the Week of Proper 28 / Ordinary 33
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Bible Dictionaries
Spikenard
Smith's Bible Dictionary
or Spikenard. (Hebrew, nerd). Spikenard is mentioned twice in the Old Testament, namely, in Song of Solomon 1:12; Song of Solomon 4:13-14. The ointment with which our Lord was anointed as he sat at meat in Simon's house at Bethany consisted of this precious substance, the costliness of which may be inferred from the indignant surprise manifested by some of the witnesses of the transaction. See Mark 14:3-5; John 12:3; John 12:5.
(Spikenard, from which the ointment was made, was an aromatic herb of the valerian family, (Nardostachys jatamansi). It was imported, from an early age, from Arabia, India and the Far East. The costliness of Mary's offering, (300 pence = $45), may best be seen from the fact that a penny, (denarius, 15 to 17 cents), was, in those days, the day-wages of a laborer. Matthew 20:2. In our day, this would equal at least $300 or $400. - Editor).
These files are public domain.
Smith, William, Dr. Entry for 'Spikenard'. Smith's Bible Dictionary. https://www.studylight.org/dictionaries/eng/sbd/s/spikenard.html. 1901.
