Mark 14:9

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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."

Berean Standard Bible

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.”

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Mark 14:9, Jesus pronounces a profound and prophetic declaration concerning an unnamed woman's act of devotion. He states with absolute certainty that wherever the good news of the gospel is proclaimed throughout the entire world, her sacrificial deed of anointing Him with costly perfume will also be recounted as an enduring memorial to her. This verse powerfully highlights the eternal significance of genuine faith and extravagant love demonstrated towards Christ, linking personal worship directly to the global mission of God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This declaration by Jesus is embedded within the intense narrative leading up to His crucifixion during Passover week. The immediate preceding verses (Mark 14:3-8) describe the scene: Jesus is in Bethany, at the home of Simon the Leper. A woman approaches Him with an alabaster flask containing very expensive pure nard perfume and pours it on His head. This act elicits indignant criticism from some of those present, who condemn it as a wasteful expenditure that could have benefited the poor. Jesus, however, sternly rebukes their criticism, defending the woman's action as a "beautiful work" (Mark 14:6) and explicitly interpreting it as a prophetic preparation for His burial, which was imminent. Verse 9 then serves as Jesus's concluding and most emphatic affirmation of the eternal significance of her deed, setting it apart from the disciples' earthly calculations.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is Bethany, a village near Jerusalem, just days before the Passover festival, a time of heightened religious and political tension. Anointing with oil or perfume was a common practice in ancient Near Eastern cultures, used for hospitality, purification, healing, or burial preparation. However, the use of "pure nard," an extremely costly perfume imported from India, signified an act of extraordinary extravagance and honor. The disciples' indignation reflects a common cultural value of stewardship and charity, but they failed to grasp the unique, eschatological significance of Jesus's person and His approaching death. The act also carries echoes of prophetic anointing for kings or priests, subtly hinting at Jesus's true identity even in His final days.
* **Key Themes:** Mark 14:9 contributes significantly to several major themes within the Gospel of Mark and the broader biblical narrative. It underscores the theme of **Sacrificial Devotion**, contrasting the woman's selfless, extravagant worship with the disciples' more pragmatic and critical perspective, echoing the call for discipleship that involves taking up one's cross (e.g., [Mark 8:34](/mark/8-34 "Mark 8:34 - The Call to Discipleship")). The verse also highlights **Prophetic Foresight and Understanding**, as the woman's act, perhaps unknowingly on her part, perfectly aligns with Jesus's impending burial, a truth the disciples struggled to comprehend despite Jesus's repeated predictions (e.g., [Mark 10:32-34](/mark/10-32-34 "Mark 10:32-34 - Jesus Predicts His Death a Third Time")). Crucially, it emphasizes the **Global Reach of the Gospel**, as Jesus explicitly links her memorial to the worldwide proclamation of the good news, foreshadowing the Great Commission (e.g., [Mark 16:15](/mark/16-15 "Mark 16:15 - The Great Commission")). Finally, it speaks to the **Enduring Legacy of Faith**, demonstrating that acts of genuine love and devotion to Christ are not forgotten but become an integral part of God's redemptive story.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Verily (Hebrew, _amḗn'_):** This word, transliterated from Hebrew, signifies a solemn affirmation, underscoring the absolute truth and certainty of Jesus's declaration. It acts as a divine guarantee, lending immense weight and authority to His subsequent statement.
* **gospel (Greek, _euangélion'_):** Meaning "good message" or "good news," this refers to the saving message of Jesus Christ's life, death, resurrection, and reign. It is the core message of salvation and redemption that is to be proclaimed to all nations.
* **memorial (Greek, _mnēmósynon'_):** This term denotes something that serves to keep a memory alive, a reminder or record. In this context, it ensures that the woman's extraordinary act of devotion would be perpetually remembered and recounted alongside the gospel itself, securing her legacy in the divine narrative.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Verily I say unto you":** Jesus begins with a solemn and emphatic declaration, using the Hebrew "Amen" (translated "Verily"). This phrase signals a profound truth that is absolutely certain and demands attention, underscoring the divine authority behind His words. It sets His statement apart as a prophetic and unassailable truth.
* **"Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached throughout the whole world":** This clause establishes the universal and enduring scope of Jesus's prediction. The "gospel" (the good news of salvation through Christ) is destined to be proclaimed globally, reaching every corner of the "whole world" (Greek _kósmos_, referring to the ordered universe, often implying humanity). This foreshadows the Great Commission and the global expansion of Christianity.
* **"this also that she hath done shall be spoken of for a memorial of her":** Here, Jesus ties the woman's specific act of devotion directly to the universal proclamation of the gospel. Her deed, which was criticized as wasteful by others, is elevated by Jesus to an eternal status. It will not merely be remembered, but "spoken of" (Greek _laléō_, to talk, utter words) as an integral part of the gospel message itself, serving as a lasting "memorial" to her faith and love.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 14:9 employs several potent literary devices. **Hyperbole** is evident in Jesus's sweeping statement that her act will be spoken of "throughout the whole world," emphasizing the universal and enduring impact of her devotion, far beyond what might seem possible for a simple act of anointing. The verse also functions as a **Prophecy**, as Jesus foretells the global spread of the gospel and, remarkably, the inclusion of this specific act within that proclamation. This prophetic element underscores Jesus's divine foreknowledge and authority. Furthermore, there is profound **Irony** at play: while the disciples, who are meant to be the heralds of the gospel, misunderstand and criticize the woman, Jesus declares that her act will become an inseparable part of the very message they are to preach. Her seemingly small, personal act of devotion is given a grand, universal significance, serving as a **Symbol** of true worship and discipleship that transcends conventional wisdom and worldly valuations.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 14:9 profoundly connects the individual act of devotion to the universal mission of God. It teaches that genuine, sacrificial love for Christ, even when misunderstood or criticized by others, holds eternal significance in God's eyes. This passage elevates acts of worship from mere ritual to an integral component of the gospel message itself, demonstrating the kind of radical, unreserved response that Christ inspires and values. The woman's deed becomes a timeless testament to faith that recognizes and responds to Jesus's unique identity and impending sacrifice, serving as an example for all who would follow Him.

* [Matthew 26:13](/matthew/26-13 "Matthew 26:13 - The Woman's Act Remembered")
* [John 12:7-8](/john/12-7-8 "John 12:7-8 - Jesus Defends Mary's Anointing")
* [Philippians 4:18](/philippians/4-18 "Philippians 4:18 - A Fragrant Offering to God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 14:9 challenges believers to consider the nature of their own devotion to Christ. The woman's act was not pragmatic or efficient by worldly standards, but it was profoundly sacrificial and beautiful in Jesus's eyes. This verse encourages us to offer our "best" to God, even if it seems extravagant or wasteful to others, because true worship flows from a heart completely surrendered to Him. Our acts of selfless love, generosity, and obedience, however small or unnoticed they may seem in the moment, are seen and treasured by God, and can have an eternal impact, contributing to the unfolding narrative of His redemptive work. It reminds us that God remembers and honors those who honor Him, weaving their stories into the fabric of His global mission.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "costly perfume" (resources, time, talents) might Jesus be calling me to pour out in devotion to Him, regardless of how others might perceive it?**
* **In what ways might my acts of worship or service be misunderstood or criticized by those who prioritize worldly efficiency over spiritual devotion?**
* **How does the promise of an enduring "memorial" for the woman's act encourage me to live a life of unreserved faith and love for Christ?**

### FAQ
**Why was the woman's act so important that Jesus said it would be remembered globally?**

Answer: The woman's act was important because it was an extraordinary demonstration of sacrificial love, profound devotion, and perhaps even prophetic insight into Jesus's impending death and burial. While others, including some disciples, saw her act as a "waste" of expensive perfume, Jesus recognized it as a "beautiful work" (Mark 14:6) and a direct preparation for His burial. By linking her deed to the global proclamation of the "gospel" (the good news of His saving work), Jesus elevated her personal act of worship to an eternal, universal significance. It became a living illustration of the kind of radical faith and love that the gospel itself calls forth, demonstrating that true devotion to Christ transcends worldly calculations and is eternally valued by God. Her act serves as an enduring example of how to respond to the Messiah.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 14:9 finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ Himself, as the woman's act serves as a poignant foreshadowing and response to His identity and mission. The "gospel" that is to be preached throughout the world is precisely the good news of Jesus Christ—His life, death, and resurrection as the atoning sacrifice for sin. The woman's anointing of Jesus's head was a preparation for His burial, an act of profound reverence for the one who would become the "Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Her extravagant devotion, pouring out costly perfume, mirrors the immeasurable cost of Christ's own self-giving, as He poured out His life as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God ([Ephesians 5:2](/ephesians/5-2 "Ephesians 5:2 - Christ's Sacrificial Love")). Thus, her memorial is not merely about her, but about the Christ she honored, whose suffering and glory are the very heart of the message proclaimed to all nations. Her act becomes a timeless testimony to the worthiness of Jesus, inspiring generations to respond to Him with similar unreserved love and worship, recognizing Him as the King who died and rose again to reconcile the world to God ([2 Corinthians 5:18-19](/2_corinthians/5-18-19 "2 Corinthians 5:18-19 - The Ministry of Reconciliation")).

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

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.