Pronunciation Guide: ah-LAB-ah-stron

Basic Definition

Strong’s G211: ἀλάβαστρον refers to a flask or vessel made of alabaster, specifically designed to store precious perfumes and ointments. This specialized container was typically crafted from fine-grained, translucent gypsum or calcite, known for its ability to keep perfumes fresh. The term became synonymous with luxury and precious offerings due to both the valuable container material and its contents.

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Etymology and Morphology

• Noun (neuter)
• Derived from the ancient Egyptian city of Alabastron, where the stone was quarried
• Used primarily in narrative passages
• Found in both classical and Koine Greek literature
• Often appears in contexts of worship, honor, and sacrifice

ἀλάβαστρον Morphology:

• ἀλάβαστρον (nominative/accusative singular) – an alabaster flask
• ἀλαβάστρου (genitive singular) – of an alabaster flask
• ἀλαβάστρῳ (dative singular) – in/with an alabaster flask

Origin & History

The word ἀλάβαστρον has its roots in ancient Egyptian culture, where the city of Alabastron was renowned for its quarries of fine alabaster stone. Herodotus, in his “Histories” (3.20), mentions alabaster vessels being used to transport precious ointments as diplomatic gifts between nations.

The term gained prominence in Hellenistic culture, appearing in various ancient texts. Pliny the Elder, in his “Natural History” (13.3), describes these vessels as being specifically designed without handles and with long, narrow necks to prevent the precious contents from evaporating too quickly.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• A vessel made specifically of alabaster stone
• A container designed for storing precious perfumes and ointments
• A symbol of luxury and valuable offerings

ἀλάβαστρον Translation Options:

• “Alabaster flask” – Emphasizes both material and function
• “Alabaster jar” – More familiar to modern readers but maintains the essence
• “Perfume container” – Focuses on function rather than material
• “Alabaster vial” – Captures the specialized nature of the container

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, ἀλάβαστρον appears in three parallel accounts of the anointing of Jesus, highlighting its significance in worship contexts. The Septuagint also uses this term when describing precious vessels in royal and sacred settings.

The most poignant usage occurs in Matthew 26:7, where a woman brings “an alabaster flask [ἀλάβαστρον] of very expensive perfume.”

• “[She] brought an alabaster flask [ἀλάβαστρον] of very expensive perfume” Matthew 26:7
• “Having an alabaster flask [ἀλάβαστρον] of ointment” Mark 14:3
• “Brought an alabaster flask [ἀλάβαστρον] of ointment” Luke 7:37

Cultural Insights

In ancient Middle Eastern culture, alabaster vessels were considered the finest containers for precious perfumes and ointments. The material’s translucent nature allowed one to see how much perfume remained while its cool temperature and fine grain helped preserve the fragrance. Breaking the seal of an alabaster flask was a significant act, as these containers were designed to be broken only once – when the entire contents were to be used.

The cost of an alabaster flask with precious perfume could equal a year’s wages for a common laborer. This explains why Judas and others were shocked at the “waste” when the woman broke the flask to anoint Jesus. The vessel itself was valuable, but its contents were even more precious.

Theological Significance

The use of ἀλάβαστρον in the Gospel narratives carries profound theological significance. The breaking of the alabaster flask symbolizes complete dedication and surrender to the Messiah Jesus. Just as the flask had to be broken to release its precious contents, there’s a powerful metaphor of how our lives must be “broken” in surrender to Him for our worship to reach its fullest expression.

The presence of this expensive vessel in narratives of worship points to the biblical principle that our highest and best should be reserved for the Lord. When the woman was criticized for “wasting” the expensive perfume, Jesus defended her action as a beautiful thing done for Him, teaching us that nothing is too precious to give to Him.

Personal Application

The alabaster flask challenges us to consider what we’re holding back from the Lord. Just as the woman broke her most valuable possession to worship Jesus, we too are called to bring our best to Him – not just our resources, but our very lives. The breaking of the flask reminds us that true worship often involves sacrifice and surrender.

Related Words

• μύρον (myron) [moo-ron] – the precious ointment or perfume contained within the alabaster flask See G3464
• σμύρνα (smyrna) [smoor-nah] – myrrh, one of the precious spices often stored in alabaster containers See G4666
• θήκη (theke) [thay-kay] – a case or container, but of lesser value than alabastron See G2336

Did you Know?

• Modern alabaster is often not true alabaster but rather marble or onyx. Biblical alabaster was specifically gypsum or calcite, chosen for its unique properties in preserving perfumes.
• Archaeological discoveries have found alabaster vessels with manufacturer’s seals intact, indicating they were so valuable they were traded as currency in the ancient world.
• The narrow neck of the alabaster flask was designed to release precious perfume one drop at a time. Breaking the flask, as the woman did for Jesus, was an act of extraordinary devotion, ensuring no perfume could ever be used for anyone else.

Remember This

The alabaster flask stands as an eternal testament that nothing is too precious to pour out in worship of the Messiah Jesus, who poured out His life for us.