The Greek noun aroma (ἄρωμα) means "spice, aromatic herb" — referring to fragrant substances used in burial preparation, worship, and cooking in the ancient world. In the New Testament, aroma is particularly associated with the burial preparation of Jesus' body.
In the Gospel accounts of Jesus' resurrection, the women come to the tomb carrying aromata — aromatic spices — prepared to anoint Jesus' body (Luke 23:56; 24:1; Mark 16:1). The spices were an act of love and reverence. Yet they arrive to find the tomb empty: the One for whom the spices were prepared has risen. The aromata prepared for death become witnesses to resurrection life. Paul takes this imagery further in 2 Corinthians 2:14–15 where believers are "the aroma of Christ" — a fragrance of life to those being saved. The gospel itself carries a distinctive spiritual aroma.