Pronunciation Guide: ah-LO-ay

Basic Definition

Strong’s G250: ἀλόη refers to an aromatic, medicinal plant valued in ancient times for its fragrant properties and used in burial preparations. Specifically, it denotes the powdered form of aloe wood, known for its sweet fragrance and preservative qualities, which was particularly significant in Jewish burial customs.

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Etymology and Morphology

• Noun (feminine)
• Borrowed from Hebrew אֲהָלִים (ahalim)
• Primary usage in narrative passages
• Common in ancient medicinal and ritual contexts
• Frequently associated with burial practices

ἀλόη Morphology:

• ἀλόη (nominative singular) – aloe
• ἀλόης (genitive singular) – of aloe
• ἀλόῃ (dative singular) – with/by aloe

Origin & History

The term ἀλόη entered Greek vocabulary through trade routes, originally from the Hebrew אֲהָלִים (ahalim) or אֲהָלוֹת (ahalot). In classical Greek literature, Dioscorides described it in his “De Materia Medica” as a valuable medicinal substance, particularly noting its use in preserving bodies and healing wounds.

The Greek historian Herodotus mentioned aloe in his writings about Egyptian embalming practices, indicating its significance in ancient Near Eastern burial customs. The spice was so valuable that it was often worth its weight in gold, traded alongside other precious commodities like frankincense and myrrh.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• An aromatic powder derived from eaglewood (Aquilaria agallocha)
• A precious spice used in burial preparations
• A preservative substance with medicinal properties
• A fragrant wood used in religious ceremonies

ἀλόη Translation Options:

• “Aloes” – When referring to the spice in its ceremonial context
• “Aloe wood” – When emphasizing the source material
• “Aromatic aloe” – When highlighting its fragrant properties
• “Funerary aloe” – When specifically referring to burial usage

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, ἀλόη appears most prominently in John 19:39, where Nicodemus brings a mixture of myrrh and aloes weighing about seventy-five pounds for Yeshua’s burial. This extraordinary amount demonstrates both the deep reverence shown to our Messiah and the fulfillment of prophecy regarding His burial.

The Septuagint uses ἀλόη to translate several passages where the Hebrew text mentions aromatic spices, particularly in poetic and prophetic contexts. The connection between the Greek and Hebrew terms reveals a consistent understanding of this precious substance across biblical cultures.

• “And also Nicodemus came bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes [ἀλόη], about a hundred pounds weight.” John 19:39

Cultural Insights

In ancient Jewish burial customs, aromatic spices played a crucial role in honoring the deceased and preparing the body for burial. The quantity of aloes brought by Nicodemus (approximately 75 pounds) was an amount typically reserved for royalty, demonstrating that Yeshua received a burial fitting for a king, despite His humiliating death.

The use of aloes in burial preparations also carried deep symbolic significance in Jewish culture. The sweet fragrance represented the “sweet savor” of a righteous life, while the preservative qualities symbolized the hope of resurrection. This symbolism would have been immediately apparent to the first-century Jewish readers of John’s Gospel.

Theological Significance

The appearance of ἀλόη in John 19:39 carries profound theological significance. The lavish use of this expensive spice in Yeshua’s burial preparation fulfills the prophecy of Isaiah 53:9, which foretold that the Messiah would be “with the rich in His death.”

The aromatic nature of aloes also points to the sweet-smelling sacrifice of our Messiah, reminiscent of the Temple incense that represented prayers ascending to Heaven. Just as aloes were used to preserve bodies, Yeshua’s death and resurrection preserve His people for eternal life.

Personal Application

When we contemplate the use of ἀλόη in Yeshua’s burial, we’re reminded of how even in death, our Messiah was honored as King. The costly spices remind us that nothing is too precious to give in service to Him, just as Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea gave their best in their final act of devotion.

This understanding can transform how we approach worship and sacrifice in our own lives. Just as the aloes’ fragrance filled the tomb, we’re called to be the “fragrance of Messiah” (2 Corinthians 2:15) to those around us.

Related Words

• μύρον (myron) – myrrh, anointing oil (moo-ron) – Often paired with aloes in burial contexts – See G3464
• θυμίαμα (thymiama) – incense (thoo-mee-ah-mah) – Another aromatic substance used in worship – See G2368
• κινάμωμον (kinamōmon) – cinnamon (kin-ah-mo-mon) – Another valuable spice used in holy anointing oil – See G2792

Did you Know?

• The aloe mentioned in Scripture is not the modern medicinal aloe vera plant, but rather the highly aromatic eaglewood tree, which produces a fragrant resin when infected with a specific type of mold.
• The amount of aloes used in Yeshua’s burial (about 75 pounds) would be worth hundreds of thousands of dollars in today’s market, showing the extraordinary honor given to Him even in death.
• Archaeological discoveries have found traces of aloes in ancient Jewish burial caves, confirming the historical accuracy of the biblical accounts of burial practices.

Remember This

ἀλόη reminds us that even in death, our Messiah was honored as King, and His burial preparations prophetically pointed to His role as the ultimate sacrifice whose sweet fragrance would bring life to all who believe.