaster, a soft, translucent mineral, was highly prized in the ancient world for crafting beautiful and often expensive containers, particularly for precious perfumes and ointments. The base definition indicates its origin from the name of the stone itself. However, the semantic range extends beyond the material; it came to denote any perfume vase, regardless of its composition, due to the common association. Thus, ἀλάβαστρον signifies a specialized container designed to hold costly aromatic substances, emphasizing its value and the preciousness of its contents. The shape was often elongated with a narrow neck, which could be sealed, and sometimes broken open for use, preserving the volatile contents.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ἀλάβαστρον appears exclusively in the Gospel accounts of women anointing Jesus with expensive perfume. These narratives highlight the profound significance of the act and the vessel itself:
* **[[Matthew 26:7]]**: "a woman came to him with an alabaster flask of very expensive ointment, and she poured it on his head as he reclined at table." Here, the ἀλάβαστρον is a container for "very expensive ointment" (μύρον, myron, `{{G3464}}`). The act is one of lavish devotion, performed in anticipation of Jesus' burial, which he himself interprets as such. The disciples' indignation at the perceived waste underscores the high value of both the flask and its contents.
* **[[Mark 14:3]]**: "And while he was at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he was reclining at table, a woman came with an alabaster flask of ointment of pure nard, very costly, and she broke the flask and poured it over his head." Mark's account adds the crucial detail that the woman "broke the flask." This action signifies a complete and irreversible offering. Breaking the neck of the ἀλάβαστρον was not merely to open it, but to ensure that the entire contents were released without reservation, symbolizing an act of total surrender and unreserved devotion. The "pure nard" further emphasizes the extreme cost and preciousness.
* **[[Luke 7:37]]**: "And behold, a woman of the city, who was a sinner, when she learned that he was reclining at table in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster flask of ointment." Luke presents a distinct narrative, where a sinful woman anoints Jesus' feet with the contents of her ἀλάβαστρον. In this context, the alabaster flask becomes a symbol of the woman's repentance, humility, and overwhelming love, born of deep gratitude for forgiveness. The act is not primarily about burial preparation, but about a transformed life expressing profound adoration.
Across these occurrences, the ἀλάβαστρον consistently holds a substance of immense value, facilitating an act of profound devotion, whether in anticipation of death or in expression of grateful love.
### Related Words & Concepts
The ἀλάβαστρον is intrinsically linked to other key terms and cultural practices of the ancient world:
* **μύρον (myron, `{{G3464}}`)**: This is the "ointment" or "perfume" itself, the precious contents held within the ἀλάβαστρον. The value of the μύρον is consistently emphasized, making the ἀλάβαστρον a container of great worth.
* **ἀλείφω (aleiphō, `{{G218}}`)**: This verb means "to anoint" or "to rub with oil/ointment." It describes the action performed with the contents of the ἀλάβαστρον. The act of anointing was multifaceted in the ancient world, used for hospitality, medicinal purposes, beauty, burial preparations, and ceremonial consecration.
* **χρίω (chriō, `{{G5548}}`)**: While ἀλείφω is a general term for anointing, χρίω carries a more specific connotation of messianic or sacred anointing, from which the title "Christ" (Χριστός, Christos, `{{G5547}}`) is derived. Though ἀλείφω is used in the anointing narratives, the deeper theological implications of Jesus' identity as the Anointed One resonate with χρίω.
* **Sacrifice and Offering**: The acts involving the ἀλάβαστρον are often interpreted as sacrificial, demonstrating a willingness to give something of great value without expectation of return. This resonates with Old Testament concepts of offerings and the ultimate sacrifice of Christ.
* **Burial Practices**: Perfumes and spices were commonly used in Jewish burial customs to prepare bodies, connecting the anointing in Matthew and Mark directly to Jesus' impending death.
### Theological Significance
The ἀλάβαστρον transcends its material reality to become a powerful symbol in the Gospel narratives.
1. **Extravagant Devotion**: The very nature of the ἀλάβαστρον and its costly contents signifies a love and devotion to Jesus that is unreserved and extravagant. It challenges a utilitarian mindset (as seen in the disciples' reaction) by demonstrating that true worship often involves giving beyond what is deemed "necessary" or "practical."
2. **Anticipation of Burial**: In Matthew and Mark, the anointing is explicitly linked by Jesus to his burial. The ἀλάβαστρον thus becomes an instrument in the prophetic act of preparing the Messiah for his ultimate sacrifice, a pre-enactment of his embalming.
3. **The Breaking of Self**: Mark's detail of "breaking the flask" is profoundly symbolic. It represents the complete breaking of self, the pouring out of one's most precious possession, without holding anything back. This mirrors Christ's own self-emptying and sacrifice on the cross. It also speaks to the idea that true worship may involve a radical, irreversible commitment.
4. **Love Born of Forgiveness**: In Luke's account, the ἀλάβαστρον facilitates an act of deep repentance and profound love. The woman's lavish anointing demonstrates the overwhelming gratitude for the forgiveness she has received, illustrating that "he who is forgiven little, loves little" ([[Luke 7:47]]). The ἀλάβαστρον here symbolizes the vessel of a broken and contrite heart, pouring out its adoration.
5. **Eternal Remembrance**: Jesus declares that the woman's act will be proclaimed wherever the gospel is preached ([[Matthew 26:13]], [[Mark 14:9]]). The ἀλάβαστρον, therefore, becomes a tangible link to an act of worship that holds eternal significance, remembered and celebrated throughout history.
### Summary
The ἀλάβαστρον (alábastron, `{{G211}}`), originally an alabaster container for precious perfumes, serves as a profound symbol in the New Testament. In the Gospel narratives, it is consistently associated with acts of deep, often extravagant, devotion to Jesus. Whether holding costly ointment for anointing his head in anticipation of his burial (Matthew, Mark) or anointing his feet as an expression of repentant love (Luke), the ἀλάβαστρον facilitates a tangible outpouring of worship. The act of "breaking the flask" in Mark's account further emphasizes a radical, unreserved offering of one's most cherished possession. Ultimately, the ἀλάβαστρον transcends its material form to represent sacrificial love, complete surrender, and the beautiful, eternally remembered acts of devotion offered to the Christ.
TRV