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.

Verily {G281} I say {G3004} unto you {G5213}, Wheresoever {G3699}{G1437} this {G5124} gospel {G2098} shall be preached {G2784} in {G1722} the whole {G3650} world {G2889}, there shall also {G2532} this, that {G3739} this woman {G3778}{G846} hath done {G4160}, be told {G2980} for {G1519} a memorial {G3422} of her {G846}.

Yes! I tell you that throughout the whole world, wherever this Good News is proclaimed, what she has done will be told in her memory."

Truly I tell you, wherever this gospel is preached in all the world, what she has done will also be told in memory of her.”

Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached in the whole world, that also which this woman hath done shall be spoken of for a memorial of her.

Context of Matthew 26:13

This profound verse is spoken by Jesus during His final days before His crucifixion, specifically while He is at Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper. A woman, traditionally identified as Mary of Bethany (as indicated in parallel accounts like John 12:3), approaches Jesus and pours very expensive aromatic ointment upon His head. This act provokes indignation from some of the disciples, who deem it a waste that could have been sold for the poor. Jesus, however, defends the woman, interpreting her act as a beautiful preparation for His impending burial. Matthew 26:13 is Jesus's powerful declaration concerning the lasting significance of her humble, sacrificial devotion.

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Enduring Legacy of True Devotion: Jesus proclaims that the woman's act will be told for a "memorial of her" wherever the gospel is preached. This elevates a seemingly simple, selfless act of love and sacrifice to eternal significance, contrasting human judgment of waste with divine recognition of worth. It highlights how genuine devotion to Christ is never forgotten in God's economy.
  • The Value of Uncalculating Love: The woman's act was not pragmatic or utilitarian in the eyes of the disciples, yet Jesus saw it as immensely valuable. It represents giving one's best to the Lord without reservation, a pure act of worship and adoration that transcends material cost.
  • The Inseparable Link Between Gospel and Deeds: Jesus directly connects the worldwide proclamation of "this gospel" with the telling of this woman's deed. Her act of anointing becomes an integral part of the narrative of Christ's life, death, and resurrection, illustrating the love and sacrifice that His mission inspires. This foreshadows the global reach of the church's mission, as exemplified in the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Verily" (Greek: Amen): The use of "Verily" (or "Truly," "Amen") at the beginning of Jesus's statement underscores its absolute truth and certainty. It is a divine affirmation, emphasizing the profound significance of what He is about to declare.
  • "Memorial" (Greek: mnemosunon): This term signifies something that serves as a reminder or a lasting record. It implies more than just a fleeting memory; it's a permanent testament, ensuring that her act would be perpetually recounted as part of the gospel story.

Practical Application

Matthew 26:13 serves as a powerful encouragement for believers today. It teaches us that:

  1. Our Acts of Devotion Matter: Even seemingly small or overlooked acts of love, generosity, and sacrifice offered to Christ are seen and valued by Him. They have lasting significance beyond human understanding or judgment.
  2. Give Your Best to God: The woman gave her most precious possession. This verse challenges us to consider if we are offering our best—our time, talents, resources, and deepest affection—to God, rather than merely what is convenient or leftover.
  3. The Gospel Includes Our Stories: When the gospel is shared, it's not just about abstract theology, but about the real lives transformed and inspired by Christ's love. Our acts of faith and devotion, when done for His glory, become part of that ongoing testimony.

This verse assures us that genuine, humble devotion to Jesus will never be forgotten but will be honored and remembered for eternity as the good news of His salvation continues to spread throughout the world.

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.

  • Mark 14:9

    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.

  • 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 98:2

    The LORD hath made known his salvation: his righteousness hath he openly shewed in the sight of the heathen.

  • Psalms 98:3

    He hath remembered his mercy and his truth toward the house of Israel: all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.

  • 1 Samuel 2:30

    Wherefore the LORD God of Israel saith, I said indeed [that] thy house, and the house of thy father, should walk before me for ever: but now the LORD saith, Be it far from me; for them that honour me I will honour, and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed.

  • Isaiah 52:9

    Break forth into joy, sing together, ye waste places of Jerusalem: for the LORD hath comforted his people, he hath redeemed Jerusalem.

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