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Translation
King James Version
When Jesus understood it, he said unto them, Why trouble ye the woman? for she hath wrought a good work upon me.
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KJV (with Strong's)
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.
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Complete Jewish Bible
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.
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Berean Standard Bible
Aware of this, Jesus asked, “Why are you bothering this woman? She has done a beautiful deed to Me.
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American Standard Version
But Jesus perceiving it said unto them, Why trouble ye the woman? for she hath wrought a good work upon me.
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World English Bible Messianic
However, knowing this, Yeshua said to them, “Why do you trouble the woman? Because she has done a good work for me.
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Geneva Bible (1599)
And Iesus knowing it, sayde vnto them, Why trouble yee the woman? for shee hath wrought a good woorke vpon me.
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Young's Literal Translation
And Jesus having known, said to them, `Why do ye give trouble to the woman? for a good work she wrought for me;
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All Matthew Sites (Jerusalem)
All Matthew Sites (Jerusalem) View full PDF
Matthew 26:1-16, Matthew 26:17-25, Mark 11:12-26, Mark 11:27-33, Luke 10:38-42, John 12:12-18
Matthew 26:1-16, Matthew 26:17-25, Mark 11:12-26, Mark 11:27-33, Luke 10:38-42, John 12:12-18 View full PDF
The Last Week of Jesus' Life (With Reference Table)
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In the KJVVerse 24,065 of 31,102

Study This Verse

SUMMARY

Jesus intervenes amidst the disciples' indignation over Mary of Bethany's lavish anointing of Him with costly perfume. He silences their criticism, declaring her act a "good work," thereby affirming the profound spiritual significance of her sacrificial devotion and foreshadowing His impending burial, revealing His divine discernment, compassion, and the true nature of worship.

CONTEXT

  • Literary Context: This pivotal event unfolds in Bethany, at the home of Simon the Leper, just days before Jesus' crucifixion, during the Passover week. The preceding verses (e.g., Matthew 26:6-9) describe a woman, identified as Mary of Bethany in John 12:3, pouring expensive spikenard ointment on Jesus. The disciples, particularly Judas Iscariot according to John 12:4-6, react with indignation, arguing that the perfume could have been sold for a large sum and given to the poor. Jesus' response in Matthew 26:10 directly addresses their complaint, shifting the focus from economic utility to spiritual significance, and setting the stage for His further explanation of the anointing's prophetic meaning in Matthew 26:12.
  • Historical & Cultural Context: Anointing with oil or perfume was a common practice in ancient Israel, used for hospitality, healing, consecration, and preparing bodies for burial. The spikenard ointment used by Mary was exceptionally valuable, imported from the Himalayas, signifying an extravagant sacrifice. Funerary anointing was a crucial part of burial rites, often performed by women, and was a final act of honor for the deceased. The disciples' concern for the poor, while seemingly righteous, was culturally understandable in a society where charity was highly valued, yet their specific critique missed the unique, eschatological context of Jesus' final days and the symbolic weight of Mary's act. This scene occurs during the Passover, a time of intense spiritual and political tension in Jerusalem, with Jesus' arrest and crucifixion imminent.
  • Key Themes: This verse contributes significantly to several major themes within Matthew's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. It highlights the theme of Divine Approval of Sacrificial Devotion, demonstrating that sincere, heartfelt acts of worship, even if seemingly extravagant or "wasteful" by human standards, are deeply valued by God. Mary's act serves as a Prophetic Anointing for Burial, as Jesus Himself explains in Matthew 26:12, foreshadowing His impending death and burial, a crucial aspect of His messianic mission. The disciples' reaction underscores the theme of Misunderstanding and Spiritual Blindness, as they fail to grasp the spiritual depth of the moment and Jesus' true purpose, particularly His approaching passion, echoing their earlier struggles to comprehend His suffering servant identity (e.g., Matthew 16:21-23). Finally, Jesus' defense of Mary exemplifies His Compassion and Defense of the Devoted, showcasing His willingness to protect and affirm those who express genuine faith and love for Him, often against the criticism of others.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

  • understood (Greek, ginṓskō', G1097): This verb means to "know" in a deep, experiential, and discerning way, implying full comprehension and recognition. When Jesus "understood" the situation, it was not merely intellectual apprehension but a profound grasp of the spiritual essence and prophetic significance of Mary's act, seeing beyond the superficial economic critique of the disciples. It speaks to His divine insight into the heart and motive.
  • trouble (Greek, kópos', G2873): Referring to toil, labor, or weariness, often implying burdensome effort, distress, or annoyance. Jesus' question, "Why trouble ye the woman?" highlights the undue burden, distress, and unjust criticism the disciples were imposing on Mary. It underscores His compassion and His desire to alleviate the emotional pain caused by their misunderstanding and judgment.
  • good work (Greek, kalós_ _érgon', G2570): This phrase combines G2570 (kalós), meaning beautiful, noble, excellent, or intrinsically good (distinguished from merely morally good), and G2041 (érgon), meaning toil, act, or deed. Jesus' declaration signifies that Mary's act was not just morally permissible, but intrinsically beautiful, noble, and fitting—an excellent and profoundly pleasing expression of love, worship, and prophetic insight. It was a deed of inherent spiritual quality and value.

Verse Breakdown

  • "When Jesus understood [it]": This opening clause immediately establishes Jesus' unique perception. Unlike the disciples, who reacted with indignation based on a superficial assessment of material value, Jesus discerned the true spiritual essence and prophetic significance of Mary's act. His "understanding" (ginōskō) was not just intellectual comprehension but a profound grasp of the heart and purpose behind her devotion, revealing His divine insight.
  • "he said unto them, "Why trouble ye the woman?": Jesus directly confronts the disciples' criticism, shifting the focus from the perceived "waste" of the ointment to the unjust "trouble" (kópos) they were causing Mary. This highlights Jesus' compassion and His defense of genuine devotion against human judgment and misunderstanding. His rhetorical question serves as a gentle yet firm rebuke, challenging their lack of spiritual discernment and their misplaced priorities.
  • "for she hath wrought a good work upon me.": This declarative statement provides the divine validation for Mary's action. Jesus affirms her deed as a "good work" (kalós érgon), emphasizing its intrinsic beauty, nobility, and spiritual excellence. By stating it was "upon me," He underscores that her act of worship was personally directed towards Him and was deeply pleasing in His sight, especially in light of His impending death and burial. This statement elevates her act from a mere economic transaction to a divinely approved spiritual offering.

Literary Devices

The passage employs several significant literary devices. Irony is evident in the disciples' criticism: they accuse Mary of wastefulness under the guise of charity, yet their true motive (for Judas, at least, as revealed in John 12:6) is greed. Jesus' response, however, reveals the contrast between human, earthly understanding and divine, spiritual understanding. While the disciples see only a monetary loss, Jesus perceives a profound act of worship and prophetic preparation. The anointing itself functions as Symbolism, representing not just an act of devotion but also a pre-burial anointing, which Jesus explicitly confirms in Matthew 26:12. Jesus' rhetorical question, "Why trouble ye the woman?", serves as a rebuke disguised as an inquiry, drawing attention to the disciples' misplaced indignation and the distress they were causing Mary.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

Matthew 26:10 powerfully illustrates that God values the heart behind an offering more than its material utility or human assessment. Mary's "good work" was an act of extravagant, self-sacrificial love and worship, demonstrating a profound understanding of Jesus' identity and impending suffering that even His closest disciples lacked. Her act foreshadows Jesus' death and burial, highlighting the theme of His suffering and glorification. It also challenges believers to consider whether their own acts of service and worship are truly from a place of genuine devotion, unconcerned with human praise or economic efficiency, and to discern God's purposes even when they defy conventional logic.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

Matthew 26:10 serves as a profound mirror for our own hearts and actions. It challenges us to examine the motives behind our service, our giving, and our worship. Are we truly offering our best, our most precious, to Christ out of pure devotion, or are we calculating our contributions based on what seems "reasonable" or what will gain us human approval? Mary's act, deemed "wasteful" by others, was declared "good" by Jesus because it flowed from a heart completely surrendered to Him and attuned to His divine purpose. This verse encourages us to cultivate a spirit of radical generosity and worship, unafraid of appearing foolish or extravagant in the eyes of the world. It also calls us to spiritual discernment, enabling us to recognize and affirm genuine acts of faith in others, even when they defy our logical expectations or societal norms, and to defend those who are unjustly criticized for their devotion to Christ.

Questions for Reflection

  • What "good works" might I be withholding from Christ due to fear of human judgment or a focus on practicality over devotion?
  • In what ways might I, like the disciples, be misjudging or "troubling" those who express their faith in ways I don't fully understand?
  • How can I cultivate a heart of more extravagant and uncalculating worship towards Jesus?
  • What does this passage teach me about Jesus' character and His priorities regarding true devotion?

FAQ

Why did the disciples criticize Mary's act, and why did Jesus defend her?

Answer: The disciples criticized Mary's act because they perceived it as a wasteful expenditure of a very valuable resource (the costly perfume), arguing it could have been sold and the money given to the poor. Their concern, particularly Judas Iscariot's, was rooted in a practical, economic mindset, and for Judas, in personal greed (John 12:4-6). They failed to grasp the spiritual depth and prophetic significance of the moment. Jesus defended Mary because He understood the profound spiritual meaning and pure devotion behind her action. He recognized that her anointing was not a waste but a "good work" (kalós érgon)—a beautiful, noble, and divinely appointed act of worship and preparation for His impending death and burial (Matthew 26:12). Jesus prioritized her sacrificial love and spiritual insight over the disciples' worldly calculations and misplaced indignation.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

Mary's "good work" in anointing Jesus with costly perfume finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Christ. Her act, though seemingly extravagant, prophetically pointed to the immeasurable value of Jesus' own life and His impending sacrifice. Just as she poured out His most precious possession "upon Him," so Christ, the Lamb of God, poured out His very life, His precious blood, as the ultimate, uncalculating, and perfect sacrifice for the sins of the world (1 Peter 1:18-19). Her anointing for His burial foreshadowed His death, a death that conquered sin and death itself, leading to His glorious resurrection (Romans 4:25). Jesus' defense of Mary underscores His compassion and His valuing of genuine devotion, mirroring His own self-giving love that extends grace to all who come to Him, regardless of their past (Romans 5:8). Her "good work" was a beautiful, albeit incomplete, echo of the infinitely "good work" that Christ Himself would accomplish on the cross, securing eternal salvation and anointing His people for service and worship in His name (Ephesians 2:10).

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Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers . Public domain.
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Hilary of Poitiers (as quoted by Aquinas, AD 1274)AD 367
Catena Aurea by Aquinas
In this woman is prefigured the people of the Gentiles, who gave glory to God in Christ's passion; for she anointed His head, but the head of Christ is God, and ointment is the fruit of good works. But the disciples, anxious for the salvation of Israel, say that this ought to have been sold for the use of the poor; designating by a prophetic instinct the Jews, who lacked faith, by the name of the poor. The Lord answers that there is abundant time in which they may show their care for the poor, but that salvation cannot be extended to the Gentiles but by obedience to His command, if, that is, by the pouring out of this woman's ointment they are buried together with Him, because regeneration can only be given to those who are dead in the profession of baptism. And this her work shall be told wherever this Gospel is preached, because when Israel draws back, the glory of the Gospel is preached by the belief of the Gentiles.
Hilary of PoitiersAD 367
Commentary on Matthew 29.2
The Lord told them they would have much time to look after the poor. Further, it is only at his command that salvation can be given to the Gentiles buried with him in the outpouring of ointment by this woman, for rebirth is given only to those who have died with him in the profession of baptism.
Ambrose of Milan (as quoted by Aquinas, AD 1274)AD 397
Catena Aurea by Aquinas
(in Luc. 7, 37.) It is possible therefore that they were different persons, and so all appearance of contradiction between the Evangelists is removed. Or it is possible that it was the same woman at two different times and two different stages of desert; first while yet a sinner, afterwards more advanced.
John ChrysostomAD 407
Homily on the Gospel of Matthew 50
Why then doth He Himself say, "The poor always ye have with you, but me ye have not always?" Why, for this reason most of all should we give alms, that we have Him not always an hungered, but in the present life only. But if thou art desirous to learn also the whole meaning of the saying, understand that this was said not with a view to His disciples, although it seem so, but to the woman's weakness. That is, her disposition being still rather imperfect, and they doubting about her; to revive her He said these things. For in proof that for her comfort He said it, He added, "Why trouble ye the woman?" And with regard to our having Him really always with us, He saith, "Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world." From all which it is evident, that for no other object was this said, but that the rebuke of the disciples might not wither the faith of the woman, just then budding.
John Chrysostom (as quoted by Aquinas, AD 1274)AD 407
Catena Aurea by Aquinas
(Hom. lxxx.) And in this way it may be the same in the three Evangelists, Matthew, Mark, and Luke. And not without good reason does the Evangelist mention Simon's leprosy, to show what gave this woman confidence to come to Christ. The leprosy was an unclean disease; when then she saw that Jesus had healed the man with whom He now lodged, she trusted that He could also cleanse the uncleanness of her soul; and so whereas other women came to Christ to be healed in their bodies, she came only for the honour and the healing of her soul, having nothing diseased in her body; and for this she is worthy our highest admiration. But she in John is a different woman, the wonderful sister of Lazarus.

The disciples had heard their Master say, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice, (Matt. 9:13.) wherefore they thought among themselves, If He accepts not burnt-offerings, much less will He the application of such ointment as this.

The disciples then thought thus, but Jesus, who saw the thoughts of the woman, suffered it. For her piety was great, and her ardour unspeakable, wherefore He condescended to suffer her to pour the ointment on His head. As the Father admitted the smoke and odour of the slain victim, so also Christ admitted this votive anointing of His head, though the disciples, who saw not her heart, murmured.

And He says not merely, She hath wrought a good work, but says first, Why trouble ye the woman? to teach us that every good act that is wrought by any, even though it lack somewhat of exact propriety, yet we ought to receive, cherish, and cultivate it, and not to require strict correctness in a beginner. If He had been asked before this was done by the woman, He would not have directed its doing; but when it was done, the rebuke of the disciples had no longer any place, and He Himself to guard the woman from importunate attacks speaks these things for her comfort.

That this mention of His death and burial might not cause her to despond, He comforts her by what follows, Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever &c.

Behold the accomplishment of this saying; to whatsoever part of the world you go, you will find this woman famous, and this has been wrought by the power of Him who spake this word. How many victories of kings and captains have passed into oblivion; how many who built cities and enslaved many nations are now known neither by report nor by name; but the deed of this woman pouring forth ointment in the house of a leper in the presence of twelve men, this resoimds throughout the world, and though so much time has elapsed, the memory of that which was done is not effaced. But why promised He no spiritual gift to this woman, but everlasting remembrance only? Because this He did promise made her confident of receiving the other also; whereas she wrought a good work, it is clear that she shall receive an adequate reward.
John ChrysostomAD 407
Homily on the Gospel of Matthew 80
This woman seems indeed to be one and the same with all the evangelists, yet she is not so; but though with the three she doth seem to me to be one and the same, yet not so with John, but another person, one much to be admired, the sister of Lazarus.

But not without purpose did the evangelist mention the leprosy of Simon, but in order that He might show whence the woman took confidence, and came unto Him. For inasmuch as the leprosy seemed a most unclean disease, and to be abhorred, and yet she saw Jesus had both healed the man (for else He would not have chosen to have tarried with a leper), and had gone into his house; she grew confident, that He would also easily wipe off the uncleanness of her soul. And not for nought doth He name the city also, Bethany, but that thou mightest learn, that of His own will He cometh to His passion. For He who before this was fleeing through the midst of them; then, at the time when their envy was most kindled, comes near within about fifteen furlongs; so completely was His former withdrawing Himself a part of a dispensation.

The woman therefore having seen Him, and having taken confidence from thence came unto Him. For if she that had the issue of blood, although conscious to herself of nothing like this, yet because of that natural seeming uncleanness, approached Him trembling and in fear; much more was it likely this woman should be slow, and shrink back because of her evil conscience. Wherefore also it is after many women, the Samaritan, the Canaanite, her that had the issue of blood, and other besides, that she cometh unto Him, being conscious to herself of much impurity; and then not publicly but in a house. And whereas all the others were coming unto Him for the healing of the body alone, she came unto Him by way of honor only, and for the amendment of the soul. For neither was she at all afflicted in body, so that for this most especially one might marvel at her.

And not as to a mere man did she come unto Him; for then she would not have wiped His feet with her hair, but as to one greater than man can be. Therefore that which is the most honorable member of the whole body, this she laid at Christ's feet, even her own head.

And whence had they this thought? They used to hear their Master saying, "I will have mercy, and not sacrifice," and blaming the Jews, because they omitted the weightier matters, judgment, and mercy, and faith, and discoursing much on the mount concerning almsgiving, and from these things they inferred with themselves, and reasoned, that if He accepts not whole burnt offerings, neither the ancient worship, much more will He not accept the anointing of oil.

But though they thus thought, He knowing her intention suffers her. For indeed great was her reverence, and unspeakable her zeal; wherefore of this exceeding condescension, He permitted the oil to be poured even on His head.

For if He refused not to become man, and to be borne in the womb, and to be fed at the breast, why marvellest thou, if He doth not utterly reject this? For like as the Father suffered a savor of meat, and smoke, even so did He the harlot, accepting, as I have already said, her intention. For Jacob too anointed a pillar to God, and oil was offered in the sacrifices, and the priests were anointed with ointment.

But the disciples not knowing her purpose found fault unseasonably, and by the things they laid to her charge, they show the woman's munificence. For saying, that it might have been sold for three hundred pence, they showed how much this woman had spent on the ointment, and how great generosity she had manifested. Wherefore He also rebuked them, saying, "Why trouble ye the woman?" And He adds a reason, as it was His will again to put them in mind of His passion, "For she did it," He said, "for my burial." And another reason. "For ye have the poor always with you, but me ye have not always;" and, "Wheresoever the gospel shall be preached, that shall be told also which this woman hath done."

Seest thou how again He declares beforehand the going forth unto the Gentiles, in this way also consoling them for His death, if after the cross His power was so to shine forth, that the Gospel should be spread abroad in every part of the earth.

Who then is so wretched as to set his face against so much truth? For lo! what He said is come to pass, and to whatever part of the earth thou mayest go, thou wilt see her celebrated.

And yet neither was the person that did it distinguished, nor had what was done many witnesses, neither was it in a theatre, but in a house, that it took place, the disciples only being present.

Who then proclaimed it, and caused it to be spread abroad? It was the power of Him who is speaking these words. And while of countless kings and generals the noble exploits even of those whose memorials remain have sunk into silence; and having overthrown cities, and encompassed them with walls, and set up trophies, and enslaved many nations, they are not known so much as by hearsay, nor by name, though they have both set up statues, and established laws; yet that a woman who was a harlot poured out oil in the house of some leper, in the presence of ten men, this all men celebrate throughout the world; and so great a time has passed, and yet the memory of that which was done hath not faded away, but alike Persians and Indians, Scythians and Thracians, and Sarmatians, and the race of the Moors, and they that dwell in the British Islands, spread abroad that which was done secretly in a house by a woman that had been a harlot.

Great is the loving-kindness of the Lord. He endureth an harlot, an harlot kissing his feet, and moistening them with oil, and wiping them with her hair, and He receives her, and reproves them that blame her. For neither was it right that for so much zeal the woman should be driven to despair.

But mark thou this too, how far they were now raised up above the world, and forward in almsgiving. And why was it He did not merely say, "She hath wrought a good work," but before this, "Why trouble ye the woman?" That they might learn not at the beginning to require too high principles of the weaker sort. Therefore neither doth He examine the act merely itself by itself, but taking into account the person of the woman. And indeed if He had been making a law, He would not have brought in the woman, but that thou mightest learn that for her sake these things were said, that they might not mar her budding faith, but rather cherish it, therefore He saith it, teaching us whatever good thing may be done by any man, though it be not quite perfect, to receive it, and encourage it, and advance it, and not to seek all perfection at the beginning. For, that at least He Himself would rather have desired this, is manifest from the fact, that He required a bag to be borne, who had not where to lay His head. But then the time demanded not this, that He should correct the deed, but that He should accept it only. For even as, if any one asked Him, without the woman's having done it, He would not have approved this; so, after she had done it, He looks to one thing only, that she be not driven to perplexity by the reproof of the disciples, but that she should go from His care, having been made more cheerful and better. For indeed after the oil had been poured out, their rebuke had no seasonableness.

Do thou then likewise, if thou shouldest see any one provide sacred vessels and offer them, and loving to labor upon any other ornament of the church, about its walls or floor; do not command what has been made to be sold, or overthrown, lest thou spoil his zeal. But if, before he had provided them, he were to tell thee of it, command it to be given to the poor; forasmuch as He also did this not to spoil the spirit of the woman, and as many things as He says, He speaks for her comfort.

Then because He had said, "She hath done it for my burial;" that He might not seem to perplex the woman, by making mention of such a thing as this, His burial and death, I mean; see how by that which follows He recovers her, saying, "What she hath done shall be spoken of in the whole world."

And this was at once consolation to His disciples, and comfort and praise to her. For all men, He saith, shall celebrate her hereafter; and now too hath she announced beforehand my passion, by bringing unto me what was needed for a funeral, let not therefore any man reprove her. For I am so far from condemning her as having done amiss, or from blaming her as having not acted rightly, that I will not suffer what hath been done to lie hid, but the world shall know that which has been done in a house, and in secret. For in truth the deed came of a reverential mind, and fervent faith, and a contrite soul.

And wherefore did He promise the woman nothing spiritual; but the perpetual memory? From this He is causing her to feel a confidence about the other things also. For if she hath wrought a good work, it is quite evident she shall receive a due reward.
JeromeAD 420
Commentary on Matthew
(Verse 10, 11.) But Jesus, knowing this, said to them: Why do you trouble this woman? For she has done a good work upon me. For the poor you have always with you, but me you do not always have. Another question arises, why did the Lord say to the disciples after the resurrection: Behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the world; and now he says, but you do not always have me. But it seems to me that in this place he is speaking of his bodily presence, which will not be with them in the same way after the resurrection, as it is now in all their meetings and familiarity. The Apostle, being mindful of this matter, says: 'Even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we no longer know Him.' (II Cor. 5:16)
Jerome (as quoted by Aquinas, AD 1274)AD 420
Catena Aurea by Aquinas
Not that he was a leper yet, but having been so, and having been healed by the Saviour, he retained the appellation to show forth the power of Him who healed him.

Another Evangelist (John 12:3.) instead of 'alabastrum' has 'nardum pisticam,' that is, genuine, unadulterated.

For let no one think that she who anointed His head and she who anointed His feet were one and the same; for the latter washed His feet with her tears, and wiped them with her hair, and is plainly said to have been a harlot. But of this woman nothing of this kind is recorded, and indeed a harlot could not have at once been made deserving of the Lord's head.

I know that some raise a cavil here, because John says that Judas alone was grieved because he had the bag, and was a thief from the beginning; but Matthew, that all the disciples were sorrowful. These know not the figure syllepsis, by which one name is put for many, and many for one; as Paul in the Epistle to the Hebrews says, They were sawn asunder, when it is thought that one only, Esaias namely, was so. (Heb. 11:37.)

Here a question arises how the Lord should have said elsewhere to His disciples, Lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the world; but here, Me ye shall not have always. (Matt. 28:20.) I suppose that in this place He speaks of His bodily presence, which shall not be with them after the resurrection in daily intercourse and friendship, as it is now.

Note His knowledge of things to come, how though about to suffer death within two days, He knows that His Gospel will be preached throughout the whole world.

Mystically; The Lord, about to suffer for the whole world, sojourns in Bethany, in the house of obedience, which once was that of Simon the leper. Simon also is interpreted 'obedient,' or, according to another interpretation, 'the world,' in whose house the Church is healed.
JeromeAD 420
COMMENTARY ON MATTHEW 4.26.9
I know that some people criticize this passage because one Evangelist said only Judas became indignant since he kept the money purse and was a thief from the beginning, whereas Matthew wrote that all the apostles were indignant. Some may be unaware of the figure of speech called syllepsis, customarily termed “all for one and one for all.” The case is somewhat similar with Paul the apostle, who wrote in his epistle to the Hebrews (though many Latins have doubts about this), describing the sufferings and merits of the heroes of faith, inferring: “They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were tempted, they were put to death by the sword.” [Hebrews 11:36-37] The Jews assert that only one person, Isaiah the prophet, was tortured. We may also point out that the apostles were indignant for the sake of the poor but Judas for the sake of his own gain. Hence his grumbling was also mixed with his misdeeds, because he had no concern for the poor but only wanted to be able to steal.
Leo the Great (as quoted by Aquinas, AD 1274)AD 461
Catena Aurea by Aquinas
(Serm. 58, 1.) We recognise here a providential arrangement whereby the chief men of the Jews, who had often sought occasion of effecting their cruel purposes against Christ, could never yet succeed till the days of the paschal celebration. For it behoved that the things which had long been promised in symbol and mystery should be accomplished in manifest reality, that the typical lamb should be displaced by the true, and one sacrifice embrace the whole catalogue of the varied victims. That shadows should give way to substance, and copies to the presence of the original; victim is commuted for victim, blood is abolished by blood, and the festival of the Law is at once fulfilled and changed.
Remigius of Rheims (as quoted by Aquinas, AD 1274)AD 533
Catena Aurea by Aquinas
He clearly shows that the Apostles had uttered something harsh against her, when He says, Why trouble ye the woman? And beautifully He adds, She hath wrought a good work in me; as much as to say, It is not a waste of ointment, as ye say, but a good work, that is, a service of piety and devotion.

For the poor ye have ever with you. The Lord shows in these words as of set purpose, that they were not to be blamed who ministered of their substance to Him while He dwelt in a mortal body; forasmuch as the poor were ever in the Church, to whom the believers might do good whensoever they would, but He would abide in the body with them but a very short time; whence it follows, But me ye shall not have always.

Or, it is to be explained by supposing this spoken to Judas only; and He said not, Ye have not, but Ye shall not have, because this was spoken in the person of Judas to all his followers. And He says, Not always, though they have it at no time, because the wicked seem to have Christ in this present world, while they mix among His members and approach His table, but they shall not always so have Him when He shall say to His elect, Come, ye blessed of my Father. (Matt. 25:34.) It was the custom among this people to embalm the bodies of (Matt. 25:34.) the dead with divers spices, to the end that they might be kept from corruption as long as possible. And as this woman was desirous of embalming the Lord's dead Body, and would not be able because she would be anticipated by His resurrection, it was therefore arranged by Divine Providence that she should anoint the Lord's living Body. This then is what He says, In that she hath poured, that is, By anointing My living Body she shows forth My death and burial.
Gregory the Dialogist (as quoted by Aquinas, AD 1274)AD 604
Catena Aurea by Aquinas
(Hom. in Ev. xxxiii. 1.) Or, we may think that this is the same woman whom Luke calls a sinner, and John names Mary.
Rabanus Maurus (as quoted by Aquinas, AD 1274)AD 856
Catena Aurea by Aquinas
Alabaster is a kind of marble, white but marked with veins of different colours, which was in use for vessels to hold ointment, because it was said to preserve it from corruption.

From the Greek πίστις, faith, whence 'pisticus,' faithful. For this ointment was pure, unadulterated.

That is, To whatsoever place throughout the whole world the Church shall be propagated, there this also that she hath done shall be told. That also that is added signifies, that as Judas by his reproof of her has earned evil character of treachery, so has she also earned the glory of pious devotedness.
Glossa Ordinaria (as quoted by Aquinas, AD 1274)AD 1274
Catena Aurea by Aquinas
(non occ.) Having set before us the counsels of the chief of the Jews concerning the death of Christ, the Evangelist would proceed to follow out their execution, and to relate the bargain of Judas with the Jews to deliver Him up, but he first shows the cause of this betrayal. He was grieved that the ointment which the woman poured upon Christ's head had not been sold that he might have carried off something out of the price it brought, and to make up this loss he was willing to betray his Master. And therefore he proceeds, Now when Jesus was in Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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