SPIKENARD (נֵרְדְּ, H5948; Gr. νάρδος, G3726). Sometimes called “nard.” A fragrant ointment obtained from an E Indian plant, Nardostachys jatamansi. This member of the Valerian family has fragrant fibrous roots. The Royal Horticultural Society’s Dictionary (1951) calls it “the spikenard of the ancients.”

It is mentioned three times in Song of Solomon (1:12; 4:13, 14) and in the NT i.e. Mark 14:3 and John 12:3, where the writer uses the words “pure nard.”

The ointment used on our Lord by Mary in John 12:3 undoubtedly came from India. Nardostachys grows in the Himalayan mountains.

The Bible refers to Mary’s gift in John 12:3 as being very costly. This was because it had to be imported from India in special, carefully-sealed alabaster jars, to conserve the perfume. It was only when some wealthy house owner received special guests that he would break the seal of the jar, so as to be able to do the anointing.