What is the purpose of an alabaster box?

Answer 1

Alabaster was very expensive in Bible times, and if a person bought an alabaster box, it was only used for very important purposes. So the Pharisees considered it a waste when a woman poured perfume from an alabaster box on Jesus' head in Matthew 26:7-9. We are assuming here that you are talking about this moment which is also described in more detail in Luke Chapter Six? Here, a woman enters a house owned by a Pharisee and, wordlessly and with many tears, washes Christ with ointment, using her hair to clean his feet. When the Pharisee expresses disgust that such a woman, who, it is inferred, is a prostitute, or certainly a sinner, should be allowed to do such a thing, Christ rebukes him and points out that since the woman has entered, he has done nothing but minister to him while the Pharisee, whose name is Simon, has done nothing. He then turns to the woman and pardons her of all her sins for her great devotion. Since Pope Gregory the Great, this woman has been conflated with Mary Magdelene and so she is often portrayed as carrying an alabaster jar. In fact she is referred to as Mary of Bethany in another Gospel. But then Gregory also conflated Mary of Bethany with Mary Magdelene... Alabaster historically was a symbol of purity and great honour. It is also thought to have been associated with the Egyptian Goddess Bast (hence alaBASTer). So in some sense, the Woman with the Alabaster Jar may have been associated in the author's mind as connected to ancient forms of worship, particularly of the Goddess. It is significant in this connection that, just before this passage in Luke, the text says 'Wisdom is justified in all her children". Now, the author of Luke would have known what he was referring to as Wisdom ie the Sophia, the Feminine Aspect of God and Bride of Christ. The New Testament, contrary to what most organised Churches will tell you, is full of veiled references to other spiritual cultures - eg Hellenic Alexandrian ones, Egyptian Mysteries ('out of Egypt have I brought my son'), Eleusinian Mysteries (corn and wheat imagery), Zoroastrianism (the Three Wise Men)... So this moment with the Alabaster Jar is very significant in terms of Christ and the Feminine/Sophia. What we are seeing is how, in fact, the Woman with the Jar is much closer in spirit to Christ... Further, the Alabaster Jar is linked to the image of the Grail. It is the receiving vessel, into which the Holy Spirit pours and the individual can be transformed. Here it is filled with ointment. The woman is not just washing Christ but ANOINTING him. And remember that the word Christ means 'Anointed One'. So the Jar and the woman who carries it are VERY significant in terms of understanding the inner meaning of the Christ Mystery.

Answer 2

As inspired in Matthew 26:7... the "alabaster box" is, according to "Strong's Definitions," merely a "perfume vase." In the context of the biblical passage, it was a "very expensive" perfume vase:

"...a woman with an alabaster bottle of very costly perfume came up to Him [Jesus] while He was at table and poured it upon His head. When the disciples saw it, they were very indignant, and said, 'Why such waste? Surely it could have been sold for a large sum and the money given to the poor.'" (Matt.26:7-9 WNT William's New Testament)

Yet, beyond the mere purpose of the perfume vase as mentioned... Jesus expanded upon its contents in anticipation of His burial, whereby it was customary to apply perfumes and spices to a dead body [for the smell, you see]. A custom which was otherwise denied Him, considering the tumultuous, rapid series of events that would soon come to pass [a custom which the two Marys intended to do three days and three nights later with the 'sweet spices' they had bought and prepared after His death - Mark 16:1].

But Jesus turned the woman's "expensive" act of Faith into a "lesson":

"...'Why do you embarrass the woman? She has done a good deed to Me, for you always have the poor among you, but you will not always have Me. For in putting this perfume on My body she has done it to prepare Me for My burial. I solemnly say to you, ALL OVER THE WORLD wherever this GOOD DEED is proclaimed, the good deed that she has done will be told, IN MEMORY OF HER.'" (Matt.26:10-13 WNT)

So, while the alabaster "perfume vase" is straight forward in its clinical purpose... the spiritual intent of it goes much deeper:

"...The pouring ointment upon the head of Christ was a token of the highest respect. Where there is true Love in the heart to Jesus Christ, nothing will be thought too good to bestow upon Him. The more Christ's servants and their services are cavilled at, the more he manifests His acceptance. This act of Faith and Love was so remarkable, that it would be reported, as a memorial of Mary's Faith and Love, to all future ages, and in all places where the gospel should be preached. This prophecy is fulfilled..." (Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary: Matt.26:6-13; Christ anointed at Bethany)