ἄρωμα
arōma
spices
Lexicon Entry
Lexicon data from STEPBible TIPNR, Tyndale House, Cambridge. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
What Original Readers Understood
ExploredThe word ἄρωμα (arōma) is a noun in the Greek language, which translates to "spices." According to the biblical lexicon data, this term appears four times in the Bible. Given its short definition, it is likely used to refer to individual spices, such as myrrh, frankincense, or other aromatic substances, rather than a blend of spices. In its four occurrences in the Bible, it's clear that ἄρωμα is often associated with the use of expensive or precious spices. The significance of this term lies in the fact that it was highly valued and used for a variety of purposes, such as perfumes, incense, and possibly even medicinal or culinary uses. The rarity and cost of these spices would have made them accessible only to the wealthy. The limited occurrences of ἄρωμα suggest that it may not have been a word used in everyday contexts but rather in specific situations where the value or significance of the spices was highlighted. This could include ceremonial or ritual contexts, where the use of expensive spices like frankincense or myrrh held symbolic meaning.
Source data & methodology
Occurrences in Scripture
4 total occurrences across the text
When the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, bought spices, that they might come and anoint him.
Luke 23:56They returned and prepared spices and ointments. On the Sabbath they rested according to the commandment.
Luke 24:1But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they and some others came to the tomb, bringing the spices which they had prepared.
John 19:40So they took Jesus’ body, and bound it in linen cloths with the spices, as the custom of the Jews is to bury.