The Greek word pistikós, represented by G4101, means trustworthy or genuine and unadulterated. It is derived from πίστις. This adjective appears only 2 times in 2 unique verses, where it is used to describe the quality of spikenard ointment.
In the biblical narrative, G4101 is used to emphasize the purity and high value of an offering given to Jesus. In Mark's account, a woman G1135 comes to the house of Simon the leper in Bethany with an alabaster box G211 of ointment G3464 of genuine spikenard, described as very precious G4185. She breaks the box and pours it on his head G2776 Mark 14:3. In a similar event, Mary G3137 took a pound G3046 of very costly G4186 ointment of genuine spikenard and anointed G218 the feet G4228 of Jesus, wiping them with her hair G2359 John 12:3.
Several related words help clarify the context of this profound act of worship:
- G3487 nárdos (nard): This is the specific type of fragrant oil being described. The term G4101 modifies it to signify that it is genuine or pure spikenard Mark 14:3.
- G3464 mýron (ointment): This word refers to the perfumed oil itself. The value of the ointment is underscored by its description as both genuine and very costly John 12:3.
- G211 alábastron (alabaster box): This term describes the container holding the precious ointment. The act of breaking the box G4937 in Mark's account signifies the totality of the gift Mark 14:3.
The significance of G4101 is found in the nature of the worship it describes.
- Genuine Offering: By qualifying the spikenard as genuine, the text highlights that the gift offered to Jesus G2424 was authentic and unadulterated, reflecting a pure act of devotion (Mark 14:3, John 12:3).
- Costly Sacrifice: The genuineness of the nard is directly linked to its immense expense, as it is called very precious G4185 and very costly G4186. The use of a whole pound G3046 or the breaking of the alabaster box G211 represents a complete and sacrificial act of worship.
- Anointing Jesus: The use of this pure and valuable ointment to anoint G218 Jesus, whether on his head Mark 14:3 or his feet John 12:3, was an act of profound honor. The quality of the offering underscored the perceived worthiness of the one receiving it.
In summary, while G4101 is rare, its use is powerful. It elevates a material substance, spikenard, into a symbol of authentic, unadulterated, and sacrificial devotion. The word pistikós confirms the quality of the gift, which in turn reflects the depth of the giver's heart and the supreme honor being paid to Jesus.
TRV