Mark 14:9

Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached throughout the whole world, [this] also that she hath done shall be spoken of for a memorial of her.

Verily {G281} I say {G3004} unto you {G5213}, Wheresoever {G3699}{G302} this {G5124} gospel {G2098} shall be preached {G2784} throughout {G1519} the whole {G3650} world {G2889}, this also {G2532} that {G3739} she {G3778}{G846} hath done {G4160} shall be spoken {G2980} of for {G1519} a memorial {G3422} of her {G846}.

Yes! I tell you that wherever in the whole world this Good News is proclaimed, what she has done will be told in her memory."

And truly I tell you, wherever the gospel is preached in all the world, what she has done will also be told in memory of her.”

And verily I say unto you, Wheresoever the gospel shall be preached throughout the whole world, that also which this woman hath done shall be spoken of for a memorial of her.

In Mark 14:9, Jesus makes a profound statement regarding an act of devotion by an unnamed woman (identified as Mary of Bethany in parallel accounts). He declares that her deed, anointing Him with costly perfume, will be remembered and spoken of wherever the gospel is proclaimed throughout the world. This verse underscores the enduring impact of genuine faith and sacrificial love.

Context

This verse is set in Bethany, at the home of Simon the leper, just days before Jesus's crucifixion during the Passover week. A woman approaches Jesus with an alabaster flask of very expensive perfume, pure nard, and pours it on His head. This act provokes indignation from some of the disciples, who criticize it as a waste, suggesting the money could have been given to the poor. However, Jesus defends her action, interpreting it as a beautiful work and a prophetic preparation for His impending burial. This event is also recounted in Matthew 26:6-13 and John 12:1-8, where the woman is identified as Mary, Lazarus's sister.

Key Themes

  • Sacrificial Devotion: The woman's act was one of extravagant love and worship, pouring out something incredibly valuable without reservation. It exemplified a complete surrender to Christ.
  • Prophetic Understanding: While the disciples missed the significance of Jesus's approaching death, this woman, through her act, seemed to grasp the solemnity of the moment and prepare Him for His burial.
  • The Enduring Power of the Gospel: Jesus links her memorial directly to the spread of the gospel throughout the world. Her act of devotion becomes an integral part of the good news itself, demonstrating the kind of response Christ inspires.
  • Lasting Legacy: Jesus promises that her deed will be remembered forever, highlighting how acts of genuine faith and love for Him leave an eternal impact.

Linguistic Insights

The word "Verily" (Greek: amēn) at the beginning of the verse signifies a strong affirmation and certainty from Jesus, emphasizing the truth and weight of His following statement. "Gospel" (Greek: euangelion) literally means "good news," referring to the message of salvation through Jesus Christ. "Memorial" (Greek: mnēmosynon) refers to something that serves to keep a memory alive, ensuring that her remarkable act would not be forgotten.

Practical Application

Mark 14:9 encourages believers to offer their best to Christ, regardless of how others may perceive it. True worship and devotion are not measured by worldly standards of utility or efficiency, but by the heart's posture towards God. Our acts of selfless love and obedience, though seemingly small or insignificant, can have an eternal impact and contribute to the broader narrative of God's redemptive plan. The verse also reminds us that genuine faith and devotion to Christ are never forgotten by Him, and can become a powerful testimony that resonates for generations as the gospel continues to spread.

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.

  • Matthew 26:12

    For in that she hath poured this ointment on my body, she did [it] for my burial.

  • Matthew 26:13

    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.

  • Mark 16:15

    And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

  • Matthew 24:14

    And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.

  • Psalms 112:6

    ¶ Surely he shall not be moved for ever: the righteous shall be in everlasting remembrance.

  • Psalms 112:9

    He hath dispersed, he hath given to the poor; his righteousness endureth for ever; his horn shall be exalted with honour.

  • Numbers 31:54

    And Moses and Eleazar the priest took the gold of the captains of thousands and of hundreds, and brought it into the tabernacle of the congregation, [for] a memorial for the children of Israel before the LORD.

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