Matthew 26:7

There came unto him a woman having an alabaster box of very precious ointment, and poured it on his head, as he sat [at meat].

There came {G4334} unto him {G846} a woman {G1135} having {G2192} an alabaster box {G211} of very precious {G927} ointment {G3464}, and {G2532} poured it {G2708} on {G1909} his {G846} head {G2776}, as he sat {G345} at meat.

A woman who had an alabaster jar filled with very expensive perfume approached Yeshua while he was eating and began pouring it on his head.

a woman came to Him with an alabaster jar of expensive perfume, which she poured on His head as He reclined at the table.

there came unto him a woman having an alabaster cruse of exceeding precious ointment, and she poured it upon his head, as he sat at meat.

Commentary

Matthew 26:7 KJV describes a poignant moment of devotion where an unnamed woman anoints Jesus with costly perfume, an act that carries deep significance just days before His crucifixion. This event, often referred to as the Anointing at Bethany, highlights profound love and prophetic insight.

Historical and Cultural Context

This scene unfolds in Bethany, likely at the home of Simon the leper (Mark 14:3), as Jesus sat "at meat" (dining). In ancient Jewish culture, anointing a guest's head with oil was a sign of hospitality, but the use of "very precious ointment" (Greek: myron, a costly perfume) went far beyond mere custom. The container, an "alabaster box" (Greek: alabastron), was a common vessel for holding expensive perfumes, often sealed and broken to release the fragrance. This act was one of extreme generosity, as such ointment could represent a significant sum, perhaps even a year's wages, as indicated in John's parallel account, which identifies the woman as Mary, the sister of Lazarus.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Extravagant Devotion: The woman's act was one of selfless and lavish worship, offering her most valuable possession to Jesus. It symbolizes a heart overflowing with love and reverence, holding nothing back.
  • Prophetic Preparation: Jesus interprets this act as a prophetic preparation for His impending death and burial (Matthew 26:12). In a culture where bodies were anointed for burial, her deed unknowingly served this purpose, underscoring Jesus's awareness of His divine mission and ultimate sacrifice.
  • Contrast with Indifference and Greed: This act of pure devotion stands in stark contrast to the indignation of some disciples, particularly Judas Iscariot, who questioned the "waste" and suggested the ointment should have been sold for the poor (Matthew 26:8). This immediately precedes Judas's betrayal, highlighting the difference between genuine love for Christ and self-serving motives.

Linguistic Insights

The term "alabaster box" (Greek: alabastron) refers to a small, often pear-shaped flask made from alabaster, a soft, fine-grained stone. These vessels were typically sealed, and sometimes broken at the neck to access the precious contents, emphasizing the finality and totality of the woman's gift. The "ointment" (Greek: myron) signifies a highly fragrant and costly perfume, indicative of its significant value.

Practical Application

Matthew 26:7 challenges believers to consider the nature of their own devotion to Jesus Christ. Are we willing to offer our "most precious ointment"—our time, talents, resources, and deepest affections—without reservation? This verse reminds us that true worship is often extravagant, not calculated, and that acts of love and sacrifice for Jesus are profoundly meaningful in God's eyes, regardless of how they may be perceived by others. It encourages us to give our best to God, recognizing His supreme worth and the ultimate sacrifice He made for us on the cross, fulfilling His mission as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.

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Cross-References

  • John 12:2 (7 votes)

    There they made him a supper; and Martha served: but Lazarus was one of them that sat at the table with him.

  • John 12:3 (7 votes)

    Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment.

  • Luke 7:46 (5 votes)

    My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment.

  • Luke 7:37 (5 votes)

    And, behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner, when she knew that [Jesus] sat at meat in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster box of ointment,

  • Luke 7:38 (5 votes)

    And stood at his feet behind [him] weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe [them] with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed [them] with the ointment.

  • Song Of Solomon 1:3 (3 votes)

    Because of the savour of thy good ointments thy name [is as] ointment poured forth, therefore do the virgins love thee.

  • Exodus 30:23 (3 votes)

    Take thou also unto thee principal spices, of pure myrrh five hundred [shekels], and of sweet cinnamon half so much, [even] two hundred and fifty [shekels], and of sweet calamus two hundred and fifty [shekels],