812. The Pound

From: Manners and Customs of the Bible By: James M. Freeman

John 12:3

John 12:3³Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odor of the ointment. (John 12:3). Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly.

The λίτρα, “pound,” varied in weight in different countries. The Roman Libra, which is supposed to be the weight mentioned in the text, was equal to nearly twelve ounces avoirdupois.

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Manners and Customs of the Bible

• 810. Formal Condolence

• 811. Weeping at the Grave

• 812. The Pound

• 813. Need of Feet Washing

• 814. Position at Table

• 815. The "Sop"

• 816. Place for Gardens

• 817. Lanterns

• 818. Female Door Keepers

• 819. Charcoal

• 820. Bearing the Cross

• 821. The Tunic

• 822. Preparation for Burial

• 823. Salutation

• 824. A Sabbath Day's Journey

• 825. Time for Eating

• 826. Time for Burial

• 827. Reading Aloud

• 828. Complimentary Names

• 829. Prayer on the Housetop

• 830. The Military Night Watch

• 831. Prisoners Chained

• 832. Sandals

• 833. Knocker Street Door

• 834. The Law and the Prophets Rulers of the Synagogue

• 835. Gods in Human Form

• 836. Jupiter and Mercury

• 837. Idolatrous Garlands

• 838. Places of Prayer

• 839. Stocks