Matthew 26:12

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

For in that {G1063} she {G3778}{G846} hath poured {G906} this {G5124} ointment {G3464} on {G1909} my {G3450} body {G4983}, she did {G4160} it for {G4314} my {G3165} burial {G1779}.

Complete Jewish Bible

She poured this perfume on me to prepare my body for burial.

Berean Standard Bible

By pouring this perfume on Me, she has prepared My body for burial.

American Standard Version

For in that she poured this ointment upon my body, she did it to prepare me for burial.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Matthew 26:12, Jesus defends the seemingly extravagant act of a woman anointing Him with costly ointment, declaring that her action was a prophetic preparation for His impending burial. This statement reveals Jesus' profound awareness of His destiny, underscores the spiritual significance of the woman's devotion, and highlights the divine orchestration of events leading to His crucifixion and resurrection.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the Passion narrative, specifically the account of Jesus' anointing at Bethany, which occurs just two days before the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread ([Matthew 26:1-2](/matthew/26-1-2 "Matthew 26:1-2 - Jesus Predicts His Death")). The immediate preceding verses describe the chief priests and elders conspiring to arrest and kill Jesus ([Matthew 26:3-5](/matthew/26-3-5 "Matthew 26:3-5 - The Plot Against Jesus")). The anointing story ([Matthew 26:6-13](/matthew/26-6-13 "Matthew 26:6-13 - The Anointing at Bethany")) serves as a poignant contrast to the betrayal that follows, as Judas Iscariot's decision to betray Jesus for thirty pieces of silver is recounted immediately after Jesus' defense of the woman ([Matthew 26:14-16](/matthew/26-14-16 "Matthew 26:14-16 - Judas Agrees to Betray Jesus")). This juxtaposition emphasizes themes of selfless devotion versus avarice and highlights Jesus' acceptance of His divinely appointed path to suffering and death.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Anointing with oil was a common practice in ancient Israel, used for various purposes including hospitality, healing, and consecration. More specifically, anointing bodies with perfumed oils and spices was a customary part of preparing the deceased for burial, often performed by women. The ointment used by the woman in Bethany, described as "very expensive" ([Matthew 26:7](/matthew/26-7 "Matthew 26:7 - The Costly Ointment")), was likely nard, a precious perfume imported from India, which could represent a year's wages or more. This high value underscores the immense sacrifice and profound devotion of the woman. The disciples' objection, particularly Judas's, that the ointment could have been sold for the poor ([Matthew 26:8-9](/matthew/26-8-9 "Matthew 26:8-9 - The Disciples' Objection")), reflects a common concern for stewardship, yet Jesus' response reorients their perspective to the unique, eschatological significance of His impending death.

* **Key Themes:** The anointing at Bethany, and specifically Jesus' interpretation in [Matthew 26:12](/matthew/26-12 "Matthew 26:12 - Anointing for Burial"), contributes to several key themes within Matthew's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates **prophetic fulfillment** and Jesus' **divine foreknowledge** of His suffering and death, a theme reiterated throughout the Gospel as Jesus repeatedly predicts His passion (e.g., [Matthew 16:21](/matthew/16-21 "Matthew 16:21 - Jesus Predicts His Death and Resurrection"), [Matthew 17:22-23](/matthew/17-22-23 "Matthew 17:22-23 - The Second Prediction of Jesus' Death"), [Matthew 20:17-19](/matthew/20-17-19 "Matthew 20:17-19 - The Third Prediction of Jesus' Death")). Secondly, it highlights the theme of **costly devotion** and **selfless worship**, contrasting the woman's lavish offering with the disciples' pragmatic, and in Judas's case, deceitful, concerns. Her act becomes a paradigm of giving one's best to Christ, regardless of perceived worldly value. Finally, the verse underscores the **sovereignty of God** in orchestrating the events leading to Christ's atoning sacrifice, framing even an unexpected act of devotion as part of His ultimate plan for redemption.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **poured (Greek, _bállō_):** This verb signifies "to throw" or "to cast," but in this context, it specifically means "to pour" or "to apply." The intensity implied by _bállō_ suggests a deliberate, perhaps even lavish, application of the ointment, not merely a gentle anointing. This action underscores the woman's unreserved and generous devotion, as she fully committed the costly substance to Jesus.
* **ointment (Greek, _mýron_):** Referring to "perfumed oil," _mýron_ denotes a highly valued, fragrant, and often expensive unguent. Its significance here lies in its preciousness, which highlights the magnitude of the woman's sacrifice. Culturally, such ointments were used for luxury, hospitality, and importantly, for embalming or preparing bodies for burial, which directly informs Jesus' subsequent interpretation.
* **burial (Greek, _entaphiázō_):** Derived from a compound word meaning "to inswathe with cerements for interment," _entaphiázō_ is a specific and strong term for preparing a body for burial. It emphasizes the complete and proper ritual of preparing a corpse for the tomb. Jesus' use of this word elevates the woman's act from a simple anointing to a divinely ordained, pre-burial ritual, especially poignant given the hurried nature of His actual burial after the crucifixion.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For in that she hath poured this ointment on my body":** This clause directly acknowledges the woman's action, validating it against the disciples' criticism. The "ointment" (myron) is emphasized for its preciousness and the "body" (sōma) for its physical reality, soon to undergo suffering and death. Jesus affirms the literal act, setting the stage for His profound interpretation.
* **"she did it for my burial":** This is Jesus' interpretive declaration, revealing the true, prophetic significance of the woman's act. The phrase "for my burial" (pros ton entaphiasmon mou) indicates purpose and preparation. Jesus sees her act not merely as a gesture of honor, but as a divinely appointed anointing specifically for His impending death and interment. This statement underscores His foreknowledge and acceptance of His destiny, transforming a seemingly ordinary act of devotion into a profound theological statement about His mission.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 26:12 employs several potent literary devices. **Symbolism** is paramount, as the costly ointment and the act of anointing transcend a simple gesture of hospitality to become a profound symbol of preparation for death. The woman's act, though perhaps not fully understood by her at the time, becomes a **prophetic act**, foreshadowing Jesus' imminent death and burial. This serves as powerful **foreshadowing** within the narrative, building tension and anticipation for the crucifixion. Furthermore, there is a subtle **irony** in the disciples' pragmatic, worldly objection contrasting with Jesus' spiritual, eschatological interpretation. What they perceive as wasteful, Jesus declares to be essential and divinely significant, highlighting the chasm between human and divine understanding.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 26:12 profoundly connects to the overarching biblical narrative of redemption, particularly the centrality of Christ's death and resurrection. It highlights the divine sovereignty over all events, demonstrating that even seemingly spontaneous acts of devotion are woven into God's perfect plan. The woman's act, interpreted by Jesus, becomes a testament to the fact that Christ's death was not an accident but a preordained event, prepared for and accepted by Him. It also emphasizes the beauty of wholehearted, sacrificial worship, where the value of the offering is measured not by its material cost but by the devotion of the heart. This anointing serves as a poignant reminder that Jesus' body was consecrated for the ultimate sacrifice, fulfilling the ancient prophecies and inaugurating the new covenant through His shed blood.

* [Mark 14:8](/mark/14-8 "Mark 14:8 - Anointing for Burial in Mark")
* [John 12:7](/john/12-7 "John 12:7 - Jesus' Defense of the Anointing in John")
* [Luke 23:55-56](/luke/23-55-56 "Luke 23:55-56 - Women Prepare Spices for Jesus' Burial")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 26:12 calls believers to a deeper understanding of true devotion and the nature of God's purposes. The woman's act, though criticized by others, was affirmed by Jesus because it flowed from a heart of extravagant love and was aligned with God's sovereign plan. This challenges us to consider if our own acts of worship and service are truly sacrificial, given without reservation, and focused on Christ's glory rather than human approval or pragmatic concerns. It also encourages us to trust in God's perfect timing and purpose, recognizing that even seemingly small or misunderstood actions can have profound spiritual significance when offered in faith. Just as the woman prepared Jesus for His burial, we are called to prepare our hearts for His coming, living lives of faithful devotion that anticipate and honor His ultimate sacrifice and triumphant return.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "costly ointment" might God be calling me to pour out in devotion to Him, even if it seems impractical or wasteful to others?**
* **How can I cultivate a heart of worship that prioritizes God's purposes over my own understanding or the opinions of others?**
* **In what ways do I need to recognize and embrace God's sovereign plan in my life, even when it involves sacrifice or suffering?**
* **How does the woman's selfless act challenge my own tendencies towards practicality or self-preservation in my faith journey?**

### FAQ

**Who was the woman who poured the ointment on Jesus?**

Answer: While Matthew's Gospel does not explicitly name the woman, the parallel account in [John 12:3](/john/12-3 "John 12:3 - Mary Anoints Jesus") identifies her as Mary, the sister of Martha and Lazarus, from Bethany. This identification adds a layer of personal connection, as Jesus had a close relationship with this family, having previously raised Lazarus from the dead ([John 11:1-44](/john/11-1-44 "John 11 - The Raising of Lazarus")). Her act is therefore seen as a deep expression of gratitude and love.

**Why was the ointment considered so expensive, and why did the disciples object?**

Answer: The ointment was likely pure nard, a very costly perfumed oil imported from distant lands, often valued at 300 denarii or more ([Mark 14:5](/mark/14-5 "Mark 14:5 - Value of the Ointment")). This sum represented a significant amount, possibly a year's wages for a common laborer. The disciples, particularly Judas Iscariot, objected because they believed such a valuable substance should have been sold and the money given to the poor ([Matthew 26:8-9](/matthew/26-8-9 "Matthew 26:8-9 - The Disciples' Objection")). John's Gospel reveals Judas's true motive was not concern for the poor, but his own greed, as he was the treasurer and would often steal from the money bag ([John 12:4-6](/john/12-4-6 "John 12:4-6 - Judas's True Motive")).

**What is the significance of Jesus saying the anointing was "for my burial"?**

Answer: Jesus' statement transforms a seemingly ordinary act of honor into a profound prophetic declaration. In Jewish custom, bodies were typically anointed with spices and oils as part of the burial preparation. Given the hurried nature of Jesus' actual burial after His crucifixion ([John 19:38-42](/john/19-38-42 "John 19:38-42 - The Burial of Jesus")), this anointing by the woman served as a pre-burial ritual, fulfilling what would otherwise be incomplete. It underscores Jesus' full awareness of His impending death and His acceptance of it as part of God's redemptive plan. It also highlights the unique and singular importance of His death, setting it apart as a sacred, divinely orchestrated event.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The anointing of Jesus for His burial in [Matthew 26:12](/matthew/26-12 "Matthew 26:12 - Anointing for Burial") finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the profound reality of His atoning death and glorious resurrection. This act, interpreted by Jesus Himself, points directly to His identity as the Christ, the Messiah, whose purpose was to lay down His life as a ransom for many ([Matthew 20:28](/matthew/20-28 "Matthew 20:28 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")). The costly ointment symbolizes the immeasurable value of Jesus' sacrifice, a "perfumed offering and sacrifice to God" ([Ephesians 5:2](/ephesians/5-2 "Ephesians 5:2 - Christ's Sacrificial Love")). Just as the woman's act prepared His body for the tomb, Jesus' death was the necessary prelude to His triumph over death and sin, culminating in His resurrection on the third day ([1 Corinthians 15:3-4](/1_corinthians/15-3-4 "1 Corinthians 15:3-4 - The Gospel of Christ's Death and Resurrection")). The anointing, therefore, is not merely a historical event but a powerful foreshadowing of the Lamb of God, whose perfect sacrifice provides eternal life and true spiritual cleansing for all who believe ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). It underscores that Jesus' death was not a tragic end, but the climactic fulfillment of God's redemptive plan, through which He secured our reconciliation and future hope ([Romans 5:8-10](/romans/5-8-10 "Romans 5:8-10 - God's Love in Christ's Death")).

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

Mark 14:8

She hath done what she could: she is come aforehand to anoint my body to the burying.

John 12:7

Then said Jesus, Let her alone: against the day of my burying hath she kept this.

Luke 23:56

And they returned, and prepared spices and ointments; and rested the sabbath day according to the commandment.

Luke 24:1

¶ Now upon the first [day] of the week, very early in the morning, they came unto the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they had prepared, and certain [others] with them.

2 Chronicles 16:14

And they buried him in his own sepulchres, which he had made for himself in the city of David, and laid him in the bed which was filled with sweet odours and divers kinds [of spices] prepared by the apothecaries' art: and they made a very great burning for him.

Mark 16:1

¶ And when the sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the [mother] of James, and Salome, had bought sweet spices, that they might come and anoint him.

John 19:39

And there came also Nicodemus, which at the first came to Jesus by night, and brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about an hundred pound [weight].