### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek adjective βαρύτιμος (barýtimos, `{{G927}}`) is a compound word derived from βαρύς (barýs, `{{G926}}`), meaning "heavy" or "weighty," and τιμή (timē, `{{G5092}}`), meaning "honor," "value," or "price." The combination of these two elements creates a powerful semantic range, signifying something that is "heavy in value" or "weighty in honor." Therefore, its core meaning denotes an object or concept that is "highly valuable," "exceedingly precious," or "of immense worth." The prefix βαρύ- serves as an intensifier, elevating the simple concept of "value" (τιμή) to an extraordinary degree, indicating a quality far beyond ordinary preciousness. It suggests a value so significant that it carries considerable weight, both literally and figuratively.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term βαρύτιμος (barýtimos, `{{G927}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, specifically in [[Matthew 26:7]]. The context is the anointing of Jesus by a woman, often identified as Mary of Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper: "a woman came to Him having an alabaster flask of very costly (or very precious) fragrant oil, and she poured it on His head as He sat at the table."
In this singular occurrence, βαρύτιμος describes the "fragrant oil" (μύρον, *myron*). The passage highlights the extraordinary value of this oil, which is further emphasized by the disciples' indignation, stating it "might have been sold for much and given to the poor" ([[Matthew 26:8-9]]). The parallel account in [[John 12:3-5]] specifies the oil as "pure nard, very costly" (πολυτίμου, *polytimou*, `{{G4185}}`, also indicating high cost) and notes its value at "three hundred denarii," roughly a year's wages for a common laborer.
The use of βαρύτιμος here underscores the lavishness and extravagance of the woman's act of devotion. It was not a casual offering but a significant sacrifice of something profoundly valuable. Jesus' defense of her action, declaring that her deed would be spoken of "wherever this gospel is preached in the whole world" ([[Matthew 26:13]]), elevates the spiritual value of her worship above the material value of the oil, demonstrating that true devotion, even when costly, is immeasurably precious in God's sight. The "very precious" oil becomes a symbol of the "very precious" act of preparing Jesus for His burial.
### Related Words & Concepts
To fully appreciate βαρύτιμος (barýtimos, `{{G927}}`), it is helpful to consider its constituent parts and other related terms:
* **βαρύς (barýs, `{{G926}}`):** This root word typically denotes physical heaviness, a burden, or something grievous. In combination with τιμή, it intensifies the concept of value, suggesting a weight of worth.
* **τιμή (timē, `{{G5092}}`):** This noun signifies honor, esteem, a price, or value. It is used broadly for the honor given to God or humans, the price of an object, or the intrinsic worth of something. βαρύτιμος specifically focuses on the *high* price or *great* value aspect of τιμή.
* **πολυτελής (polytelēs, `{{G4185}}`):** Meaning "very expensive" or "costly," this word is used in [[Mark 14:3]] and [[John 12:3]] to describe the same "fragrant oil" or "ointment" that is called βαρύτιμος in [[Matthew 26:7]]. This synonym reinforces the extraordinary cost and value of the substance.
* **ἔντιμος (entimos, `{{G1784}}`):** Meaning "honorable" or "precious," this term is used to describe Christ as a "precious cornerstone" in [[1 Peter 2:4]] and [[1 Peter 2:6]]. While ἔντιμος conveys preciousness, βαρύτιμος carries an even stronger sense of extreme, weighty value due to the βαρύς component.
* **Concepts of Sacrifice and Devotion:** The use of βαρύτιμος highlights the theme of costly devotion. It stands in contrast to the utilitarian perspective of the disciples, who valued the oil for its potential monetary exchange, whereas Jesus valued the act for its profound spiritual significance and its expression of love.
### Theological Significance
The singular appearance of βαρύτιμος (barýtimos, `{{G927}}`) in the New Testament is profoundly significant, serving as a focal point for several theological truths:
1. **Extravagant Devotion:** The "very precious" oil symbolizes an offering of extravagant, unreserved devotion to Christ. The woman did not offer a minimal or convenient gift but poured out something of immense personal value. This act challenges believers to consider the nature of their own worship and service: is it merely convenient, or does it involve a costly, heartfelt sacrifice that truly reflects the supreme worth of Christ?
2. **Redefinition of Value:** Jesus' response to the disciples' indignation redefines what is truly "precious." While the disciples saw the oil's value in economic terms (its potential sale for the poor), Jesus saw its value in terms of loving devotion and prophetic action. He elevates spiritual acts of worship and preparation for His mission above material concerns, teaching that true value is measured not by earthly currency but by heavenly significance.
3. **The Supreme Worth of Christ:** The "very precious" ointment was poured upon the "very precious" Son of God. The costliness of the oil implicitly testifies to the immeasurable worth of the One being anointed. Mary's act prophetically prepares Jesus for His burial, an act of ultimate sacrifice that secures salvation for humanity. Her offering, therefore, becomes a mirror reflecting the infinite value of Christ's person and His redemptive work.
4. **Priority of Worship:** Jesus' commendation of the woman's deed underscores the priority of worship and devotion to Him. He states that her act would be remembered wherever the Gospel is preached, indicating its enduring spiritual importance. This suggests that acts of costly worship are not wasteful but eternally significant in God's economy.
### Summary
The Greek word βαρύτιμος (barýtimos, `{{G927}}`) uniquely expresses the concept of something "exceedingly valuable" or "very precious," deriving its intensity from the combination of "heavy" (βαρύς) and "value" (τιμή). Its sole biblical occurrence in [[Matthew 26:7]] describes the "very precious" fragrant oil used by a woman to anoint Jesus. This singular usage carries profound theological weight, highlighting the nature of extravagant devotion and worship that prioritizes Christ above all material considerations. The "very precious" offering serves as a powerful symbol of the immeasurable worth of Jesus Christ and the eternal significance of heartfelt, costly acts of love and service rendered to Him. It challenges believers to assess what they deem "very precious" and to offer their best to the One who is supremely worthy.
TRV