Alabaster
Artifactsâš¡ IN BRIEF (SUMMARY)
Alabaster denotes a soft, translucent mineral composed primarily of gypsum, widely utilized in antiquity for producing ornamental vessels, caskets, and architectural details due to its workability and aesthetic appeal.
What is the meaning of Alabaster in the Bible?
Alabaster denotes a soft, translucent mineral composed primarily of gypsum, widely utilized in antiquity for producing ornamental vessels, caskets, and architectural details due to its workability and aesthetic appeal.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding alabaster clarifies the material culture of the biblical world, specifically illuminating the value and function of the expensive ointment jars mentioned in the Gospels, which signifies the high honor and costly devotion offered to Jesus.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
- Why did the biblical author mention Alabaster in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Alabaster clarify?
Source Attribution & Provenance
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE) and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been editorially modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and formatted for fast contextual reference.