Matthew 26:10

KJV

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

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}.

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### 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](/matthew/26-6-9 "Matthew 26:6-9 - The Anointing at Bethany")) describe a woman, identified as Mary of Bethany in [John 12:3](/john/12-3 "John 12:3 - Mary Anoints Jesus' Feet"), pouring expensive spikenard ointment on Jesus. The disciples, particularly Judas Iscariot according to [John 12:4-6](/john/12-4-6 "John 12:4-6 - Judas's Hypocrisy"), 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](/matthew/26-10 "Matthew 26:10 - Jesus Defends Mary's Anointing") 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](/matthew/26-12 "Matthew 26:12 - Anointing for Burial").
* **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](/matthew/26-12 "Matthew 26:12 - Anointing for Burial"), 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](/matthew/16-21-23 "Matthew 16:21-23 - Peter Rebukes Jesus")). 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'_):** From 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'_):** From 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'_):** 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](/john/12-6 "John 12:6 - Judas's True Motive")) 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](/matthew/26-12 "Matthew 26:12 - Anointing for Burial"). 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.

* [Mark 14:6](/mark/14-6 "Mark 14:6 - Jesus Defends Mary")
* [John 12:7-8](/john/12-7-8 "John 12:7-8 - Jesus Explains Mary's Anointing")
* [Luke 7:44-47](/luke/7-44-47 "Luke 7:44-47 - The Anointing by a Sinful Woman")

### 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](/john/12-4-6 "John 12:4-6 - Judas's Hypocrisy")). 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](/matthew/26-12 "Matthew 26:12 - Anointing for Burial")). 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](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, 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](/1_peter/1-18-19 "1 Peter 1:18-19 - Redemption by Christ's Blood")). Her anointing for His burial foreshadowed His death, a death that conquered sin and death itself, leading to His glorious resurrection ([Romans 4:25](/romans/4-25 "Romans 4:25 - Raised for Our Justification")). 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](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God's Love Demonstrated")). 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](/ephesians/2-10 "Ephesians 2:10 - Created for Good Works")).

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

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.