Mark 14:7

For ye have the poor with you always, and whensoever ye will ye may do them good: but me ye have not always.

For {G1063} ye have {G2192} the poor {G4434} with {G3326} you {G1438} always {G3842}, and {G2532} whensoever {G3752} ye will {G2309} ye may {G1410} do {G4160} them {G846} good {G2095}: but {G1161} me {G1691} ye have {G2192} not {G3756} always {G3842}.

For you will always have the poor with you; and whenever you want to, you can help them. But you will not always have me.

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

For ye have the poor always with you, and whensoever ye will ye can do them good: but me ye have not always.

Mark 14:7 presents a profound statement by Jesus, delivered in the context of His anointing by a woman in Bethany. This verse clarifies priorities and speaks to the unique nature of Jesus's earthly ministry compared to the ongoing human responsibility to those in need.

Context

This verse is spoken by Jesus in response to critical remarks concerning an act of extravagant devotion. At the house of Simon the leper in Bethany, a woman (traditionally identified as Mary, sister of Martha and Lazarus) poured very costly spikenard ointment on Jesus's head (Mark 14:3). Some of the disciples, particularly Judas Iscariot according to John's Gospel, indignantly questioned this "waste," suggesting the ointment should have been sold for a large sum and given to the poor. Jesus defends the woman's action, asserting its deep significance in light of His impending death and burial, and then provides this clarifying statement about the poor and His own temporary physical presence.

Key Themes

  • The Priority of Devotion to Christ: Jesus's statement emphasizes that while caring for the poor is a perpetual duty, there was a unique, unrepeatable opportunity to minister directly to Him in His physical presence. The woman's act was an act of profound worship and prophetic preparation for His burial, a singular moment that superseded other good deeds in that specific context.
  • The Enduring Call to Care for the Poor: Far from dismissing the importance of charity, Jesus affirms the continuous presence of the poor among humanity. His words, "For ye have the poor with you always, and whensoever ye will ye may do them good," echo Old Testament teachings, particularly Deuteronomy 15:11, which states, "For the poor shall never cease out of the land." This highlights an ongoing, perpetual responsibility for believers to show compassion and provide aid to those in need.
  • Prophetic Insight into Jesus's Departure: The phrase "but me ye have not always" is a poignant foreshadowing of Jesus's imminent crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension. He was soon to depart from their physical presence, marking the end of His earthly ministry and paving the way for the Holy Spirit's indwelling and His spiritual presence with believers. This statement underscored the precious and limited time they had with Him before His return to the Father (John 16:7).

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "always" is pantote (πάντοτε), signifying "at all times" or "continually." Jesus uses this to underscore the permanent nature of poverty in the world due to sin and human fallenness. Conversely, "not always" (οὐ πάντοτε - ou pantote) highlights the temporary and unique nature of His physical incarnation and direct earthly interaction with His disciples. This distinction is crucial for understanding the immediate context of the anointing and the broader redemptive plan.

Practical Application

This verse encourages believers to discern priorities in their service and devotion. While acts of charity and justice for the poor are essential and ongoing expressions of Christian love and obedience, there are also unique, time-sensitive opportunities for worship and devotion to Christ that should not be overlooked or undervalued. It reminds us that our relationship with Jesus, though now spiritual rather than physical, remains paramount. Our service to others should flow from our devotion to Him, understanding that true worship can sometimes take forms that appear "unconventional" to human eyes but are deeply significant in God's economy. We are called to serve the poor diligently while always keeping Christ at the center of our lives and giving Him the preeminence He deserves.

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.

  • Deuteronomy 15:11

    For the poor shall never cease out of the land: therefore I command thee, saying, Thou shalt open thine hand wide unto thy brother, to thy poor, and to thy needy, in thy land.

  • Matthew 26:11

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

  • Philemon 1:7

    For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother.

  • John 12:7

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

  • John 12:8

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

  • John 16:28

    I came forth from the Father, and am come into the world: again, I leave the world, and go to the Father.

  • Matthew 25:35

    For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:

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