John 12:2

Mary Anoints Jesus · John 12:1–8
Read John 12

Translations

Modern
So they hosted a dinner for Jesus there. Martha served, and Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with Him.
Traditional
There they made him a supper; and Martha served: but Lazarus was one of them that sat at the table with him.
Literal
Therefore they made Him a supper there, and Martha was serving, and Lazarus was one of those reclining with Him.
Latin
Fecerunt autem ei cœnam ibi, et Martha ministrabat, Lazarus vero unus erat ex discumbentibus cum eo.

Interlinear

Greek
English
So they hosted a dinner for Jesus there. Martha served, and Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with Him.

Notes

those reclining: People usually sat or leaned back at a low table while eating.

  • In this part of John’s Gospel, two stories move forward at the same time.

    First, more and more people begin to praise Jesus. Their excitement reaches a high point when crowds welcome him into Jerusalem with shouts of joy (12:12–13).

    Second, the religious authorities become more determined to arrest Jesus and put him to death. As public support grows, their opposition grows as well.

  • John's Gospel describes three events that happened only days before Passover (12:1–11, 12–19, 20–36). Then he explains why most of the people refused to believe and describes the final public message spoken by Jesus (12:37–50).

Events

Parallels

Matthew 26:6–13 Mark 14:3–9 Luke 7:36–50

People

Lazarus: Brother of Mary and Martha; raised from the dead Martha: Sister of Mary and Lazarus, hosted Jesus

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Feasts and Festivals of Israel John, Gospel of Lazarus Martha Mary Meaning of Meals in the Bible Simon

Topics

Bethany: Jesus Attends a Feast In Entertainments: Kinds of, Mentioned in Scripture: Supper Entertainments: Served often by Members of the Family Hospitality: Martha to Jesus Jesus, the Christ: Anointed with Precious Ointment (In Bethany) Jesus, the Christ: Goes to Bethany Six Days Before the Passover Lazarus: Brother of Mary and Martha: had Dinner with Jesus Martha: Ministers to Jesus