ἄρωμα
árōma
G759 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A fragrant substance or aromatic resin, typically derived from plants and used for perfuming, anointing, or in funerary preparation. In different contexts, refers to spices, perfumes, or aromatic substances employed for ritual, medicinal, cosmetic, or embalming purposes.
Semantic Range
aromatic resin, spice, fragrance, perfume, scented ointment, materials for anointing or embalming, ritual aromatic substance
Root / Etymology
Borrowed from the root ἀρ- in αἴρω (‘to lift’), possibly with reference to the wafting or emanation of scent, though this is debated; the derivation is not fully certain. The term ἄρωμα likely entered Greek via contact with Near Eastern languages and substances, as plant aromatics were major imports.
Historical & Contextual Notes
ἄρωμα is attested in post-classical Greek and is especially prominent in Hellenistic and Koine usage, often denoting valuable aromatic substances imported from Arabia, India, and elsewhere. In the Septuagint and New Testament, it commonly refers to perfumed materials—often plant-based resins (e.g., myrrh, frankincense), spices (cinnamon, aloes), or other substances used for anointing bodies or in temple rituals. In Mark 16:1 and Luke 23:56, ἄρωμα denotes the perfumed oils and spices prepared by women to anoint Jesus' body, as was customary in Judean funerary practice. The Septuagint frequently uses ἄρωμα to translate Hebrew terms for aromatic ointments and spices utilized in tabernacle/temple service and embalming. The English 'spice,' 'aromatic,' or 'perfume' is used in various translations, but does not always convey the full cultural and ritual significance. Distinct from μύρον (myron), which in Greek tradition often refers to olive oil infused with fragrant spices and used for anointing. Over time, ἄρωμα became a generic term for any costly aromatic mixture, especially in religious, funerary, and luxury contexts.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from αἴρω (in the sense of sending off scent); an aromatic:--(sweet) spice.
Root Family
ἄρωμα (arōma) — aromatic substance, fragrance, spice, perfume
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G759-01 |
ἀρώματα | aromata | N ACC N PL |
spices | aromatic substances | aromatic substances | 3 |
G759-02 |
ἀρωμάτων | aromaton | N GEN N PL |
spices | of aromatic substances | aromatic substances | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
4 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G759-01 |
Mark 16:1 | ἀρώματα | aromata | N ACC N PL |
aromatic spices | aromatic substances | aromatic spices |
G759-01 |
Luke 23:56 | ἀρώματα | aromata | N ACC N PL |
spices | aromatic substances | aromatic substances |
G759-01 |
Luke 24:1 | ἀρώματα | aromata | N ACC N PL |
spices | aromatic substances | aromatic substances |
G759-02 |
John 19:40 | ἀρωμάτων | aromaton | N GEN N PL |
spices | of aromatic substances | aromatic substances |