Mark 14:7

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 14:7 captures a pivotal statement from Jesus during His anointing in Bethany, where He addresses the perceived "waste" of expensive ointment. In this profound declaration, Jesus contrasts the perpetual presence of the poor, whom His disciples would always have opportunities to serve, with His own impending physical departure. This statement clarifies that while acts of charity are an enduring obligation, the unique moment of ministering directly to Him in His earthly presence was a singular and unrepeatable opportunity, underscoring the priority of devotion to Christ in that specific context.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within the narrative of Jesus's anointing at the house of Simon the leper in Bethany, just days before His crucifixion. The preceding verses ([Mark 14:3-5](/mark/14-3-5 "Mark 14:3-5 - The Anointing at Bethany")) describe a woman pouring costly spikenard ointment on Jesus's head, an act that provokes indignation from some who deem it a "waste." They argue the ointment could have been sold for a large sum and given to the poor. Jesus's statement in [Mark 14:7](/mark/14-7 "Mark 14:7 - The Poor and Jesus's Presence") serves as His direct defense of the woman's action, reframing its significance not as a misallocation of resources but as a prophetic act of worship and preparation for His burial, a unique moment that superseded other good deeds in that specific context. The subsequent narrative immediately moves towards Judas's betrayal and the preparations for the Passover, highlighting the urgency and finality of Jesus's earthly ministry.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is Bethany, a village near Jerusalem, a few days before Passover, a time of heightened religious and political tension. Hospitality was a significant cultural value, and anointing guests with oil was a common practice, though the extravagance of this particular anointing was unusual. The "poor" in Jewish society were a constant presence, and the Mosaic Law, particularly in [Deuteronomy 15:7-11](/deuteronomy/15-7-11 "Deuteronomy 15:7-11 - Laws Concerning the Poor"), mandated care for them, emphasizing generosity and open-handedness. Jesus's reference to "the poor always" echoes [Deuteronomy 15:11](/deuteronomy/15-11 "Deuteronomy 15:11 - The Poor Will Never Cease"), indicating a recognition of the enduring reality of poverty in a fallen world, not a dismissal of the command to help. The disciples' concern, while seemingly pious, might have stemmed from a misunderstanding of divine priorities or, in Judas's case, from covetousness as noted in [John 12:6](/john/12-6 "John 12:6 - Judas's True Motive").
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several major themes within Mark's Gospel and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights **the priority of devotion to Christ**, particularly in moments of unique opportunity, even over otherwise commendable acts of charity. The woman's act is presented as an unparalleled expression of worship and prophetic insight into Jesus's impending death and burial ([Mark 14:8](/mark/14-8 "Mark 14:8 - Preparation for Burial")). Secondly, it reinforces **the enduring call to care for the poor**, acknowledging that this is a perpetual responsibility for God's people, echoing Old Testament mandates. Jesus does not negate the importance of social justice but places it within the larger framework of His unique mission. Thirdly, the phrase "but me ye have not always" serves as a poignant **foreshadowing of Jesus's imminent departure** through crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension. This underscores the limited nature of His physical presence and the preciousness of the time His disciples had with Him before His return to the Father ([John 16:7](/john/16-7 "John 16:7 - The Advantage of Jesus's Departure")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **poor (Greek, _ptōchós'_):** This term refers to a beggar or pauper, strictly denoting absolute or public mendicancy. It describes someone in straitened circumstances, often in a state of destitution, implying a deep need and dependence. In the biblical context, it often carries a spiritual connotation as well, referring to those who are humble and dependent on God.
* **have (Greek, _échō'_):** A versatile verb meaning "to hold," "to possess," or "to have." In this context, it signifies the ongoing presence and availability of the poor within their community, indicating a continuous opportunity for interaction and aid.
* **always (Greek, _pántote'_):** Derived from "all" and "when," this adverb means "at all times," "continually," or "evermore." Jesus uses it twice in the verse, first to emphasize the perpetual presence of the poor, and then to contrast it with the temporary nature of His physical presence, highlighting the unique, time-bound opportunity for direct ministry to Him.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For ye have the poor with you always":** Jesus begins by affirming a truth that was both culturally evident and biblically established (echoing [Deuteronomy 15:11](/deuteronomy/15-11 "Deuteronomy 15:11 - The Poor Will Never Cease")). This clause acknowledges the persistent reality of poverty in the world, implying that opportunities to serve the needy will never cease as long as humanity exists in its fallen state. It is not an excuse to neglect the poor but a statement of their enduring presence.
* **"and whensoever ye will ye may do them good":** This phrase emphasizes the disciples' ongoing agency and capacity to act charitably. The Greek implies a willingness and ability ("ye may do them good"), underscoring that acts of benevolence toward the poor are always possible and commendable. It highlights a continuous, open-ended opportunity for ministry to the needy, dependent only on their will and resources.
* **"but me ye have not always":** This is the crucial contrasting statement. The "but" (Greek, _dé_) introduces a strong distinction. Jesus declares that His physical presence among them is temporary and finite. This is a poignant foreshadowing of His imminent death, resurrection, and ascension. It stresses the unique, unrepeatable nature of the present moment, where direct, physical ministry to the Son of God was possible, an opportunity that would soon pass.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Contrast** to highlight the distinction between the perpetual presence of the poor and the temporary physical presence of Jesus. This antithesis serves to reorient the disciples' understanding of priorities. There is also an element of **Foreshadowing**, as Jesus's statement "but me ye have not always" clearly alludes to His impending crucifixion and departure from earthly ministry. Furthermore, the phrase "the poor with you always" can be seen as a form of **Echo** or **Allusion** to the Old Testament, specifically [Deuteronomy 15:11](/deuteronomy/15-11 "Deuteronomy 15:11 - The Poor Will Never Cease"), grounding Jesus's words in established biblical truth while reinterpreting its application in light of His unique person and mission.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 14:7 stands as a profound theological statement on the nature of worship, charity, and Christ's unique identity. It does not diminish the biblical imperative to care for the poor, which is a continuous and vital expression of God's heart and the outworking of the Great Commandment to love one's neighbor. Rather, it elevates the singular importance of direct devotion to Christ, especially in moments of prophetic significance. The woman's act of anointing was an act of worship directed to the Lord Himself, recognizing His unique status and impending sacrifice. This teaches us that while good deeds are always commendable, there are times when direct, sacrificial worship of Christ takes precedence, particularly when it aligns with God's immediate redemptive purposes. This passage also underscores the preciousness of Christ's physical presence, which was soon to be withdrawn, making the opportunity to minister to Him directly a once-in-a-lifetime privilege.

* [Deuteronomy 15:11](/deuteronomy/15-11 "The Poor Will Never Cease")
* [Matthew 25:40](/matthew/25-40 "Serving the Least of These")
* [John 12:7-8](/john/12-7-8 "Jesus's Defense of Mary's Anointing")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse challenges believers to a nuanced understanding of Christian priorities. While the call to serve the poor and needy is a perpetual and non-negotiable aspect of discipleship, flowing from the very heart of God, Jesus reminds us that there are also unique, time-sensitive opportunities for direct worship and devotion to Him that must not be overlooked or undervalued. The woman's extravagant act, though seemingly "wasteful" to some, was profoundly significant in God's eyes because it was an act of worship directed at the Messiah Himself, preparing Him for His burial. For us today, while Jesus is no longer physically present, our devotion to Him remains paramount. Our service to others, including the poor, should flow from a deep and abiding love for Christ, recognizing that true worship can take many forms, some of which may appear unconventional but are deeply meaningful in God's economy. We are called to discern God's will in each moment, ensuring that our acts of service are expressions of our primary devotion to Him, always seeking to honor Him above all else.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I balance my ongoing commitment to serving those in need with my direct worship and devotion to Christ?**
* **Are there "extravagant" acts of worship or devotion to Jesus that I might be tempted to dismiss as impractical or wasteful?**
* **In what ways can my service to others become a genuine expression of my love and worship for Jesus?**

### FAQ
**Does Jesus's statement in Mark 14:7 imply that caring for the poor is less important than worshiping Him?**

Answer: No, Jesus's statement does not diminish the importance of caring for the poor. Instead, it places the act of charity within a broader theological context, emphasizing the unique and temporary nature of His physical presence on earth. His words, "For ye have the poor with you always, and whensoever ye will ye may do them good," explicitly affirm the ongoing and perpetual responsibility to serve the needy, echoing the Old Testament mandate in [Deuteronomy 15:11](/deuteronomy/15-11 "Deuteronomy 15:11 - The Poor Will Never Cease"). The contrast "but me ye have not always" highlights that the opportunity to minister directly to the incarnate Son of God was a singular, unrepeatable privilege that was soon to end with His crucifixion and ascension. Therefore, the woman's act of devotion, which prophetically prepared Him for burial, was uniquely appropriate for that specific moment. It's about discerning the unique divine priority in a specific context, not devaluing charity.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 14:7, though spoken in the context of Jesus's earthly ministry, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the ongoing reality of His divine nature and redemptive work. While Jesus declared that His physical presence would not be "always," His departure paved the way for a greater, more pervasive presence through the Holy Spirit, as promised in [John 14:16-18](/john/14-16-18 "John 14:16-18 - The Promise of the Holy Spirit"). He ascended to the Father, where He now reigns as King of Kings and Lord of Lords, interceding for His people ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Jesus Our High Priest")). The "not always" refers to His physical, incarnate presence, but His spiritual presence with believers is indeed "always" ([Matthew 28:20](/matthew/28-20 "Matthew 28:20 - The Great Commission and Jesus's Presence")). Furthermore, the command to care for the poor, affirmed by Jesus, is now fulfilled by His Church, the Body of Christ, acting as His hands and feet in the world ([1 John 3:17-18](/1_john/3-17-18 "1 John 3:17-18 - Love in Action")). Thus, the tension in the verse resolves in Christ: His unique, unrepeatable sacrifice on the cross secured salvation, and His ongoing spiritual presence empowers His followers to continue His work of love and compassion until His glorious return ([Revelation 22:20](/revelation/22-20 "Revelation 22:20 - Jesus's Promise to Return")).

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

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: