Nard
NatureWhat is the meaning of Nard in the Bible?
Nard refers to a costly aromatic oil derived from the roots of the spikenard plant, highly valued in the ancient world for its fragrance and used as a significant trade commodity between India and the Mediterranean region.
SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing nard as an extremely expensive luxury item illuminates the profound generosity and sacrificial devotion demonstrated in biblical accounts where it is used to anoint Jesus, highlighting the immense value placed on honoring him.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Physical & Symbolic Reality: Physical objects and natural elements like Nard were everyday realities for biblical writers, frequently used as living metaphors for spiritual truths.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Nard in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Nard 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
"Nard." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/nard/