Nard
Archimandrite Nikifor’s Biblical Encyclopedia
—a well-known fragrant plant of the East, of the valerian family, considered precious (John 12:3, 5). Nard was well known to the ancients and highly valued by them. It was exported chiefly from India. In Palestine and neighboring countries, nard is found in great abundance in the mountains and plains. The Hebrews obtained nard ointment from Asia Minor in small alabaster vessels; the finest nard ointment was made in Tarsus. Pure nard ointment was highly prized among the Hebrews; a small vessel of such ointment cost more than three hundred denarii (Mark 14:3–5, John 12:3–5), that is, more than sixty of our silver rubles. Nard is also mentioned in the Song of Songs (4:14) together with saffron, calamus, and cinnamon, products of Syria, Persia, and India.