### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun G3464 (μύρον, *mýron*) primarily denotes "perfumed oil" or "ointment." Its etymological root is likely foreign, sharing kinship with the Hebrew `{{H4753}}` (מֹר, *mor*), meaning "myrrh," and the Greek `{{G4674}}` (σμύρνα, *smyrna*), which refers to the myrrh tree or its resin. This connection suggests that *mýron* originally derived from aromatic resins like myrrh, which were then processed into fragrant oils or balms. The term consistently implies a substance of high quality and often significant cost, used for anointing, beautification, and funerary practices due to its pleasant aroma and preservative qualities. It is not merely any oil, but a specially prepared, fragrant compound.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term G3464 (μύρον) appears nine times in the New Testament, predominantly in the Synoptic Gospels and John, always in contexts related to anointing.
1. **Anointing of Jesus by a Woman (Matthew, Mark, John):**
* In [[Matthew 26:7]], a woman pours "very costly fragrant oil" (*mýron*) on Jesus' head. Jesus defends her act, stating it was for His burial preparation ([[Matthew 26:12]]).
* Similarly, [[Mark 14:3]] describes a woman with an "alabaster flask of pure nard ointment, very costly" (*mýron*). The disciples object to the waste, but Jesus commends her for anointing His body beforehand for burial ([[Mark 14:4]], [[Mark 14:8]]).
* [[John 12:3]] recounts Mary anointing Jesus' feet with "a pound of very costly oil of pure nard" (*mýron*). Judas Iscariot objects to its cost, suggesting it should have been sold for the poor ([[John 12:5]]), but Jesus again defends Mary's prophetic act.
These accounts highlight the *mýron*'s high value and the controversy surrounding its "wasteful" use. Jesus' interpretation elevates the act from mere hospitality to a profound prophetic anointing for His impending death and burial.
2. **Anointing of Jesus by a Sinful Woman (Luke):**
* In [[Luke 7:37]], a woman who was a sinner brings an "alabaster flask of fragrant oil" (*mýron*) and anoints Jesus' feet with her tears and the oil ([[Luke 7:38]], [[Luke 7:46]]). This act, in contrast to the host Simon's lack of hospitality, demonstrates her deep repentance, love, and devotion, leading to Jesus' forgiveness of her sins. Here, the *mýron* symbolizes a costly offering of love and contrition.
In every instance, *mýron* signifies a precious, aromatic substance used in an act of profound reverence, whether for honor, worship, or the solemn preparation of the dead. Its costly nature underscores the depth of the giver's devotion or the significance of the recipient.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of G3464 (μύρον) is enriched by considering several related terms and concepts:
* **`{{H4753}}` (מֹר, *mor*):** The Hebrew word for myrrh, frequently mentioned in the Old Testament as an ingredient in sacred anointing oil ([[Exodus 30:23]]), perfumes ([[Psalm 45:8]]), and for embalming ([[Esther 2:12]]). This establishes a long biblical tradition of myrrh's use for sacred and ceremonial purposes.
* **`{{G4674}}` (σμύρνα, *smyrna*):** The Greek word for myrrh, the resin itself. It is used in [[John 19:39]] where Nicodemus brings a mixture of myrrh and aloes for Jesus' burial, underscoring its role in funerary rites. While *mýron* is the prepared oil, *smyrna* is the raw material.
* **`{{G3488}}` (νάρδος, *nardos*):** Nard, a specific and particularly expensive type of perfumed oil, often explicitly identified as the kind of *mýron* used in the anointing of Jesus ([[Mark 14:3]], [[John 12:3]]). This emphasizes the extreme cost and therefore the lavishness of the anointing.
* **`{{G218}}` (ἀλάβαστρον, *alabastron*):** An alabaster flask, the typical container for precious ointments, often associated with the *mýron* itself ([[Matthew 26:7]], [[Mark 14:3]], [[Luke 7:37]]).
* **Anointing:** The act of applying oil, a practice with rich biblical significance, representing consecration, blessing, healing, and preparation for burial. The use of *mýron* elevates the anointing to an act of great honor and spiritual significance.
* **Sacrifice and Worship:** The use of *mýron* often represents a costly offering, symbolizing the worshiper's willingness to give their best to God, transcending mere material value.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of G3464 (μύρον) is profound, particularly in the accounts of Jesus' anointing:
1. **Extravagant Love and Worship:** The lavish application of *mýron*, especially the "very costly" nard, symbolizes an act of unreserved, profligate love and worship directed towards Jesus. It challenges utilitarian perspectives, asserting that true devotion may transcend practical considerations and express itself in acts of beautiful, costly sacrifice. This serves as a powerful example of worship that gives its absolute best, without holding back.
2. **Prophetic Anointing for Burial:** Jesus' explicit interpretation of the anointing as preparation for His burial ([[Matthew 26:12]], [[Mark 14:8]]) transforms a customary act into a profound prophetic statement. The women, perhaps unknowingly, participated in a sacred ritual foreshadowing the ultimate sacrifice. The *mýron*, therefore, becomes a tangible link between Jesus' life, His impending death, and the honor due to Him as the Christ.
3. **Value Beyond Material Cost:** The disciples' and Judas's objection to the *mýron*'s "waste" highlights a tension between worldly economic value and spiritual worth. Jesus' defense of the woman's act underscores that some acts of devotion are priceless, demonstrating a spiritual economy where love and worship are of supreme value, far exceeding monetary calculations.
4. **Remembrance and Enduring Testimony:** Jesus' declaration that the woman's act would be remembered wherever the Gospel is preached ([[Matthew 26:13]], [[Mark 14:9]]) elevates the *mýron* anointing to an enduring testament of faith. It signifies that acts of humble, devoted service to Christ, even seemingly small or "wasteful" ones, hold eternal significance and are worthy of perpetual memory within the Christian narrative.
5. **Humility and Forgiveness:** In Luke's account, the use of *mýron* by the sinful woman signifies deep humility, repentance, and a profound love born out of forgiveness. It illustrates that the most costly offering may come from those who recognize their great need for grace, contrasting sharply with self-righteousness.
### Summary
The Greek word G3464 (μύρον, *mýron*) refers to costly, perfumed oil or ointment, often derived from aromatic resins like myrrh. Its primary biblical occurrences are found in the New Testament Gospels, where it consistently denotes a precious substance used for anointing. Most significantly, *mýron* is central to the accounts of women anointing Jesus, acts which Jesus Himself interprets as prophetic preparation for His burial. Theologically, *mýron* symbolizes extravagant love and worship, demonstrating a devotion that transcends material cost. It underscores the spiritual value of selfless giving, foreshadows Christ's ultimate sacrifice, and serves as an enduring testament to acts of humble faith and profound gratitude. The use of *mýron* in the Gospels thus embodies deep reverence, prophetic insight, and the immeasurable worth of devotion to the Messiah.
TRV