← G210 G212 →

ἀλάβαστρον

alábastron

G211 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

A small vessel, typically made from alabaster (a fine-grained translucent variety of gypsum or calcite), used in antiquity for storing precious oils, ointments, or perfumes. The core meaning is a container, particularly one designed to hold fragrant substances; in extended contexts, the term can refer more generally to a perfume container regardless of the specific material, though the association with the stone remains primary.

Semantic Range

alabaster vessel, perfume vase, ointment jar, flask for precious oils or perfumes, sometimes generally any small luxury container for cosmetics or aromatics

Root / Etymology

Derived from ἀλάβαστος (alábastos), itself understood as an ancient term for a type of white stone (alabaster), though the ultimate origin is uncertain and possibly pre-Greek or Egyptian. The word ἀλάβαστρον refers to an object made from or associated with this stone.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical and Hellenistic Greek, ἀλάβαστρον consistently referred to a small vessel crafted from alabaster stone, valued for its suitability for storing aromatic oils due to its non-porous and cool properties. These vessels were common in the Mediterranean world and often associated with luxury, ritual anointing, burial customs, and hospitality. By the time of the New Testament, the term continues to denote a specific kind of perfume vase or flask, though in some cases the material may not literally be alabaster, as the shape and function came to define the word more than the substance. The translation 'alabaster box' is a traditional rendering, but 'flask,' 'vase,' or 'jar' reflects better the size, shape, and function; 'box' is somewhat misleading in English. Archaeological finds confirm the widespread use of such vessels. The term appears in the New Testament in scenes of anointing, such as the 'woman with an alabaster flask of ointment' (e.g., Matthew 26:7). Later Christian tradition sometimes attached symbolic value to the object, though in Greco-Roman and Judean contexts, it was a luxury vessel for valuable fragrances. The semantic range remains stable from Classical through Koine Greek, but always closely tied to luxury, scent, and personal or ritual care.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

neuter of (of uncertain derivation), the name of a stone; properly, an "alabaster" box, i.e. (by extension) a perfume vase (of any material):--(alabaster) box.

Root Family

ἀλάβαστρον (alábastron) — alabaster (stone), vessel, container

Root ἀλάβαστ- alabaster (stone), vessel, container

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G211-01 ἀλάβαστρον alabastron N ACC N SG alabaster an alabaster vessel an alabaster vessel 4

Occurrences in Scripture

4 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G211-01 Matthew 26:7 ἀλάβαστρον alabastron N ACC N SG alabaster an alabaster vessel an alabaster vessel
G211-01 Mark 14:3 ἀλάβαστρον alabastron N ACC F SG alabaster flask an alabaster vessel an alabaster vessel
G211-01 Mark 14:3 ἀλάβαστρον alabastron-2 N ACC F SG flask an alabaster vessel alabaster vessel
G211-01 Luke 7:37 ἀλάβαστρον alabastron N ACC N SG an alabaster flask an alabaster vessel an alabaster vessel
← G210 Greek Lexicon G212 →