Mat 26:6-13 | NETfull | STEP | Now while Jesus was in Bethany at the house of Simon the leper,

Matthew 26:6-13

Jesus’ Anointing

6 Now while Jesus was in Bethany at the house of Simon the leper, 7 a woman came to him with an alabaster jar ^{▼▼ A jar made of alabaster stone was normally used for very precious substances like perfumes. It normally had a long neck which was sealed and had to be broken off so the contents could be used.} of expensive perfumed oil, ^{▼▼ Μύρον (muron) was usually made of myrrh (from which the English word is derived) but here it is used in the sense of ointment or perfumed oil (L&N 6.205).} ^{▼▼ Nard or spikenard is a fragrant oil from the root and spike of the nard plant of northern India. This perfumed oil, if made of something like nard, would have been extremely expensive, costing up to a year’s pay for an average laborer.} and she poured it on his head as he was at the table. ^{▼▼ Grk “as he was reclining at table.”} ^{▼▼ 1st century middle eastern meals were not eaten while sitting at a table, but while reclining on one’s side on the floor with the head closest to the low table and the feet farthest away.} 8 When ^{▼▼ Here δέ (de) has not been translated.} the disciples saw this, they became indignant and said, “Why this waste? 9 It ^{▼▼ Here γάρ (gar) has not been translated.} could have been sold at a high price and the money ^{▼▼ The words “the money” are not in the Greek text, but are implied (as the proceeds from the sale of the perfumed oil).} given to the poor!” 10 When ^{▼▼ Here δέ (de) has not been translated.} Jesus learned of this, he said to them, “Why are you bothering this woman? She ^{▼▼ Grk “For she.” Here γάρ (gar) has not been translated.} has done a good service for me. 11 For you will always have the poor with you, but you will not always have me! ^{▼▼ In the Greek text of this clause, “me” is in emphatic position (the first word in the clause). To convey some impression of the emphasis, an exclamation point is used in the translation.} 12 When ^{▼▼ Grk “For when.” Here γάρ (gar) has not been translated.} she poured this oil on my body, she did it to prepare me for burial. 13 I tell you the truth, ^{▼▼ Grk “Truly (ἀμήν, amēn), I say to you.”} wherever this gospel is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will also be told in memory of her.”