Mark 14:3

And being in Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at meat, there came a woman having an alabaster box of ointment of spikenard very precious; and she brake the box, and poured [it] on his head.

And {G2532} being {G846}{G5607} in {G1722} Bethany {G963} in {G1722} the house {G3614} of Simon {G4613} the leper {G3015}, as he {G846} sat at meat {G2621}, there came {G2064} a woman {G1135} having {G2192} an alabaster box {G211} of ointment {G3464} of spikenard {G3487}{G4101} very precious {G4185}; and {G2532} she brake {G4937} the box {G211}, and poured {G2708} it on {G2596} his {G846} head {G2776}.

While he was in Beit-Anyah in the home of Shim`on (a man who had had tzara`at), and as he was eating, a woman came with an alabaster jar of perfume, pure oil of nard, very costly. She broke the jar and poured the perfume over Yeshua's head.

While Jesus was in Bethany reclining at the table in the home of Simon the Leper, a woman came with an alabaster jar of expensive perfume, made of pure nard. She broke open the jar and poured it on Jesus’ head.

And while he was in Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at meat, there came a woman having an alabaster cruse of ointment of pure nard very costly; and she brake the cruse, and poured it over his head.

Commentary

Mark 14:3 describes a profound moment of devotion and prophecy, occurring in Bethany just days before Jesus' crucifixion. This event, also recounted in Matthew 26:6-13 and John 12:1-8, highlights a woman's extraordinary act of worship.

Historical and Cultural Context

The setting is Bethany, a village near Jerusalem, at the home of a man named Simon, identified as "the leper." It's highly probable that Simon was a former leper healed by Jesus, demonstrating the transformative power of Christ by hosting Him. In ancient Jewish culture, anointing with oil was common for guests, but this act goes far beyond mere hospitality. It takes place during Passover week, a time of intense anticipation and spiritual significance leading up to Jesus' suffering and death.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Extravagant Devotion: The woman's act of breaking the alabaster box and pouring the costly ointment on Jesus' head was an act of profound and selfless love. The "spikenard" was incredibly expensive, representing a significant personal sacrifice, perhaps her life savings. This contrasts sharply with the disciples' (and particularly Judas's) reaction, who saw it as wasteful.
  • Prophetic Anointing: While seemingly a spontaneous act of worship, Jesus Himself interprets it as a symbolic preparation for His burial (Mark 14:8). In ancient times, bodies were often anointed with spices and oils before burial. This woman, perhaps unknowingly, participated in a prophetic act pointing to Jesus' imminent death and resurrection.
  • Worship Over Practicality: The incident challenges a purely utilitarian view of resources. The woman's act prioritizes worship and honor for Christ above what others might deem "practical" or "charitable." It underscores that true devotion often involves costly giving from the heart, a demonstration of love that transcends mere economic value.

Linguistic Insights

The term "spikenard" (Greek: nardos pistikes) refers to a highly prized aromatic oil derived from a plant in the Himalayas. Its value was immense, often equivalent to a year's wages for a common laborer, making her offering exceptionally generous. The "alabaster box" (Greek: alabastron) was a sealed flask, typically made of alabaster stone, designed to preserve the precious contents. Breaking it signified a complete, unreserved pouring out of the entire contents, emphasizing the totality of her sacrifice and the preciousness of her gift.

Practical Application

This verse challenges believers to consider the nature of their own devotion to Christ. Do we offer Him our "very precious" things—our time, talents, resources—or do we hold back, calculating the cost? The woman's example teaches us that genuine worship is often characterized by sacrificial love and a willingness to give without reservation, recognizing Jesus' supreme worth. Her act of humility and extravagant generosity serves as a timeless reminder of the heart's posture before the King.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Luke 7:37 (14 votes)

    And, behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner, when she knew that [Jesus] sat at meat in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster box of ointment,

  • Luke 7:39 (14 votes)

    Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him saw [it], he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman [this is] that toucheth him: for she is a sinner.

  • John 12:1 (12 votes)

    ¶ Then Jesus six days before the passover came to Bethany, where Lazarus was which had been dead, whom he raised from the dead.

  • John 12:8 (12 votes)

    For the poor always ye have with you; but me ye have not always.

  • John 11:2 (9 votes)

    (It was [that] Mary which anointed the Lord with ointment, and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick.)

  • Matthew 26:6 (8 votes)

    ¶ Now when Jesus was in Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper,

  • Matthew 26:13 (8 votes)

    Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached in the whole world, [there] shall also this, that this woman hath done, be told for a memorial of her.