John 12:3
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.
Original Language Analysis
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 31
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Μαρία
Mary
G3137
Μαρία
Mary
Strong's:
G3137
Word #:
3 of 31
maria or mariam (i.e., mirjam), the name of six christian females
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 31
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 31
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦ
of Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦ
of Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
14 of 31
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
15 of 31
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ταῖς
G3588
ταῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 31
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτοῦ·
his
G846
αὐτοῦ·
his
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
19 of 31
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
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
20 of 31
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτοῦ·
his
G846
αὐτοῦ·
his
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
22 of 31
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
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
23 of 31
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
οἰκία
the house
G3614
οἰκία
the house
Strong's:
G3614
Word #:
25 of 31
properly, residence (abstractly), but usually (concretely) an abode (literally or figuratively); by implication, a family (especially domestics)
ἐπληρώθη
was filled
G4137
ἐπληρώθη
was filled
Strong's:
G4137
Word #:
26 of 31
to make replete, i.e., (literally) to cram (a net), level up (a hollow), or (figuratively) to furnish (or imbue, diffuse, influence), satisfy, execute
ἐκ
with
G1537
ἐκ
with
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
27 of 31
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
28 of 31
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
John 11:2(It was that Mary which anointed the Lord with ointment, and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick.)Luke 7:46My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment.John 11:32Then when Mary was come where Jesus was, and saw him, she fell down at his feet, saying unto him, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.John 11:28And when she had so said, she went her way, and called Mary her sister secretly, saying, The Master is come, and calleth for thee.Song of Solomon 1:3Because of the savour of thy good ointments thy name is as ointment poured forth, therefore do the virgins love thee.
Historical Context
Spikenard imported from the Himalayas was extremely costly. Women's unbound hair was considered intimate, making Mary's act shocking. Her behavior demonstrates devotion transcending cultural propriety.
Questions for Reflection
- What does Mary's extravagant worship teach about appropriate response to Christ's grace?
- How does her prophetic anointing demonstrate spiritual insight others lacked?
- In what ways does genuine worship affect those around us?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Mary anoints Jesus' feet with expensive spikenard (pure nard), then wipes them with her hair. The act is extravagant worship—the oil cost a year's wages (v. 5). Feet-anointing was servant's work; using hair was radical humility. Mary's act demonstrates love beyond calculation, worship beyond propriety. The fragrance filling the house symbolizes worship's impact—genuine devotion affects everyone present. This anointing fulfills Jesus' prediction (Matt 26:13) and previews His burial preparation. Mary grasps what others miss: Jesus' imminent death.