The Greek word ἀλόη (alóē), represented by G250, refers to aloes, a gum of foreign origin. It is a rare term in scripture, appearing only 1 time in 1 unique verse. Its sole use is in the context of preparing the body of Jesus for burial.
The single appearance of G250 is in John 19:39. In this passage, Nicodemus G3530, who had previously come G2064 to G4314 Jesus G2424 by night G3571, arrives after the crucifixion. He brought G5342 a mixture G3395 of myrrh G4666 and aloes G250, weighing about G5616 an hundred G1540 pound G3046. This costly preparation was used for the anointing of Jesus' body, an act of honor and care.
Several related words help illuminate the context of this event:
- G4666 smýrna (myrrh): This substance is brought together with aloes. It also appears as one of the gifts presented to the young child Jesus Matthew 2:11.
- G3530 Nikódēmos (Nicodemus): Defined as "victorious among his people," he is the individual who brings the mixture of myrrh and aloes. He was a ruler of the Jews who first came to Jesus in secret (John 19:39, John 3:1).
- G3395 mígma (a compound): This word describes how the aloes were used, not as a raw ingredient but as part of a prepared mixture, highlighting the intentionality of the act John 19:39.
- G1540 hekatón (a hundred): This term specifies the great quantity of the mixture brought, emphasizing the immense value and honor bestowed in the burial preparation John 19:39.
The theological significance of G250 is tied directly to its singular, powerful context.
- An Act of Honor: The use of aloes and myrrh in such a large quantity ("an hundred pound weight") was an extravagant act of devotion, typically reserved for a royal burial, signifying the honor given to Jesus even in death John 19:39.
- A Bold Declaration: This act is performed by Nicodemus G3530, a man who first approached Jesus "by night" G3571. His open participation in Jesus' burial, using this costly mixture, marks a transition from private inquiry to public identification with Christ.
- Fulfillment in Death: Just as myrrh G4666 was a gift at His birth Matthew 2:11, the combination of myrrh and aloes at His death completes a symbolic arc of reverence for Jesus' physical body.
In summary, G250 alóē is a word whose importance comes not from frequency but from its singular, poignant use. It represents a key component in a lavish anointing mixture, brought by Nicodemus to honor Jesus in His death. Its presence in the narrative of John 19:39 underscores a profound act of worship and the recognition of Jesus' kingship by one who had once sought him in the darkness.
TRV