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Alabaster

biblical_object theological_term standard

A fine, smooth stone used in the ancient world to make costly containers, especially perfume flasks. In the Gospels, an alabaster flask highlights the value of the ointment and the honor shown to Jesus.

At a Glance

Alabaster is a biblical material term, not a doctrine.

Key Points

Description

Alabaster is a soft, attractive stone used in the ancient Near East and Mediterranean world to make jars, boxes, and flasks, especially for expensive perfume or ointment. In the New Testament, the most notable references are the alabaster flask carried by a woman who anointed Jesus (for example, Matthew 26:7; Mark 14:3; Luke 7:37). The importance of alabaster in these passages is not symbolic in itself so much as practical and cultural: it points to the costly nature of the perfume and therefore underscores the honor, devotion, and sacrifice expressed in the anointing. Because the term names a material object rather than a distinct theological doctrine, dictionary treatment should remain descriptive and closely tied to the biblical narratives.

Biblical Context

The Gospel anointing accounts use alabaster to describe the container for costly perfume or ointment. The emphasis falls on the act of anointing Jesus and the value of what is poured out, not on any special spiritual meaning inherent in the stone itself.

Historical Context

Alabaster vessels were widely used in the Greco-Roman and Near Eastern world for valuable fragrances and oils. Their fine appearance and association with expensive contents made them suitable for honoring guests or preserving precious substances.

Jewish and Ancient Context

In the Jewish and wider ancient world, fragrance, oil, and anointing carried strong social and ceremonial associations. An alabaster flask would signal expense and care, helping readers grasp the significance of the woman’s action toward Jesus.

Primary Key Texts

Secondary Key Texts

Original Language Note

The term refers to a stone vessel material; in the New Testament the related Greek word describes an alabaster flask or jar used for perfume.

Theological Significance

Alabaster itself is not a doctrine, but in the Gospel narratives it serves the theological point of costly devotion to Christ. The vessel’s value helps illustrate the worthiness of Jesus and the sincerity of the offering.

Philosophical Explanation

This is a concrete, material term. Its significance is literary and historical: an ordinary object can become meaningful in context by what it carries and how it is used.

Interpretive Cautions

Do not force symbolic meaning onto the stone itself. The narrative significance lies in the anointing, the perfume, and the response to Jesus, not in alabaster as a mystical substance.

Major Views

Interpretations differ on the identity of the women and whether the Gospel accounts describe the same event or more than one similar anointing. Those questions concern the narratives, not the meaning of alabaster itself.

Doctrinal Boundaries

Alabaster should not be treated as a doctrinal term or as evidence for special sacramental symbolism. Its role is descriptive and contextual.

Practical Significance

The entry helps readers understand why Gospel writers mention an alabaster flask: it communicates costliness, reverence, and sacrificial honor toward Jesus.

Related Entries

See Also

Data

Machine-readable JSON for Alabaster

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