### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun λίτρα (lítra), Strong's number `{{G3046}}`, denotes a unit of weight. Its etymology traces back to the Latin word *libra*, from which the English "pound" is derived. In the context of the New Testament, λίτρα specifically refers to a Roman pound, which was approximately 327 grams or about 11.5 ounces. The semantic range of λίτρα is quite narrow, primarily functioning as a precise measurement of quantity for various substances. It does not carry a broad metaphorical meaning but serves to quantify the tangible value and volume of items in specific biblical narratives.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term λίτρα appears exclusively in the Gospel of John, in two distinct yet thematically related contexts:
1. **[[John 12:3]]**: "Mary therefore took a pound of costly perfume of pure nard and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped His feet with her hair; and the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume." Here, the "pound" (λίτρα) emphasizes the extraordinary quantity and thus the immense value of the perfume Mary used. This act of anointing is portrayed as a lavish and self-sacrificial expression of devotion, foreshadowing Jesus' burial, as He Himself notes in [[John 12:7]]. The specific measurement underscores the tangible cost of her worship, making her act even more profound.
2. **[[John 19:39]]**: "Nicodemus, who had first come to Him by night, also came, bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred pounds." In this passage, Nicodemus, a secret disciple, brings an astonishingly large quantity of burial spices for Jesus' body. The "hundred pounds" (ἑκατὸν λίτρας) signifies an immense and costly offering, far exceeding typical burial preparations. This act, performed in the open after Jesus' death, demonstrates Nicodemus's profound reverence and courage, publicly acknowledging Jesus' messianic identity even amidst the shame of the crucifixion. The large quantity of spices serves to honor Jesus as a king, reflecting the lavishness often associated with royal burials.
In both instances, λίτρα quantifies a significant and costly offering made to Jesus, highlighting acts of deep devotion and reverence.
### Related Words & Concepts
While λίτρα is a specific unit of weight, its usage connects it to broader biblical concepts and related terminology:
* **Units of Weight and Measure:** The concept of measurement is pervasive in the biblical text, often conveying value, quantity, or divine precision. Other related terms include the talent (τάλαντον, `{{G5007}}`), a much larger unit of weight and currency, and various other measures for liquids (e.g., bath, hin) or dry goods (e.g., ephah, seah). Unlike Jewish measures, the λίτρα is distinct as a Roman unit, reflecting the Hellenistic and Roman influence in the New Testament period.
* **Cost and Value:** The substances measured by λίτρα—costly perfume, myrrh, and aloes—are inherently valuable. This connects λίτρα to themes of sacrifice, expenditure, and the estimation of worth, particularly in relation to Christ.
* **Anointing and Burial Practices:** The contexts in which λίτρα appears are directly tied to ancient Jewish and Roman customs concerning anointing and burial. These practices often involved precious oils and spices, underscoring the honor and respect accorded to the deceased or to a revered figure.
* **Devotion and Worship:** The acts described in John's Gospel, where λίτρα is used, are profound expressions of devotion. Mary's anointing is an act of worship, while Nicodemus's provision for burial is an act of honor and reverence. The quantity specified by λίτρα underscores the magnitude of this devotion.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of λίτρα primarily stems from its specific contexts in the Gospel of John, where it quantifies profound acts of devotion to Jesus:
* **Costly Devotion and Sacrifice:** The "pound" of perfume and the "hundred pounds" of spices represent extraordinary material sacrifices made for Jesus. They underscore the principle that true devotion often involves tangible cost and a willingness to offer one's most valuable possessions to Christ. This challenges believers to consider the measure of their own commitment and sacrifice.
* **Anticipation and Honor of Jesus' Burial:** Both occurrences of λίτρα are intimately connected to Jesus' death and burial. Mary's anointing is explicitly linked by Jesus to His burial preparation ([[John 12:7]]), while Nicodemus's act is the actual preparation for His interment. The lavish quantities signify the immense honor due to Jesus, even in death, acknowledging His divine kingship and unique status.
* **The Immeasurable Worth of Christ:** The use of such significant quantities of precious substances, measured by the λίτρα, highlights the immeasurable worth of Jesus Christ. No material offering, however costly or abundant, can truly capture His value. These acts serve as human attempts to express an honor that ultimately transcends all earthly measures.
* **Witness and Courage:** Nicodemus's act, bringing a hundred pounds of spices, signifies a courageous public (though initially secret) confession of faith in Jesus, even at the risk of social ostracism. The sheer quantity of his offering speaks volumes about his conviction.
### Summary
The Greek word λίτρα (lítra, `{{G3046}}`), derived from the Latin *libra*, designates a Roman pound, a specific unit of weight. Its two occurrences in the Gospel of John are highly significant, quantifying acts of profound devotion to Jesus. In [[John 12:3]], Mary anoints Jesus with a pound of costly perfume, an act of lavish worship foreshadowing His burial. In [[John 19:39]], Nicodemus brings a hundred pounds of myrrh and aloes for Jesus' burial, an immense and honorable offering. In both instances, the λίτρα underscores the tangible cost and the extraordinary measure of devotion and honor rendered to Jesus, emphasizing His immeasurable worth and the sacrificial nature of true discipleship. The use of this specific Roman measure highlights the tangible reality of these acts of reverence in the historical context of the New Testament.
TRV