Matthew 26:9

For this ointment might have been sold for much, and given to the poor.

For {G1063} this {G5124} ointment {G3464} might {G1410} have been sold {G4097} for much {G4183}, and {G2532} given {G1325} to the poor {G4434}.

"This could have been sold for a lot of money and given to the poor."

This perfume could have been sold at a high price, and the money given to the poor.”

For this ointment might have been sold for much, and given to the poor.

Commentary on Matthew 26:9 (KJV)

Matthew 26:9 records the disciples' objection to a woman anointing Jesus with expensive ointment, suggesting that the costly perfume "might have been sold for much, and given to the poor." This verse highlights a moment of perceived tension between acts of extravagant worship and practical charity, setting the stage for Jesus' profound explanation of the woman's deed.

Historical and Cultural Context

This event takes place in Bethany, at the house of Simon the leper, just days before Jesus' crucifixion during the Passover week. Anointing with precious oils was a significant act of honor and hospitality in ancient Jewish culture, often reserved for distinguished guests or special occasions. The ointment, described as "very precious" (Matthew 26:7) and specifically as "spikenard" in Mark 14:3 and John 12:3, was extremely valuable. John's Gospel clarifies that it was Judas Iscariot who primarily voiced this objection, not because he cared for the poor, but because he was a thief and kept the money bag (John 12:6).

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Nature of True Devotion: The disciples, focused on financial stewardship, missed the spiritual significance of the woman's selfless act of worship. Her devotion transcended mere utility.
  • Misplaced Priorities: While care for the poor is a biblical command (e.g., Deuteronomy 15:11; Matthew 25:40), Jesus teaches that there are moments when direct devotion to God takes precedence, especially in unique, prophetic circumstances.
  • Preparation for Burial: Jesus immediately defends the woman, stating in Matthew 26:12 that her anointing was a prophetic act, preparing His body for burial. This reveals the divine purpose behind what appeared to be an extravagant waste.
  • The Value of Sacrificial Giving: The woman gave her most precious possession, demonstrating an unparalleled level of love and honor for Jesus. Her act serves as an example of worship that holds nothing back.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "ointment" is μύρον (myron), referring to a fragrant oil or perfume, often made from exotic plants and highly prized. The phrase "for much" translates to πολλοῦ (pollou), emphasizing the great value. Parallel accounts specify this value as "three hundred pence" (Mark 14:5; John 12:5), which was approximately a year's wages for a common laborer, highlighting the immense cost of her offering.

Practical Application

Matthew 26:9 challenges believers to examine their own hearts and priorities. While generosity towards the poor is vital, this passage reminds us that:

  • Not all acts of worship are immediately understandable: Sometimes, true devotion may appear "wasteful" to those who prioritize only practical outcomes.
  • Motives matter: The disciples' (and particularly Judas's) objection, though seemingly pious, was rooted in misunderstanding or selfish intent. Our actions, whether in worship or charity, should stem from pure love for God.
  • There is a time for everything: Jesus acknowledged the ongoing presence of the poor but emphasized that His time on Earth was limited and special acts of devotion were appropriate. We are called to balance our service to God with our service to humanity.
  • Extravagant love is celebrated by God: The woman's act of profound love and sacrifice was not condemned but commended by Jesus, serving as a lasting memorial of her devotion (Matthew 26:13).
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.

  • John 12:5

    Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor?

  • John 12:6

    This he said, not that he cared for the poor; but because he was a thief, and had the bag, and bare what was put therein.

  • Mark 14:5

    For it might have been sold for more than three hundred pence, and have been given to the poor. And they murmured against her.

  • 1 Samuel 15:9

    But Saul and the people spared Agag, and the best of the sheep, and of the oxen, and of the fatlings, and the lambs, and all [that was] good, and would not utterly destroy them: but every thing [that was] vile and refuse, that they destroyed utterly.

  • 2 Kings 5:20

    ¶ But Gehazi, the servant of Elisha the man of God, said, Behold, my master hath spared Naaman this Syrian, in not receiving at his hands that which he brought: but, [as] the LORD liveth, I will run after him, and take somewhat of him.

  • Joshua 7:20

    And Achan answered Joshua, and said, Indeed I have sinned against the LORD God of Israel, and thus and thus have I done:

  • Joshua 7:21

    When I saw among the spoils a goodly Babylonish garment, and two hundred shekels of silver, and a wedge of gold of fifty shekels weight, then I coveted them, and took them; and, behold, they [are] hid in the earth in the midst of my tent, and the silver under it.

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