Matthew 26:7

ἀλάβαστρον, an “alabaster” (vase), the term, originally denoting the material, being transferred to the vessel made of it, like our word “glass” (Speaker's Com.), in common use for preserving ointments (Pliny, N.H., iii., 3). An alabaster of nard (μύρου) was a present for a king. Among five precious articles sent by Cambyses to the King of Ethiopia was included a μύρου ἀλάβ. (Herod., iii., 20). On this ointment and its source vide Tristram, Natural History of the Bible, p. 484 (quoted in notes on Mk.). βαρυτίμου (here only in N. T.), of great price; this noted to explain the sequel. κεφαλῆς : she broke the vase and poured the contents on the head of Jesus, feet in John; both possible; must be combined, say the Harmonists.