from πίστις; trustworthy, i.e. genuine (unadulterated):--spike-(nard).
Transliteration:pistikós
Pronunciation:pis-tik-os'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek adjective πιστικός (pistíkós), `{{G4101}}`, is derived from the noun πίστις (pístis), `{{G4102}}`, which primarily denotes "faith," "trust," or "faithfulness." Consequently, πιστικός carries the core meaning of "trustworthy" or "reliable." However, its specific application in the New Testament leans towards a more nuanced semantic range: "genuine," "pure," or "unadulterated." This particular nuance emphasizes the authenticity and unmixed quality of an item, suggesting that it can be trusted to be what it purports to be, without dilution or counterfeit elements. The term thus describes an intrinsic quality of an object that makes it valuable and reliable.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word πιστικός (pistíkós) appears in the New Testament exclusively in relation to "nard," specifically "spikenard," in two parallel accounts of Jesus' anointing:
* [[Mark 14:3]]: "And being in Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at meat, there came a woman having an alabaster box of ointment of spikenard πιστικῆς (pistíkēs) very precious; and she brake the box, and poured it on his head."
* [[John 12:3]]: "Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard πιστικῆς (pistíkēs), very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment."
In both instances, πιστικῆς (pistíkēs), the genitive feminine singular form, modifies "nard" (νάρδου, nárdou). The context unequivocally describes the nard as being of exceptionally high value ("very precious" / "very costly"). The use of πιστικός here serves to underscore this value by indicating the nard's authenticity and purity. In the ancient world, expensive commodities like nard were frequently adulterated or diluted to increase profit. Thus, describing the nard as πιστικός affirmed its genuine, unmixed quality, which justified its exorbitant price. It was not a cheap imitation but the real, unadulterated article, making the woman's act of anointing all the more significant due to the immense sacrifice involved.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of πιστικός is closely linked to several key Greek terms and concepts:
* **πίστις (pístis) `{{G4102}}`**: As its root, πιστικός shares the core idea of trust. Something πιστικός is something one can trust regarding its authenticity and quality.
* **πιστός (pistós) `{{G4402}}`**: This adjective means "faithful," "trustworthy," or "reliable." While πιστός is frequently applied to persons (e.g., a faithful servant, a trustworthy God) or to God's promises, πιστικός appears to be specifically used for objects, emphasizing their genuine nature rather than a moral quality. The distinction lies in the application: πιστός often implies a character trait or adherence to truth, whereas πιστικός refers to the unadulterated state of a substance.
* **Authenticity and Purity**: The concept of being "unadulterated" or "genuine" is central to πιστικός. This stands in stark contrast to anything counterfeit, impure, or diluted. In a market where such practices were common, the designation πιστικός would have immediately signaled superior quality and true value.
* **Value and Costliness**: The genuineness implied by πιστικός directly correlates with the "very precious" or "very costly" descriptions in the biblical narratives. Only unadulterated nard would command such a price, highlighting the immense worth of the offering.
### Theological Significance
While πιστικός itself is not a word bearing extensive theological exposition, its specific use in the anointing narratives carries profound indirect theological implications:
* **Extravagant Devotion**: The *genuine* and *costly* nature of the πιστικός nard underscores the unparalleled and unreserved devotion of the woman who anointed Jesus. Her act was not a token gesture but a profound sacrifice, offering something of immense personal value. This contrasts sharply with Judas's pragmatic, self-serving complaint, revealing the depth of her love and understanding compared to his worldly perspective. The genuineness of the offering mirrors the genuineness of her heart.
* **Worthy Offering for the King**: The pure, unadulterated quality of the nard signifies an offering truly worthy of the Son of God. It was a royal anointing for the Messiah, a preparation for His ultimate sacrifice. The integrity of the gift reflects the integrity of the One being honored.
* **Anticipation of Burial**: Jesus explicitly links the anointing to His impending burial. The use of a πιστικός ointment for this purpose adds solemnity and dignity to the preparation for His death. It speaks to the sacredness of His body and the purity of His atoning work.
* **Truth and Authenticity in Worship**: In a broader sense, the word subtly reinforces the biblical emphasis on truth, sincerity, and authenticity in worship and relationship with God. Just as the nard was unadulterated, so too should our worship and faith be pure, unmixed with worldly motives or hypocrisy.
### Summary
The Greek word πιστικός (pistíkós), `{{G4101}}`, derived from πίστις (pístis) `{{G4102}}`, denotes "trustworthy," specifically in the sense of being "genuine" or "unadulterated." Its sole appearances in the New Testament are in [[Mark 14:3]] and [[John 12:3]], where it describes the "spikenard πιστικῆς" used to anoint Jesus. In this context, πιστικός emphasizes the high quality, purity, and authenticity of the costly nard, distinguishing it from diluted or counterfeit versions. While closely related to πιστός (pistós) `{{G4402}}` in meaning, πιστικός specifically refers to the intrinsic, unadulterated nature of an object. Theologically, its use in the anointing narratives highlights the profound and sacrificial nature of the woman's devotion, offering a genuine and supremely valuable gift fitting for the Christ, and subtly underscoring the importance of truth and authenticity in worship.
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