Spikenard

(Heb. nerd ) is mentioned twice in the Old Testament viz. in ( Solomon 1:12 ; Song of Solomon 4:13 Song of Solomon 4:14 ) The ointment with which our Lord was anointed as he sat at meat in Simons 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 ( Mark 14:3-5 ; John 12:3 John 12:5 ) (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 Marys offering (300 pence=$45) 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. ( Matthew 20:2 ) In our day this would equal at least $300 or $400.-ED.)