The room grew still
As she made her way to Jesus
She stumbles through the tears that made her blind
She felt such pain
Some spoke in anger
Heard folks whisper
There's no place here for her kind
Still on she came
Through the shame that flushed her face
Until at last, she knelt before his feet
And though she spoke no words
Everything she said was heard
As she poured her love for the Master
From her box of alabaster
And I've come to pour
My praise on Him
Like oil from Mary's alabaster box
Don't be angry if I wash his feet with my tears
And I dry them with my hair
You weren't there the night He found me
You did not feel what I felt
When he wrapped his love all around me and
You don't know the cost of the oil
In my alabaster box
I can't forget the way life used to be
I was a prisoner to the sin that had me bound
And I spent my days
Poured my life without measure
Into a little treasure box
I'd thought I'd found
Until the day when Jesus came to me
And healed my soul
With the wonder of His touch
So now I'm giving back to Him
All the praise He's worthy of
I've been forgiven
And that's why
I love Him so much
And I've come to pour
My praise on Him
Like oil from Mary's alabaster box
Don't be angry if I wash his feet with my tears
And I dry them with my hair
You weren't there the night He found me
You did not feel what I felt
When he wrapped his love all around me and
You don't know the cost of the oil
In my alabaster box
Alabaster Box Video
Alabaster Box Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
The song "Alabaster Box" by CeCe Winans is a powerful and soul-stirring anthem that beautifully captures the essence of devotion, surrender, and gratitude towards Jesus Christ. Inspired by the biblical story of the woman who anointed Jesus' feet with costly perfume, this song has resonated with millions of listeners worldwide, touching their hearts and bringing them closer to God.
The Meaning of "Alabaster Box":
"Alabaster Box" is a metaphorical representation of a heart filled with love, devotion, and worship for Jesus. The alabaster box symbolizes the woman's life and everything she possessed. In the song, CeCe Winans sings about pouring out her praise and love on Jesus, just as the woman poured her costly oil on Jesus' feet.
The woman in the biblical story, described in the Gospel of Luke (7:36-50) and the Gospel of Mark (14:3-9), is often referred to as Mary Magdalene. She was known to have lived a sinful life before encountering Jesus, but after experiencing His love and forgiveness, she was transformed. Her act of anointing Jesus' feet with expensive perfume was an act of profound love, gratitude, and humility.
The Inspiration behind "Alabaster Box":
While the exact inspiration behind the song is not explicitly stated, it is widely believed that CeCe Winans was inspired by the biblical account of the woman with the alabaster box. This story serves as a reminder of the transformative power of Jesus' love and the depth of devotion that can arise from a heart touched by His grace.
The lyrics of the song beautifully depict the emotional journey of the woman, and by extension, the experiences of believers who have encountered the life-changing love of Jesus. It serves as a reminder of the incredible sacrifice He made for us and the immeasurable worth of His love.
Bible Verses Related to "Alabaster Box":
The story of the woman with the alabaster box is found in two different passages in the New Testament, emphasizing its significance. Here are the relevant Bible verses:
Luke 7:36-50 (NIV):
36 When one of the Pharisees invited Jesus to have dinner with him, he went to the Pharisee’s house and reclined at the table. 37 A woman in that town who lived a sinful life learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee’s house, so she came there with an alabaster jar of perfume. 38 As she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them. 39 When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would know who is touching him and what kind of woman she is—that she is a sinner.”
40 Jesus answered him, “Simon, I have something to tell you.”
“Tell me, teacher,” he said.
41 “Two people owed money to a certain moneylender. One owed him five hundred denarii,[a] and the other fifty. 42 Neither of them had the money to pay him back, so he forgave the debts of both. Now which of them will love him more?”
43 Simon replied, “I suppose the one who had the bigger debt forgiven.”
“You have judged correctly,” Jesus said.
44 Then he turned toward the woman and said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. 45 You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet. 46 You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet. 47 Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little.”
48 Then Jesus said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.”
49 The other guests began to say among themselves, “Who is this who even forgives sins?”
50 Jesus said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”
Mark 14:3-9 (NIV):
3 While he was in Bethany, reclining at the table in the home of Simon the Leper, a woman came with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, made of pure nard. She broke the jar and poured the perfume on his head.
4 Some of those present were saying indignantly to one another, “Why this waste of perfume? 5 It could have been sold for more than a year’s wages[b] and the money given to the poor.” And they rebuked her harshly.
6 “Leave her alone,” said Jesus. “Why are you bothering her? She has done a beautiful thing to me. 7 The poor you will always have with you,[c] and you can help them any time you want. But you will not always have me. 8 She did what she could. She poured perfume on my body beforehand to prepare for my burial. 9 Truly I tell you, wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.”
The song "Alabaster Box" encapsulates the essence of these Bible verses, emphasizing the woman's act of pouring out her love and gratitude for Jesus. The lyrics remind us of the immense love and forgiveness that Jesus offers, encouraging us to respond with a heart filled with praise and surrender.
Conclusion:
"Alabaster Box" is a timeless Christian song that continues to move hearts and inspire worship. CeCe Winans masterfully conveys the depth of devotion and surrender that the woman with the alabaster box displayed, reminding us of the immeasurable worth of Jesus' love and sacrifice. As we listen to this soul-stirring anthem, may it ignite a fire in our hearts to pour out our love, praise, and gratitude on Jesus, just as the woman did, and to live lives that reflect His transformative power.
