βαρύτιμος

of great price

Definition

βαρύτιμος describes something of immense value, literally 'heavy in price' or 'very costly.' It conveys not just monetary worth but also the idea of preciousness and rarity. In its sole New Testament occurrence, it modifies 'perfume' (μύρον) to emphasize the extraordinary expense of the ointment poured on Jesus (Matthew 26:7). The term implies a value so significant that its use or sacrifice becomes a notable, weighty act.

Biblical Usage

This adjective is used only once in the New Testament, in Matthew 26:7. It describes the 'very expensive perfume' that a woman poured on Jesus' head in the home of Simon the leper. The usage highlights the extreme monetary value of the item, setting the stage for the disciples' indignant reaction about the perceived waste, which Jesus then corrects.

Etymology

βαρύτιμος is a compound adjective from βαρύς (barys, G926), meaning 'heavy' or 'weighty,' and τιμή (timē, G5092), meaning 'price,' 'honor,' or 'value.' It literally means 'heavy in price' or 'of heavy value,' combining the concepts of weight/significance and cost/worth to denote something exceedingly precious.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it frames an act of extravagant worship. The 'very expensive' (βαρύτιμος) perfume in Matthew 26:7 symbolizes a total, costly devotion to Jesus, which he defends as 'a beautiful thing' done in preparation for his burial. It contrasts worldly valuation (monetary cost) with divine valuation (worshipful sacrifice), teaching that no offering is too costly for honoring Christ. Understanding its weight emphasizes the depth of the woman's devotion.

In the 1st-century Mediterranean world, expensive perfumes and ointments were luxury items, often imported and used for anointing at feasts, in burial preparations, or as a store of wealth. The act described in Matthew 26:7 would have been immediately understood as one of extraordinary generosity and honor, making the disciples' objection about the money being given to the poor a plausible, if misguided, cultural response.

τίμιος (timios, G5093) — also means 'precious' or 'valuable,' but can emphasize honor and esteem as much as monetary cost; πολυτελής (polytelēs, G4185) — means 'very costly' or 'expensive,' focusing more on the high price itself.

Word Details

Scripture References