Matthew 26:10

When Jesus understood [it], he said unto them, Why trouble ye the woman? for she hath wrought a good work upon me.

When {G1161} Jesus {G2424} understood {G1097} it, he said {G2036} unto them {G846}, Why {G5101} trouble ye {G2873}{G3930} the woman {G1135}? for {G1063} she hath wrought {G2038} a good {G2570} work {G2041} upon {G1519} me {G1691}.

But Yeshua, aware of what was going on, said to them, "Why are you bothering this woman? She has done a beautiful thing for me.

Aware of this, Jesus asked, “Why are you bothering this woman? She has done a beautiful deed to Me.

But Jesus perceiving it said unto them, Why trouble ye the woman? for she hath wrought a good work upon me.

In Matthew 26:10, Jesus responds to the indignation of His disciples concerning the anointing of His feet (or head, depending on the Gospel account) with costly perfume by Mary of Bethany. He defends her action, declaring it a "good work." This verse offers profound insights into Jesus' character, the nature of true worship, and the disciples' understanding (or lack thereof) of the impending events.

Context

This pivotal moment occurs in Bethany, at the house of Simon the leper, just days before Jesus' crucifixion during Passover week. A woman, identified as Mary of Bethany in John 12:3, poured very expensive spikenard ointment on Jesus. The disciples, particularly Judas Iscariot (John 12:4-6), were indignant, arguing that the perfume could have been sold for a large sum and given to the poor. Their criticism, though seemingly charitable, missed the profound spiritual significance of Mary's act, which Jesus immediately recognized and affirmed.

Key Themes

  • Divine Approval of Sacrificial Devotion: Jesus unequivocally validates Mary's act as a "good work," highlighting that sincere, heartfelt devotion and sacrifice, even if seemingly extravagant by human standards, are highly valued by God. Her act was not about utility but about pure worship.
  • Prophetic Anointing for Burial: As Jesus explains in Matthew 26:12, Mary's anointing was a prophetic act of preparation for His impending death and burial. In a culture where bodies were anointed for burial, her spontaneous act served as an anticipatory anointing for the Messiah's final journey.
  • Misunderstanding of the Disciples: The disciples' indignation reveals their limited perspective, focused on earthly economics rather than divine purpose. They failed to grasp the spiritual depth of the moment and Jesus' true mission, particularly His approaching passion.
  • Jesus' Compassion and Defense of the Devoted: Jesus stands firmly in defense of the woman, who was being publicly shamed for her act of love. This demonstrates His compassion and His willingness to protect those who express genuine faith and devotion, often against the criticism of others.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "good work" translates the Greek kalon ergon (καλὸν ἔργον). The word kalon signifies not just "good" in a moral sense, but also "beautiful," "noble," or "excellent." Jesus saw Mary's act as an inherently beautiful and noble expression of love and worship, not merely a functional deed. He understood the profound heart behind her generous offering.

Practical Application

Matthew 26:10 challenges believers to examine their own motives in worship and service. Are our acts of devotion truly from the heart, or are they calculated for appearance or practical efficiency? This verse reminds us that genuine acts of love and sacrifice, even when they seem "wasteful" to a worldly mindset, are precious in God's sight. It also encourages us to cultivate spiritual discernment, recognizing God's purposes even when they defy human logic, and to stand up for those who are unjustly criticized for their sincere devotion to Christ.

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.

  • Titus 3:8

    [This is] a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.

  • Hebrews 13:21

    Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom [be] glory for ever and ever. Amen.

  • 1 Timothy 3:1

    ¶ This [is] a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.

  • Titus 3:14

    And let ours also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful.

  • Titus 1:16

    They profess that they know God; but in works they deny [him], being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.

  • Titus 2:14

    Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

  • 1 Timothy 5:10

    Well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints' feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work.

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