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NASB | Matthew 26:7 a woman came to Him with an alabaster vial of very costly perfume, and she poured it on His head as He reclined at the table. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Matthew 26:7 a woman came to Him with an alabaster vial of very expensive perfume and she poured it on Jesus' head as He reclined at the table. |
Bible Question:
Matthew 26:7 (NASB) "a woman came to Him with an alabaster vial of very costly perfume, and she poured it on His head as He reclined at the table." I need to find out as much as possible about the alabaster vial ("box" KJV) in Matthew 26:7. What is the alabaster vial? What is the significance of it? Does it have any symbolic meaning? If so, what does it symbolize? |
Bible Answer: Greetings kalos! The MacArthur Study Bible states, "Alabaster" was a fine variety of marble, quarried in Egypt, which could be carved into delicate containers for storing costly perfumes." (pg. 1443) "This long-necked bottle was made out of a special variety of marble, a material which proved to be the best container for preserving expensive perfumes and oils" (pg. 1493, Mark 14:3) Also, the expensive flask (valued at more than 300 denarii [Mark 14:5, John 12:5]) or vial was broken (Mark 14:3). The anointing oil itself was extracted from an herb from northern India [John 12:3, Mark 14:3, Ryrie Expanded Edition Study Bible]. It is interesting to note that spices were used in Jesus' burial. I believe that verse 12 helps us to grasp the meaning of this "anointing", since it is doubtful that Mary actually knew the full significance of her act of worship. The disciples ignored Christ's many predictions of His approaching death, but Mary believed them (16:21; 17:22; 20:18). John identifies this woman as Mary (John 12:3). And, like David (who was anointed three times as King of Israel), Christ is anointed here before His crucifixion, death and resurrection. I hope this begins a good study, my friend! Nolan |
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Questions and/or Subjects for Matt 26:7 | Author | ||
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kalos | ||
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Makarios | ||
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Vkilcrest |