Brief Overview of ἄρωμα (G759: arōma)

1. Brief Overview:

Transliteration: Arōma

Root Words:

• The word ἄρωμα (arōma) comes from the root ἀρώματα (arōmata), related to scents or fragrances.

Primary Meanings:

• Fragrance or Perfume: A pleasant smell, typically from aromatic substances or perfumes.
• Incense: Often used to describe aromatic substances burned in religious or ceremonial contexts to produce a pleasing scent.

2. Detailed Description:

BDAG: BDAG defines ἄρωμα as:

• Fragrance or Aroma: A pleasant scent, used particularly in the context of perfumes or incense.
• Incense: Specifically, the word is used to describe aromatic substances used in worship or rituals.

Thayer’s: Thayer’s Greek Lexicon describes ἄρωμα as:

• Aroma or Incense: Refers to fragrant substances or perfumes used in religious rituals or personal adornment.

Vines: Vines’ Expository Dictionary states:

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• Fragrance: Refers to aromatic substances, including perfumes and incense, often used in ceremonial contexts.

LSJ: LSJ gives:

• Fragrance: Focuses on the pleasant smell associated with aromatic substances.
• Incense: Includes the use of aromatic substances in religious practices.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s identifies ἄρωμα as:

• Fragrance or Perfume: Emphasizes its use for pleasant smells or aromatic substances.

Bible Verses:

• John 12:3 (KJV): “Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment.”
• Here, ἄρωμα is translated as “odour,” referring to the fragrant ointment used by Mary.
• Revelation 18:13 (KJV): “And cinnamon, and odours, and ointments, and frankincense, and wine, and oil, and fine flour, and wheat, and beasts, and sheep, and horses, and chariots, and slaves, and souls of men.”
• In this context, ἄρωμα is translated as “odours,” indicating various aromatic substances.
• 2 Corinthians 2:15 (KJV): “For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish.”
• ἄρωμα is used metaphorically to describe a pleasing scent, reflecting the influence of Christ’s message.

3. Usage in Classic Greek Literature:

• Homer’s Iliad: Uses ἄρωμα to describe the pleasant scents associated with offerings and sacrifices.
• Theophrastus’ Enquiry into Plants: References ἄρωμα in discussing various aromatic plants and their uses.
• Diodorus Siculus’ Library of History: Mentions ἄρωμα in the context of trade and the value of aromatic substances in ancient economies.

4. Summary:

ἄρωμα (G759: arōma) primarily refers to fragrances or perfumes and includes aromatic substances used in both personal and ceremonial contexts. BDAG, Thayer’s, Vines, and Strong’s all emphasize its use to denote pleasant smells or incense, with particular application in religious rituals. Classic Greek literature highlights its use in both everyday life and religious practices, reflecting the cultural significance of aromatic substances in ancient times.