Translations
Interlinear
Notes
Some people (see Matthew 26:8; John 12:4–5) were angry because they thought the expensive perfume had been wasted. The perfume was said to be worth about a year’s wages for an average worker. They argued that the money could have been given to the poor. Giving to the poor was especially important during Passover.
The story of Jesus’s anointing by a woman in Bethany (14:3–9) introduces the events that follow. Luke’s account (Luke 7:36–50) is quite different and may describe another event. This incident took place in Bethany, a village about 3.2 kilometers (2 miles) east of Jerusalem on the lower eastern slope of the Mount of Olives. Jesus apparently stayed there when he was in Judea (Mark 11:1, 11–12).
The house belonged to Simon, a man who had previously had leprosy (a disease that often caused people to be separated from society). He may have been healed by Jesus (see 1:40–45).
reclining ("sitting back"): The meal was a banquet because the guests were reclining while they ate. A woman (see John 12:3) broke the neck of a sealed alabaster jar filled with expensive perfume (pure nard) and poured all of it on the head of Jesus (see Exodus 29:4–7; 2 Kings 9:1–6).
Parallels
Glossary
Bethany Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Gospel Mark, Gospel of Mary Passion Pence Simon
Topics
Frugality: General Scriptures Concerning Jesus, the Christ: Anointed with Precious Ointment (In Bethany) Mary: Sister of Lazarus: Anoints Jesus Murmuring: Disciples Ointment: Not Sacred Penny: A Denarius Presumption: The Disciples, in Their Indignation at the Anointing of Jesus Women: Mary and Martha