What was an Alabaster Jar?

In the Bible, an alabaster jar refers to a type of container made from alabaster stone. Alabaster is a soft, white or translucent mineral often used in ancient times for crafting vessels or containers for various purposes.

One notable mention of an alabaster jar is found in the New Testament in Luke 7:37-38, which describes a woman who brought an alabaster jar of fragrant oil to anoint the feet of Jesus. In this account, the woman is identified as a sinful woman who expresses her love and repentance through this act of devotion.

The use of an alabaster jar in this story emphasizes the preciousness and value of the oil contained within. The act of breaking the jar and pouring the oil signifies an extravagant and sacrificial offering of love and worship.

Alabaster jars were also used for other purposes in biblical times. For example, in Mark 14:3-9 and Matthew 26:6-13, a woman is described as pouring expensive perfume from an alabaster jar onto Jesus' head. This act is recognized as a symbol of honor and preparation for his burial.

The use of alabaster jars in these biblical accounts highlights the significance of offering one's best and most valuable possessions as an expression of devotion, worship, and selfless love.

In summary, an alabaster jar in the biblical context refers to a container made of alabaster stone, often used for holding precious oils, perfumes, or other valuable substances. It symbolizes acts of devotion, worship, and sacrificial giving.


Related Articles:

Did the Ancient Romans Dine at a Table? post related image

Did the Ancient Romans Dine at a Table?

The ancient Hebrews, Egyptians, and Greeks. used to eat sitting on mats spread on the floor. The Romans actually reclined on couches around a table. The couches were arranged forming three sides of a square. The open side was for the servants who wou...

What is the Meaning of Jerusalem? post related image

What is the Meaning of Jerusalem?

The etymology of the name Jerusalem is not certain; it is apparently of Semitic origin. An Egyptian notice from the third quarter of the nineteenth century B.C. mentions Urusalimum. The Assyrians called it Ursalimmu. Modern scholars take these names ...

What were the major trade routes and trading practices of the ancient world?

Trade played a vital role in connecting civilizations and fostering cultural exchange in the ancient world. From the bustling markets of Rome to the Silk Road that stretched across Asia, ancient trade routes facilitated the exchange of goods, ideas, ...

What was a Roman Legion? post related image

What was a Roman Legion?

Augustus, the first emperor of Rome had in his empire 25 legions of approximately 6,000 soldiers each. A legion was formed of 10 Cohorts (540 men in each Cohort). Each Cohort was subdivided into 6 Centuries (90 men formed a Century), and each legion ...

What did the Crown of Thorns Symbolize?

In the Bible, the crown of thorns is mentioned in the account of Jesus' crucifixion. Matthew 27:29, Mark 15:17, and John 19:2 describe how the Roman soldiers twisted thorns into a crown and placed it on Jesus' head as a form of mockery and humiliatio...

What was a Watchtower?

In the Bible, a watchtower, also known as a lookout or watchman's tower, was a raised structure used for surveillance and observation. It served as a strategic vantage point from which watchmen could keep watch over the surrounding area, looking out ...

Did Tiberius Caesar Know Jesus was Being Crucified? post related image

Did Tiberius Caesar Know Jesus was Being Crucified?

It is not known whether Tiberius had heard of Jesus, or knew about the crucifixion of Jesus. Word about Jesus and his miracles spread quickly throughout the Roman Empire, even to the Imperial Palace on Palatine Hill, but Tiberius had retired to his p...

Is the Hebrew Text on the Scroll of Isaiah Accurate? post related image

Is the Hebrew Text on the Scroll of Isaiah Accurate?

Among the Dead Sea Scrolls discovered in 1947 was found the “Scroll of Isaiah” inside of a clay jar and well preserved, dating to the 2nd century BC. The entire Hebrew text of the prophet Isaiah was found in “perfect” condition. When compared...

What are the Historical Sources for the Second Temple?

There are five primary sources for the study of the Second Temple in Jerusalem, the Temple of Herod. They are: The BibleThe Books of MaccabeesJosephus*The Dead Sea ScrollsThe Mishna** *War book 5, chapter 5; Antiquities book 15 chapter 11**tractates ...

How did Topography influence the people of Ancient Greece?

The people of ancient Greece developed unique characteristics because of the topography of their country. The coastline curved inward very peculiarly, causing the bays to become very prominent, and stretching far out into the Mediterranean Sea. This ...

What was the Village of Bethany? post related image

What was the Village of Bethany?

Bethany was a small village a couple miles east of Jerusalem. It is located on the eastern side of the Mount of Olives on the road to Jericho. It was a lush green area with plenty of Olive trees. Many travelers would come to rest at Bethany if the ci...

How did the ancient Mayans develop their sophisticated calendar system?

The ancient Mayan civilization, renowned for its advanced understanding of astronomy and mathematics, developed a highly sophisticated calendar system that remains a testament to their intellectual prowess. Through intricate observations of celestial...

Who Were the Main Powers in Italy Before the Roman Empire?

The main powers in ancient Rome were Carthage, Greece, and Etrura. The Italian Peninsula is located right in the heart of the Mediterranean Sea. Rome is located right in the heart of Italy on a large plain known as Latium. Source: Latium and Geo...

How did the ancient Romans manage their water supply and sewage systems?

The ancient Romans were remarkable engineers when it came to managing water supply and sewage systems. They developed sophisticated systems that provided clean water for public use and efficiently removed wastewater from cities. Water Supply: Aqueduc...

What was the Persian Gulf in the Bible?

The Persian Gulf marked the southeast corner of the world of the Old Testament, with the Caspian Sea marking the northeast corner. Many rivers flow into the Persian Gulf including the famous Tigris and Euphrates rivers. In Old Testament times the nor...

What Weapons did the Roman Soldier Carry? post related image

What Weapons did the Roman Soldier Carry?

The weapons of a Roman solder included: the gladius (the short, straight, two-edged sword with which he would thrust rather than slash), and this he carried on a belt either from the shoulder or round the waist. He also carried the javelin “pilum...

Who was the Roman Emperor when Jesus was Born? post related image

Who was the Roman Emperor when Jesus was Born?

According to history the Emperor of Rome at the time of Jesus’ birth was Augustus. In 27 B.C., the Senate of Rome voted to give him the title Augustus, which means “the respected one.” He ruled the empire until 14 A.D. In the Bible Luke refers ...

Why was Hadrian’s Arch Erected in Jordan?

Hadrian's Arch, also known as the Arch of Hadrian or the Triumphal Arch, is an ancient Roman monument located in Jerash, Jordan. It was erected during the reign of the Roman Emperor Hadrian in the 2nd century CE. While the Bible does not specifically...


Read The Bible

About

Welcome to Free Bible: Unearthing the Past, Illuminating the Present! Step into a world where ancient history and biblical narratives intertwine, inviting you to explore the rich tapestry of human civilization.

Discover the captivating stories of forgotten empires, delve into the customs and cultures of our ancestors, and witness the remarkable findings unearthed by dedicated archaeologists.

Immerse yourself in a treasure trove of knowledge, where the past comes alive and illuminates our understanding of the present.

Join us on this extraordinary journey through time, where curiosity is rewarded and ancient mysteries await your exploration.

Recent posts