Keraia
John 12

John 12:7

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

Translations

Modern
“Leave her alone,” Jesus replied. “She has kept this perfume in preparation for the day of My burial.
Traditional
Then said Jesus, Let her alone: against the day of my burying hath she kept this.
Literal
Therefore Jesus said, “Leave her alone, so that for the day of My burial she may keep it.
Latin
Dixit ergo Jesus: Sinite illam ut in diem sepulturæ meæ servet illud.

Original

Greek
English
“Leave her alone,” Jesus replied. “She has kept this perfume in preparation for the day of My burial.

Notes

John 12:7

Leave her alone: Jesus defended Mary by explaining her actions. The nard was a burial spice for his death. Jesus was readied for burial as he approached the hour of glorification and death (see study note on 12:23).

John 12:1–50

  • 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

Jesus: The Son of God and Savior of the world

Glossary

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

Topics

Anointing: Symbolical of Jesus Bethany: Jesus Attends a Feast In Jesus, the Christ: Anointed with Precious Ointment (In Bethany) Jesus, the Christ: Death of Jesus, the Christ: Goes to Bethany Six Days Before the Passover Jesus, the Christ: Revelations by: His Death and Resurrection Love: Love for Jesus: Mary