Greek word · G211

ἀλάβαστρον

alabastron

jar

A small vessel for perfumed oils, typically with a long narrow neck and no handles, often carved from alabaster (a soft, translucent stone, calcite or gypsum). The name was also used for the shape even when the flask was made of glass or pottery.

Appears 4 times in 3 verses of the Greek New Testament. · Updated October 24, 2026

What it means

ἀλάβαστρον, -ου, τό (also -ος, ὁ, ἡ; colloq. and κοινή for ἀλάβαστος),

[in LXX: 2 Kings 21:13 (צַלַּחַת)* ;]

a box of alabaster (ἀλαβαστίτης) for ointment: Matthew 26:7, Mark 14:3, Luke 7:37 (see DCG, i, 41b; MM, VGT, see word).†

(AS)

From G. Abbott-Smith, A Manual Greek Lexicon of the New Testament (1922), via STEPBible.org (CC BY 4.0).

In depth

From the study of Luke 7:37

Range of meaning: A small vessel for perfumed oils, typically with a long narrow neck and no handles, often carved from alabaster (a soft, translucent stone, calcite or gypsum). The name was also used for the shape even when the flask was made of glass or pottery.
Against the English: KJV 'alabaster box' suggests a lidded box. ESV/NASB 'flask/vial' and BSB/NIV/WEB 'jar' are closer. The point is a sealed scent-flask.
How it drifted: In older English 'box' could mean a small container of any shape. Modern 'box' does not.
Used elsewhere in the period: Herodotus 3.20 lists 'an alabastron of myron' among royal gifts. Pliny (Natural History 13.19) says unguents keep best in alabaster. The LXX uses the word at 2 Kings (4 Kingdoms) 21:13. Mark 14:3 has the same item in the Bethany anointing, where the neck is broken to pour.

From the study of Mark 14:3

Range of meaning: A small flask for perfumed oil, often made of alabaster (a soft, translucent stone, here probably calcite) though the name was also used for flasks of other materials. It typically had a rounded body and a long narrow neck, and was sealed to keep the scent from evaporating.
Against the English: KJV's 'alabaster box' is misleading, since it was not a box. 'Jar' (BSB, WEB, NIV) is acceptable, but 'flask' or 'vial' better conveys the narrow neck, which is what she 'broke'.
How it drifted: In older English 'box' could mean a small container of any kind, which no longer comes across.
Used elsewhere in the period: Herodotus (Histories 3.20) lists 'an alabastron of perfume' (μύρου ἀλάβαστρον) among royal gifts. Pliny the Elder (Natural History 13.19) says perfumes are best preserved in alabaster vessels. Many such flasks survive from Egypt and the eastern Mediterranean.

Where it appears

Matthew · 1

Matthew 26:7 ἀλάβαστρον an alabaster flask

a woman came to Him with an alabaster jar of expensive perfume, which she poured on His head as He reclined at the table.

Mark · 2

Mark 14:3 ἀλάβαστρον ἀλάβαστρον an alabaster flask, alabaster flask

While Jesus was in Bethany reclining at the table in the home of Simon the Leper, a woman came with an alabaster jar of expensive perfume, made of pure nard. She broke open the jar and poured it on Jesus’ head.

Here: A small stone flask with a long, narrow neck, sealed to preserve expensive perfume. Not a box and not a wide jar.

Luke · 1

Luke 7:37 ἀλάβαστρον an alabaster flask

When a sinful woman from that town learned that Jesus was dining there, she brought an alabaster jar of perfume.

Here: A small sealed flask with a long neck, usually carved from soft translucent stone, made to keep scented oils. It was not a box. It signals a valued possession.

Word data: STEPBible.org (CC BY 4.0), main text only.