Alabaster
ArtifactsWhat 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
Physical & Symbolic Reality: Physical objects and natural elements like Alabaster were everyday realities for biblical writers, frequently used as living metaphors for spiritual truths.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Alabaster in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Alabaster clarify?
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Alabaster." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/alabaster/