Spikenard
NatureWhat 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
Physical & Symbolic Reality: Physical objects and natural elements like Spikenard were everyday realities for biblical writers, frequently used as living metaphors for spiritual truths.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Spikenard in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Spikenard clarify?
Related Topics
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
"Spikenard." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/spikenard/