Keraia
Mark 14

Mark 14:7

Jesus Anointed at Bethany · Mark 14:3–9
Read Mark 14

Translations

Modern
The poor you will always have with you, and you can help them whenever you want. But you will not always have Me.
Traditional
For ye have the poor with you always, and whensoever ye will ye may do them good: but me ye have not always.
Literal
For the poor you always have with you, and you are able to do them good whenever you desire; but not always do you have Me.
Latin
…semper enim pauperes habetis vobiscum: et cum volueritis, potestis illis benefacere: me autem non semper habetis.

Interlinear

Greek
English
The poor you will always have with you, and you can help them whenever you want. But you will not always have Me.

Notes

Mark 14:6–8

Jesus defended the woman’s action. That the disciples would always have the poor among them did not minimize the concern Jesus has for the poor. The opportunity to minister directly to Jesus was limited. Only hours remained! She chose the best thing she could do with her perfume.

Mark 14:3–9

  • 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

Matthew 26:6–13 Luke 7:36–50 John 12:1–8

Glossary

Bethany Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Gospel Mark, Gospel of Mary Passion Simon

Topics

Jesus, the Christ: Anointed with Precious Ointment (In Bethany) Mary: Sister of Lazarus: Anoints Jesus Poor: Duty To Poor: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Women: Mary and Martha