λίτρα

a Roman pound

Definition

λίτρα (litra) refers to a Roman pound, a specific unit of weight equivalent to about 327 grams or 12 ounces. In the New Testament, it is used exclusively in the Gospel of John to measure valuable substances. In John 12:3, it quantifies the expensive perfume (pure nard) that Mary used to anoint Jesus' feet, emphasizing the extravagant cost of her devotion. In John 19:39, it measures the myrrh and aloes that Nicodemus brought for Jesus' burial, highlighting the large, honorable quantity prepared for entombment. Both instances use the same literal sense of the term as a weight measurement.

Biblical Usage

This word appears only twice in the New Testament, both in the Gospel of John. It is used in narratives describing acts of profound honor and devotion toward Jesus. In John 12:3, it measures perfume for an anointing, and in John 19:39, it measures burial spices. The pattern shows its use for quantifying precious, aromatic materials in contexts of sacrificial love and reverence.

Etymology

The word λίτρα is a loanword from Latin 'libra,' meaning a pound (both a unit of weight and a scale). It entered Greek as a direct transliteration to denote the Roman standard weight. The Latin root is also the source of the abbreviation 'lb.' for pound and the name for the British pound sterling (£).

Semantic Range

While λίτρα itself is a mundane measurement, its biblical usage is theologically significant. In John 12:3, the 'litra' of perfume symbolizes the immense, costly devotion of Mary, prefiguring Jesus' own sacrificial death. In John 19:39, the 'litra' measurement of burial spices underscores the honor and royal treatment given to Jesus' body, affirming the reality and dignity of his burial, which precedes the resurrection. Understanding the weight helps modern readers grasp the scale of these sacrificial acts.

A Roman pound (litra) was a standardized unit in the Roman Empire, equivalent to about 12 ounces (327 grams). This was a significant amount, especially for expensive items like perfumes and burial spices, indicating great wealth or honor. The use of this Roman measurement in a Jewish context reflects the cultural and administrative influence of the Empire during the New Testament period.

τάλαντον (talanton, G5007) — a much larger weight (about 75 pounds) and unit of money. μνᾶ (mna, G3414) — a Greek weight and monetary unit (about 100 drachmas), smaller than a talent.

Word Details

Scripture References