John 12:7

KJV

Then said Jesus, Let her alone: against the day of my burying hath she kept this.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then {G3767} said {G2036} Jesus {G2424}, Let {G863} her {G846} alone {G863}: against {G1519} the day {G2250} of my {G3450} burying {G1780} hath she kept {G5083} this {G846}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Yeshua said, “Leave her alone! She kept this for the day of my burial.

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

Jesus therefore said, Suffer her to keep it against the day of my burying.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In John 12:7, Jesus defends Mary of Bethany's lavish anointing of His feet with expensive spikenard, interpreting her seemingly extravagant act as a divinely appointed and prophetic preparation for His impending burial. This statement underscores Jesus' full awareness of His approaching death and His acceptance of Mary's profound devotion as an integral part of God's redemptive plan, silencing Judas Iscariot's self-serving criticism and affirming the spiritual significance of Mary's worship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a pivotal narrative leading up to Jesus' passion week. The preceding verses (John 12:1-3) describe a supper in Bethany, six days before Passover, where Mary anoints Jesus' feet, and Martha serves. The immediate catalyst for Jesus' defense is Judas Iscariot's hypocritical objection in [John 12:4-6](/john/12-4-6 "John 12:4-6 - Judas's Hypocritical Objection"), where he feigns concern for the poor while secretly harboring a greedy desire for the money. Jesus' response in [John 12:7](/john/12-7 "John 12:7 - Jesus Defends Mary's Anointing") directly addresses Judas's criticism, revealing a deeper, prophetic meaning behind Mary's act. The subsequent verses (John 12:9-11) show the crowds gathering to see Jesus and Lazarus, leading to the chief priests' plot to kill Lazarus as well, highlighting the escalating tension and the imminent threat to Jesus' life.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The anointing of a person's head or feet with oil was a customary act of hospitality, honor, or preparation for burial in ancient Jewish society. However, Mary's use of a pound of costly spikenard (valued at 300 denarii, a year's wages for a common laborer) was exceptionally extravagant, signifying profound reverence and devotion. The setting in Bethany, a village near Jerusalem, places the event geographically close to the epicenter of Jesus' final ministry and crucifixion. The timing, "six days before the Passover," emphasizes the imminence of the most significant Jewish festival, during which Jesus would be crucified, fulfilling the Passover lamb typology. The mention of Judas as a "thief" and keeper of the money bag in [John 12:6](/john/12-6 "John 12:6 - Judas's True Character") provides critical insight into the cultural understanding of financial stewardship and the moral corruption that could exist even among disciples.
* **Key Themes:** John 12:7 contributes to several key themes prevalent in the Gospel of John and the broader biblical narrative. It powerfully illustrates **Jesus' Sovereignty and Foreknowledge** over His own destiny, as He explicitly acknowledges "the day of my burying" and interprets Mary's act within that divine timetable, a theme echoed in His earlier statements about laying down His life in [John 10:18](/john/10-18 "John 10:18 - Jesus' Authority Over His Life"). The passage also highlights the theme of **True Worship vs. Hypocrisy**, contrasting Mary's selfless, extravagant devotion with Judas's mercenary and deceptive piety, a stark difference also seen in Jesus' teachings on true worship in [John 4:23-24](/john/4-23-24 "John 4:23-24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth"). Furthermore, it underscores the **Prophetic Nature of Jesus' Ministry**, where seemingly ordinary or spontaneous acts are revealed to have profound, divinely orchestrated significance in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan, foreshadowing His ultimate sacrifice, a concept woven throughout the Gospel, such as in the raising of Lazarus in [John 11](/john/11 "John 11 - The Resurrection of Lazarus").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **said (Greek, _épō'_):** From G2036, a primary verb meaning "to speak or say" (by word or writing). In this context, it signifies Jesus' authoritative declaration and defense of Mary's act. His words are not merely a casual comment but a definitive pronouncement that reframes the entire event, revealing its true spiritual significance. This verb emphasizes the weight and truthfulness of His interpretation.
* **against (Greek, _eis'_):** From G1519, a primary preposition indicating "to or into," often signifying purpose, result, or direction. Here, "against the day of my burying" is crucial. It does not mean "in opposition to," but rather "with a view to," "for the purpose of," or "in preparation for." This preposition highlights the intentional and prophetic nature of Mary's act, which Jesus reveals was specifically directed towards the solemn occasion of His interment.
* **kept (Greek, _tēréō'_):** From G5083, meaning "to guard (from loss or injury, properly, by keeping the eye upon)," "to preserve," or "to reserve." In this verse, Jesus uses this verb to convey that Mary's anointing was not a random act but one that had been preserved or set aside for this specific, momentous occasion—His burial. It implies divine foresight and purpose, suggesting that her act was a divinely orchestrated preparation, fulfilling a deeper spiritual reality.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then said Jesus,"**: This phrase introduces Jesus' direct response to Judas's criticism. The use of "Then" (G3767, _oûn_) indicates a logical consequence or a transition in the narrative, signaling that Jesus is about to provide a crucial clarification or command. His immediate intervention highlights His authority and His defense of Mary's genuine devotion.
* **"Let her alone:"**: This is a direct command from Jesus, instructing Judas (and implicitly, any others who might criticize) to cease their interference with Mary. The Greek verb for "let alone" (G863, _aphíēmi_) means "to send forth," "to leave," or "to permit." Here, it functions as an imperative to stop hindering or criticizing Mary, affirming the righteousness of her actions and protecting her from judgment.
* **"against the day of my burying hath she kept this."**: This is the core of Jesus' interpretation and defense. "Against the day of my burying" (G1519 _eis_ G2250 _hēméra_ G3450 _moû_ G1780 _entaphiasmós_) reveals the ultimate purpose of Mary's act: it was a prophetic anointing in preparation for His death and burial. The phrase "hath she kept this" (G5083 _tēréō_ G846 _autós_) implies that Mary's act, perhaps even unbeknownst to her in its full prophetic scope, was divinely preserved or intended for this specific, momentous occasion. Jesus reveals that her act of worship was not a waste, but a sacred, timely, and necessary preparation for His ultimate sacrifice.

#### Literary Devices
John 12:7 employs several powerful literary devices. **Foreshadowing** is prominent, as Jesus explicitly states that Mary's anointing is "against the day of my burying," directly predicting His imminent death and burial. This statement prepares the reader for the unfolding passion narrative. There is also profound **Symbolism**: Mary's anointing, though perhaps understood by her as an act of devotion, is revealed by Jesus to be a symbolic preparation for His death, akin to the embalming rituals performed before burial. The costly ointment itself symbolizes the preciousness of the sacrifice Jesus is about to make. Furthermore, the passage utilizes **Contrast** between Mary's selfless, extravagant devotion and Judas's hypocritical, self-serving criticism. This sharp juxtaposition highlights the purity of true worship against the deceit of false piety, a recurring theme in the Gospels.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 12:7 profoundly articulates Jesus' conscious acceptance of His redemptive mission, particularly His impending death and burial. It reveals that even seemingly spontaneous acts of devotion can be divinely orchestrated and carry prophetic significance within God's overarching plan for salvation. Mary's anointing, interpreted by Jesus, becomes a powerful testament to the necessity and purpose of His sacrifice, underscoring that His death was not an accident but a predetermined event, prepared for and embraced. This passage also champions genuine, sacrificial worship, affirming that acts of love and devotion, no matter how extravagant or unconventional they may appear to human eyes, are deeply valued by God when offered from a pure heart.

* [Mark 14:8](/mark/14-8 "Mark 14:8 - Jesus' Defense of Mary's Anointing")
* [Matthew 26:12](/matthew/26-12 "Matthew 26:12 - Mary's Anointing for Jesus' Burial")
* [Luke 7:46](/luke/7-46 "Luke 7:46 - Anointing as an Act of Honor")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 12:7 challenges believers to consider the nature of their own devotion and worship. Mary's act, though costly and perhaps misunderstood by others, was recognized and affirmed by Jesus as perfectly timed and profoundly meaningful. This encourages us to offer our "best" to Christ without reservation, even if it seems extravagant or impractical by worldly standards. True worship often transcends human logic, flowing from a heart captivated by Christ's worth. We are called to discern and value acts of genuine faith and sacrifice, prioritizing spiritual realities over material concerns or the approval of others. Furthermore, this verse reminds us that God can imbue our acts of faith with a greater purpose than we initially perceive, weaving them into His grand redemptive narrative. It also serves as a poignant reminder to defend those who offer sincere worship and service, rather than criticizing them based on superficial or self-serving motives, just as Jesus defended Mary against Judas. Our focus should always be on the heart behind the offering, and on Christ's glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "costly" acts of devotion might Jesus be calling me to offer, even if they seem impractical or misunderstood by others?**
* **How might I be tempted to criticize or judge another's worship based on my own expectations or worldly logic, rather than discerning its spiritual value?**
* **In what ways does this passage affirm the importance of preparing our hearts for Christ's return or for moments of significant spiritual encounter?**

### FAQ
**Why did Jesus say Mary "kept" the ointment, when she just poured it out?**

Answer: The word "kept" (Greek: _tēréō_) in this context doesn't mean she held onto it or saved it for later. Instead, Jesus is revealing the deeper, prophetic significance of her act. He is saying that her anointing was divinely intended or "reserved" for the specific purpose of His burial. It implies that from God's perspective, this act of devotion was perfectly timed and purposed for this crucial moment in salvation history, even if Mary herself didn't fully comprehend its prophetic implications at the time. It was "kept" by divine design for this particular "day of my burying."

**What is the significance of the "day of my burying"?**

Answer: The phrase "the day of my burying" is Jesus' direct and explicit acknowledgment of His impending death and burial. It signifies His full awareness and willing acceptance of His mission to suffer and die as the atoning sacrifice for humanity's sins. This statement is crucial because it frames Mary's act not merely as an expression of love, but as a prophetic preparation for the central event of the Gospel: Jesus' death, burial, and subsequent resurrection. It underscores that His death was not an accident but a preordained and necessary part of God's redemptive plan, as prophesied throughout the Old Testament and affirmed by Jesus Himself, for instance, in [Matthew 16:21](/matthew/16-21 "Matthew 16:21 - Jesus Predicts His Death").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 12:7 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, particularly in His voluntary submission to death and burial as the climax of His redemptive mission. Mary's anointing, interpreted by Jesus as preparation for His burial, foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of the [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Just as the costly spikenard was poured out, so too was Christ's life poured out on the cross, a fragrant offering to God for the sins of humanity ([Ephesians 5:2](/ephesians/5-2 "Ephesians 5:2 - Christ's Sacrificial Love")). Jesus' defense of Mary highlights His identity as the Messiah who must suffer and die, a truth often misunderstood by His disciples, as seen in [Mark 8:31-33](/mark/8-31-33 "Mark 8:31-33 - Peter Rebukes Jesus"). His acceptance of this prophetic anointing underscores His full embrace of His destiny as the one who would be buried and then rise again, conquering death and offering new life to all who believe ([Romans 6:4](/romans/6-4 "Romans 6:4 - Buried with Christ, Raised to New Life")). Thus, Mary's act, and Jesus' interpretation of it, points directly to the finished work of Christ on the cross and the empty tomb, the very heart of the Gospel message and the foundation of our hope and salvation ([1 Corinthians 15:3-4](/1_corinthians/15-3-4 "1 Corinthians 15:3-4 - The Gospel Message")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Matthew 26:12

For in that she hath poured this ointment on my body, she did [it] for my burial.

Matthew 26:10

When Jesus understood [it], he said unto them, Why trouble ye the woman? for she hath wrought a good work upon me.

Mark 14:6

And Jesus said, Let her alone; why trouble ye her? she hath wrought a good work on me.

Zechariah 3:2

And the LORD said unto Satan, The LORD rebuke thee, O Satan; even the LORD that hath chosen Jerusalem rebuke thee: [is] not this a brand plucked out of the fire?

Psalms 109:31

For he shall stand at the right hand of the poor, to save [him] from those that condemn his soul.

Matthew 27:57

¶ When the even was come, there came a rich man of Arimathaea, named Joseph, who also himself was Jesus' disciple:

Matthew 27:60

And laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock: and he rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulchre, and departed.