John 12:3

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ἡ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#2
οὖν
G3767
Then
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
#3
Μαρία
G3137
Mary
maria or mariam (i.e., mirjam), the name of six christian females
#4
λαβοῦσα
G2983
took
while g0138 is more violent, to seize or remove))
#5
λίτραν
G3046
a pound
a pound in weight
#6
μύρου
G3464
of ointment
"myrrh", i.e., (by implication) perfumed oil
#7
νάρδου
G3487
of spikenard
"nard"
#8
πιστικῆς
G4101
trustworthy, i.e., genuine (unadulterated)
#9
πολυτίμου
G4186
very costly
extremely valuable
#10
ἤλειψεν
G218
and anointed
to oil (with perfume)
#11
τοὺς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#12
πόδας
G4228
feet
a "foot" (figuratively or literally)
#13
τοῦ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#14
Ἰησοῦ
G2424
of Jesus
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
#15
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#16
ἐξέμαξεν
G1591
wiped
to knead out, i.e., (by analogy) to wipe dry
#17
ταῖς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#18
θριξὶν
G2359
hair
of uncertain derivation; hair
#19
αὐτοῦ·
G846
his
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
#20
τοὺς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#21
πόδας
G4228
feet
a "foot" (figuratively or literally)
#22
αὐτοῦ·
G846
his
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
#23
ἡ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#24
δὲ
G1161
and
but, and, etc
#25
οἰκία
G3614
the house
properly, residence (abstractly), but usually (concretely) an abode (literally or figuratively); by implication, a family (especially domestics)
#26
ἐπληρώθη
G4137
was filled
to make replete, i.e., (literally) to cram (a net), level up (a hollow), or (figuratively) to furnish (or imbue, diffuse, influence), satisfy, execute
#27
ἐκ
G1537
with
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
#28
τῆς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#29
ὀσμῆς
G3744
the odour
fragrance (literally or figuratively)
#30
τοῦ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#31
μύρου
G3464
of ointment
"myrrh", i.e., (by implication) perfumed oil

Analysis

Within the broader context of John, this passage highlights divine love through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of John.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of divine love within the theological tradition of John Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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