Dict: smith - SPIKENARD

smith:

SPIKENARD - S>@ - (Heb. nerd) is mentioned twice in the Old Testament viz. in (Solomon kjv@1:12; 4:13-14) The ointment with which our Lord was anointed as he sat at meat in Simon’s house at Bethany consisted of this precious substance, the costliness of which may be inferred from the indignant surprise manifested by some of the witnesses of the transaction.
See kjv@Mark:14:3-5; kjv@John:12:3-5) (Spikenard,from which the ointment was made, was an aromatic herb of the valerian family (Nardostachys jatamansi). It was imported from an early age from Arabia India and the Far East. The costliness of Mary’s offering (300 pence=) may beat be seen from the fact that a penny (denarius, 15 to 17 cents) was in those days the day-wages of a laborer. kjv@Matthew:20:2) In our day this would equal at least or .

- ED.)