Joh 12:3 | RWP | e4.org | A pound ( λιτραν ). Latin libra , late Koine (Polybius, Plutarch) word with weight of 12 ounces, in N.T. only here and . Mark ( ) and Matthew ( ) have alabaster cruse. Of ointment of spikenard ( μυρου ναρδου πιστικης ). "Of oil of nard." See already for μυρου (also ). Nard is the head or spike of an East Indian plant, very fragrant. Occurs also in . Πιστικης here and in probably means genuine ( πιστικος , from πιστος , reliable). Only two instances in the N.T. Very precious ( πολυτιμου ). Old compound adjective ( πολυς , much, τιμη ), in N.T. only here, ; . Mark has πολυτελους (very costly). Matthew ( ) has here βαρυτιμου of weighty value (only N.T. instance). Anointed ( ηλειψεν ). First aorist active indicative of αλειφω , old word ( ). The feet ( τους ποδας ). Mark ( ) and Matthew ( ) have "his head." Why not both, though neither Gospel mentions both? The Latin MS. fuldensis and the Syriac Sinatic do give both head and feet here. Wiped ( εξεμαξεν ). First aorist active indicative of εκμασσω , old verb to wipe off already in ; , . With her hair ( ταις θριξιν αυτης ). Instrumental plural. It is this item that is relied on largely by those who identify Mary of Bethany with the sinful woman in Luke 7 and with Mary Magdalene. It is no doubt true that it was usually considered immodest for a woman to wear her hair loose. But it is not impossible that Mary of Bethany in her carefully planned love-offering for Jesus on this occasion was only glad to throw such a punctilio to the winds. Such an act on this occasion does not brand her a woman of loose character. Was filled with the odour of the ointment ( επληρωθη εκ της οσμης του μυρου ). Effective first aorist passive of πληροω and a natural result.

‏ John 12:3

A pound ( λιτραν ). Latin libra, late Koine (Polybius, Plutarch) word with weight of 12 ounces, in N.T. only here and 19:39. Mark (Mr 14:3) and Matthew (Mt 26:7) have alabaster cruse.

Of ointment of spikenard ( μυρου ναρδου πιστικης ). "Of oil of nard." See already 11:2 for μυρου (also Mt 26:7). Nard is the head or spike of an East Indian plant, very fragrant. Occurs also in Mr 14:3. Πιστικης here and in Mr 14:3 probably means genuine ( πιστικος, from πιστος, reliable). Only two instances in the N.T.

Very precious ( πολυτιμου ). Old compound adjective ( πολυς, much, τιμη ), in N.T. only here, Mt 13:46; 1Pe 1:7. Mark has πολυτελους (very costly). Matthew (Mt 26:7) has here βαρυτιμου of weighty value (only N.T. instance).

Anointed ( ηλειψεν ). First aorist active indicative of αλειφω, old word (Mr 16:1).

The feet ( τους ποδας ). Mark (Mr 14:3) and Matthew (Mt 26:7) have "his head." Why not both, though neither Gospel mentions both? The Latin MS. fuldensis and the Syriac Sinatic do give both head and feet here.

Wiped ( εξεμαξεν ). First aorist active indicative of εκμασσω, old verb to wipe off already in 11:2; Lu 7:38, 44.

With her hair ( ταις θριξιν αυτης ). Instrumental plural. It is this item that is relied on largely by those who identify Mary of Bethany with the sinful woman in Luke 7 and with Mary Magdalene. It is no doubt true that it was usually considered immodest for a woman to wear her hair loose. But it is not impossible that Mary of Bethany in her carefully planned love-offering for Jesus on this occasion was only glad to throw such a punctilio to the winds. Such an act on this occasion does not brand her a woman of loose character.

Was filled with the odour of the ointment ( επληρωθη εκ της οσμης του μυρου ). Effective first aorist passive of πληροω and a natural result.