Spikenard
Natureâš¡ IN BRIEF (SUMMARY)
Spikenard refers to Nardostachys jatamansi, a plant native to the Himalayas, whose dried rhizomes and roots were processed to extract a highly valued aromatic oil.
What is the meaning of Spikenard in the Bible?
Spikenard refers to Nardostachys jatamansi, a plant native to the Himalayas, whose dried rhizomes and roots were processed to extract a highly valued aromatic oil.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding spikenard as a rare, imported commodity from the East clarifies the immense economic value and sacrificial nature of the ointment used in biblical narratives, such as the anointing of Jesus, highlighting the depth of devotion or the high cost of the gesture.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
- Why did the biblical author mention Spikenard in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Spikenard clarify?
Related Topics
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.