### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek adjective G4186 (πολύτιμος, *polýtimos*) is a compound word derived from G4183 (πολύς, *polýs*), meaning "much" or "many," and G5092 (τιμή, *timē*), meaning "value," "honor," "price," or "preciousness." Together, these components form a powerful descriptor signifying something of "much value," "very precious," "extremely costly," or "of great price." It conveys a superlative degree of worth, indicating an object or substance that commands an exceptionally high price or is held in the highest possible esteem due to its inherent quality or significance. The term emphasizes not merely a high cost, but an intrinsic preciousness that transcends common valuation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word G4186 (πολύτιμος) appears exclusively three times in the New Testament, each instance referring to the same event: the anointing of Jesus with a precious ointment.
1. **[[Matthew 26:7]]**: "a woman came to Him having an alabaster flask of very costly oil (μύρον πολύτιμον), and she poured it on His head as He reclined at the table."
2. **[[Mark 14:3]]**: "a woman came having an alabaster flask of very costly oil (μύρου νάρδου πιστικῆς πολύτιμον) of pure nard; and she broke the flask and poured it over His head."
3. **[[John 12:3]]**: "Mary therefore took a pound of very costly oil (μύρου νάρδου πιστικῆς πολύτιμου) 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 oil."
In all three synoptic accounts (Matthew, Mark, and John), G4186 describes the anointing oil. The context reveals a striking contrast:
* **The Worldly Perspective:** The disciples, particularly Judas in John's account, object to this act, deeming it a "waste" of a substance that could have been sold for a significant sum (e.g., 300 denarii, equivalent to a year's wages for a laborer) and given to the poor. Their perspective is entirely economic and utilitarian.
* **Jesus' Divine Perspective:** Jesus defends the woman's action, declaring it a "beautiful work" (Matthew, Mark) and an anointing for His burial. He elevates the act from a material transaction to a profound spiritual offering. The "costliness" of the oil underscores the magnitude of the woman's devotion and sacrifice, highlighting that no offering is too great for the Son of God, especially in preparation for His ultimate sacrifice. The immense value of the oil serves to emphasize the immeasurable value of Jesus Himself, for whom such an extravagant act of worship is fitting.
### Related Words & Concepts
The meaning of G4186 is enriched by understanding its constituent parts and other related terms:
* G4183 (πολύς, *polýs*): The root for "much" or "many," emphasizing the quantity or degree of the value.
* G5092 (τιμή, *timē*): The root for "value," "honor," "price," or "preciousness." This word itself is used extensively to describe honor given to God or Christ, the price of something, or the inherent worth of individuals (e.g., [[1 Peter 2:7]] where Christ is "precious" to believers).
* G5093 (τίμιος, *tímios*): An adjective meaning "precious," "valuable," or "honored." This is used to describe Christ's blood (e.g., [[1 Peter 1:19]]), the "precious stone" of Christ (e.g., [[1 Peter 2:6]]), and other things of great worth. It shares the same root as G4186 but without the intensifying prefix.
* G1784 (ἔντιμος, *éntimos*): Meaning "honored," "esteemed," or "precious." Also used for Christ as a "precious cornerstone" (e.g., [[1 Peter 2:4]], [[1 Peter 2:6]]).
The concept of G4186 is deeply intertwined with themes of sacrifice, devotion, worship, and the contrast between worldly economic valuation and spiritual investment.
### Theological Significance
The singular application of G4186 to the anointing oil poured on Jesus holds profound theological significance.
1. **The Supreme Worth of Christ:** The "very costly" oil serves as a tangible symbol of the immeasurable value of Jesus Christ. The woman's act demonstrates that no earthly possession, no matter how valuable, is too great an offering for the Son of God. It underscores His unique and unparalleled worth in the eyes of God and of those who truly understand His identity.
2. **True Worship and Devotion:** The incident challenges human notions of "waste" versus "prudence." What the disciples perceived as squandering, Jesus affirmed as a "beautiful work" of worship. This illustrates that true devotion often involves giving one's best, even what might seem extravagant or excessive by worldly standards, out of a heart of love and reverence for God. It teaches that worship is not always pragmatic; it can be lavish, reflecting the boundless love and worth of the One being worshipped.
3. **Prophetic Anointing for Burial:** Jesus explicitly connects the costly anointing to His impending death and burial. The "very costly" oil thus prefigures the "very costly" sacrifice of Christ on the cross – His precious blood (cf. [[1 Peter 1:19]]) poured out for the redemption of humanity. The woman's act, though perhaps not fully understood by her at the time, was a divine orchestration foreshadowing the ultimate act of self-giving.
4. **Contrast with Materialism:** The disciples' focus on selling the oil for money highlights a common human tendency to prioritize material gain over spiritual acts of devotion. Jesus' response reorients their perspective, emphasizing that certain acts of love and worship transcend economic valuation and hold eternal significance.
### Summary
The Greek word G4186 (πολύτιμος, *polýtimos*) signifies something "extremely valuable" or "very costly." Its rare and exclusive use in the New Testament to describe the anointing oil poured on Jesus in [[Matthew 26:7]], [[Mark 14:3]], and [[John 12:3]] is highly significant. This term underscores the profound depth of the woman's devotion and sacrifice, contrasting it with the disciples' worldly, economic perspective. The "very costly" nature of the oil serves as a powerful symbol of the immeasurable worth of Jesus Christ, for whom such an extravagant act of worship was fitting and prophetic of His ultimate "costly" sacrifice on the cross. It teaches that genuine worship involves giving one's best, regardless of perceived worldly value, in recognition of the supreme value of the Son of God.
TRV