Mark 14:4

And there were some that had indignation within themselves, and said, Why was this waste of the ointment made?

And {G1161} there were {G2258} some {G5100} that had indignation {G23} within {G4314} themselves {G1438}, and {G2532} said {G3004}, Why {G1519}{G5101} was {G1096} this {G3778} waste {G684} of the ointment {G3464} made {G1096}?

But some there angrily said to themselves, "Why this waste of perfume?

Some of those present, however, expressed their indignation to one another: “Why this waste of perfume?

But there were some that had indignation among themselves, saying, To what purpose hath this waste of the ointment been made?

Context of Mark 14:4

This verse is part of the narrative surrounding the anointing of Jesus at Bethany, specifically at the house of Simon the leper, just days before Jesus' crucifixion. A woman, traditionally identified as Mary of Bethany (as confirmed in John 12:3), poured a very costly ointment of pure nard on Jesus' head (and feet, according to John). The reaction recorded in Mark 14:4 reveals the immediate disapproval of "some" present, who viewed this act as a senseless expenditure.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Misjudgment of Devotion: The primary theme is the disciples' (and specifically Judas Iscariot's, as detailed in John 12:4) inability to comprehend the profound spiritual significance of the woman's act. They focused solely on the monetary value, seeing it as a "waste."
  • Value of Sacrificial Worship: The woman's act was one of extravagant love and worship, offering her most valuable possession to Jesus. This contrasts sharply with the disciples' pragmatic, economic perspective. Jesus later defends her, affirming the beauty and lasting memorial of her deed (Mark 14:6-9).
  • Priorities: The indignation stems from a perceived misallocation of resources. The disciples argued the ointment could have been sold for "more than three hundred pence" (a year's wages for a common laborer) and given to the poor. This highlights a tension between direct acts of worship and social welfare, a tension Jesus addresses by stating, "the poor always ye have with you, and whensoever ye will ye may do them good: but me ye have not always."

Linguistic Insights

The KJV uses the word "indignation," which comes from the Greek aganakteo (ἀγανακτέω). This term conveys a strong sense of moral outrage, annoyance, or displeasure. It's more than simple disagreement; it implies a deep-seated vexation at what they perceived as a wrongful or offensive act. The word "waste" is from the Greek apoleia (ἀπώλεια), meaning destruction, ruin, or loss, emphasizing their view that the valuable ointment was squandered without benefit.

Practical Application

Mark 14:4 challenges believers to examine their own hearts concerning acts of worship and giving. Are we quick to judge what others offer to God, measuring it by earthly standards of practicality or economic efficiency? This verse reminds us that genuine devotion and sacrificial love for Christ may appear "wasteful" to a worldly mindset, yet they are deeply valued by God. It encourages us to prioritize extravagant worship and give our best to Jesus, recognizing His supreme worth, just as the woman did before His impending sacrifice.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • John 12:4

    Then saith one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon's [son], which should betray him,

  • John 12:5

    Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor?

  • Matthew 26:8

    But when his disciples saw [it], they had indignation, saying, To what purpose [is] this waste?

  • Matthew 26:9

    For this ointment might have been sold for much, and given to the poor.

  • Ecclesiastes 5:4

    ¶ When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it; for [he hath] no pleasure in fools: pay that which thou hast vowed.

  • Ecclesiastes 5:8

    If thou seest the oppression of the poor, and violent perverting of judgment and justice in a province, marvel not at the matter: for [he that is] higher than the highest regardeth; and [there be] higher than they.

  • Ecclesiastes 4:4

    ¶ Again, I considered all travail, and every right work, that for this a man is envied of his neighbour. This [is] also vanity and vexation of spirit.

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