Understanding ἄρωμα (aroma) Strong’s G759: The Sacred Fragrances that Connect Heaven and Earth

Pronunciation Guide: AR-oh-mah

Basic Definition

Strong’s G759: ἄρωμα (aroma) refers to an aromatic spice or fragrant substance used for anointing, embalming, and religious ceremonies. These were precious commodities in the ancient world, often associated with sacred rituals and burial customs. The term specifically denotes high-quality spices and perfumes that carried both practical and symbolic significance in biblical culture.

Etymology and Morphology

• Noun (neuter)
• Derived from the root ἀρόω (aroō), meaning “to plow” or “cultivate”
• Primary usage in narrative passages, particularly in contexts of burial customs and worship
• Frequently appears in ritual and ceremonial descriptions

ἄρωμα Morphology:

• ἄρωμα (nominative/accusative singular) – an aromatic spice
• ἀρώματος (genitive singular) – of an aromatic spice
• ἀρώματι (dative singular) – with/by an aromatic spice
• ἀρώματα (nominative/accusative plural) – aromatic spices
• ἀρωμάτων (genitive plural) – of aromatic spices
• ἀρώμασι(ν) (dative plural) – with/by aromatic spices

Origin & History

The term ἄρωμα has a rich history in classical Greek literature, where it was used to describe fragrant substances derived from plants and trees. Herodotus (Histories 2.86) mentions aromata in his description of Egyptian embalming practices, highlighting their significance in ancient funeral customs.

In the Septuagint, ἄρωμα appears frequently in relation to sacred worship, particularly in Exodus’s descriptions of the tabernacle incense and anointing oil. The translation choice of ἄρωμα for various Hebrew terms related to spices (בֹּשֶׂם, קְטֹרֶת) demonstrates its established role in religious vocabulary by the 3rd century BCE.

Early church fathers like Clement of Alexandria (Paedagogus 2.8) used ἄρωμα metaphorically to describe the “sweet fragrance” of Christian virtue, building on its literal meaning to convey spiritual truths.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• A fragrant substance used in religious ceremonies and burial practices
• A valuable trade commodity in the ancient world
• A symbol of honor and devotion in sacred contexts
• An ingredient in medicinal and cosmetic preparations

ἄρωμα Translation Options:

• “Spices” – Most common in burial contexts, emphasizing the physical substances
• “Aromatic substances” – Broader term capturing both practical and ceremonial uses
• “Fragrant oils” – When context suggests liquid preparations
• “Perfumes” – In contexts of luxury and honor
• “Sweet spices” – When emphasizing the pleasant qualities

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, ἄρωμα appears primarily in narratives surrounding the burial of Jesus, where it represents both practical necessity and profound devotion. The women’s preparation of aromata demonstrates their love and respect for their Master, while also fulfilling Jewish burial customs. These passages create a powerful connection between ancient ritual practice and the pivotal moment of redemption history.

The term’s use in the Septuagint provides important background, particularly in Exodus’s detailed instructions for tabernacle worship. This connection elevates the burial spices from mere practical items to symbols of sacred service and worship.

• “When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices [ἀρώματα] so that they might go to anoint Jesus’ body.” Mark 16:1
• “The women who had come with Jesus from Galilee followed Joseph and saw the tomb and how His body was laid in it. Then they went home and prepared spices [ἀρώματα] and perfumes.” Luke 23:55-56
• “On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices [ἀρώματα] they had prepared and went to the tomb.” Luke 24:1
• “Nicodemus brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds. Taking Jesus’ body, the two of them wrapped it, with the spices [ἀρωμάτων], in strips of linen.” John 19:39-40

Cultural Insights

In the ancient Near East, aromata were incredibly valuable commodities, often worth their weight in gold. The spice trade was one of the most important commercial enterprises, with frankincense and myrrh among the most precious cargo. These substances were so valuable that they were often used as currency and were considered appropriate gifts for royalty, as seen in the Magi’s gifts to the infant Messiah.

The use of aromata in burial practices reflected both practical necessity and deep cultural values. The expensive nature of these spices meant that their use in burial demonstrated great honor and respect for the deceased. In Jewish culture, proper burial with spices was considered a mitzvah (commandment), showing respect for the image of God in which humans were created.

Theological Significance

The appearance of ἄρωμα in the resurrection narratives carries profound theological significance. The women’s intention to anoint Jesus’ body with spices represents the last act of love they thought they could offer their Master. However, these unused burial spices become a powerful testimony to the resurrection – they were no longer needed because death could not hold the Author of Life.

This connects beautifully with the broader biblical theme of fragrance as a metaphor for spiritual reality. From the sweet-smelling sacrifices of the Old Testament to Paul’s description of believers as the “fragrance of Christ” (2 Corinthians 2:15), aromatic substances consistently represent the meeting point between heaven and earth, between human devotion and Divine presence.

The extensive use of aromata in Temple worship also points to the holistic nature of biblical worship, engaging all the senses in honor of יהוה (Yahweh). This sensory dimension of worship reminds us that God meets us not just intellectually, but in the fullness of our human experience.

Personal Application

When we encounter ἄρωμα in Scripture, we’re reminded that our worship of God should be costly and precious. Just as the women were willing to spend significant resources on burial spices for Jesus, we too should be prepared to offer our best to Him. This might mean our time, resources, or talents – whatever represents our “precious perfume.”

Moreover, the transformation of these burial spices from symbols of death to witnesses of resurrection encourages us that God can repurpose our acts of devotion in unexpected ways. What we offer in mourning, He can transform into celebration.

Related Words

• θυμίαμα (thumiama) – incense, especially that used in religious worship. Distinguished from ἄρωμα by its specific connection to sacrificial worship. See G2368
• μύρον (muron) – ointment, perfumed oil. More specific than ἄρωμα, referring to prepared fragrant oils. See G3464
• λίβανος (libanos) – frankincense, a specific type of aromatic resin. See G3030
• σμύρνα (smurna) – myrrh, another specific aromatic substance often mentioned with frankincense. See G4666

Did you Know?

• The amount of spices Nicodemus brought for Jesus’ burial (about 75 pounds) was a quantity fit for royalty, comparable to the burial spices used for some Jewish kings. This extraordinary amount highlights the deep reverence he had for Jesus.
• Many of the aromata mentioned in Scripture came from distant lands – frankincense from southern Arabia, myrrh from Somalia, and various spices from India – making them extremely valuable due to the lengthy and dangerous trade routes required to obtain them.
• The Greek word ἄρωμα has survived into modern times, giving us words like “aroma” and “aromatic” in English and similar terms in many other languages, demonstrating the enduring influence of biblical Greek on modern vocabulary.

Remember This

ἄρωμα represents not just physical substances but the precious offering of our devotion to God, transformed by His power from instruments of mourning into testimonies of resurrection life.