She hath done what she could: she is come aforehand to anoint my body to the burying.
She hath done {G4160} what {G3739} she {G3778}{G846} could {G2192}: she is come aforehand {G4301} to anoint {G3462} my {G3450} body {G4983} to {G1519} the burying {G1780}.
What she could do, she did do -- in advance she poured perfume on my body to prepare it for burial.
She has done what she could to anoint My body in advance of My burial.
She hath done what she could; she hath anointed my body beforehand for the burying.
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2 Corinthians 8:12
For if there be first a willing mind, [it is] accepted according to that a man hath, [and] not according to that he hath not. -
John 12:7
Then said Jesus, Let her alone: against the day of my burying hath she kept this. -
2 Corinthians 8:1
¶ Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia; -
2 Corinthians 8:3
For to [their] power, I bear record, yea, and beyond [their] power [they were] willing of themselves; -
2 Chronicles 31:20
And thus did Hezekiah throughout all Judah, and wrought [that which was] good and right and truth before the LORD his God. -
2 Chronicles 31:21
And in every work that he began in the service of the house of God, and in the law, and in the commandments, to seek his God, he did [it] with all his heart, and prospered. -
Mark 15:42
¶ And now when the even was come, because it was the preparation, that is, the day before the sabbath,
Mark 14:8 captures Jesus's profound defense of a woman's act of devotion, interpreting it as a prophetic preparation for His burial. This verse highlights Jesus's unique perspective on worship and sacrifice.
Context
This verse is part of an account occurring at the home of Simon the leper in Bethany, just days before Jesus's crucifixion. A woman, identified as Mary of Bethany in the parallel account in John 12:1-8, poured expensive, fragrant ointment (nard) on Jesus. The disciples, particularly Judas Iscariot, were indignant, considering the act a wasteful extravagance that could have been sold to help the poor. Jesus, however, silences their criticism, offering a deeper understanding of her action.
Meaning and Key Themes
The core of this verse lies in Jesus's affirmation: "She hath done what she could." This phrase underscores the value Jesus places on sincere effort and costly devotion, regardless of how others perceive it. Her act, though seemingly spontaneous, was interpreted by Jesus as a direct, timely preparation for His impending death and burial. It was an act of worship and prophetic foresight, recognizing His unique destiny.
Linguistic Insight
The phrase "She hath done what she could" (Greek: ho eschen epoiēsen, "what she had, she did") emphasizes that the woman gave her utmost. It wasn't about the quantity or external perception, but the completeness of her offering. The word "anoint" (Greek: aleiphō, ἀλείφω) refers to the act of rubbing or smearing with oil, often for medicinal purposes, ritual purification, or, as here, preparation for burial. The term "aforehand" (Greek: proelaben, προέλαβεν) signifies that she acted preemptively, before the usual time for such anointing, which would typically occur after death.
Significance and Application
Mark 14:8 offers timeless lessons for believers today. It teaches us that our acts of worship and service, especially those given out of genuine love and sacrifice, are deeply valued by God, even if they seem insignificant or are misunderstood by others. God looks at the heart and the intention behind our actions. This verse encourages us to give our "best" to Christ, recognizing His supreme worth and the ultimate sacrifice He made for us. It also serves as a poignant reminder of Jesus's journey toward the cross, underscoring the gravity of His impending death and resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:4).