John 12:7
Then said Jesus, Let her alone: against the day of my burying hath she kept this.
Original Language Analysis
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
4 of 14
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
αὐτό·
her
G846
αὐτό·
her
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
6 of 14
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
εἰς
against
G1519
εἰς
against
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
7 of 14
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἡμέραν
the day
G2250
ἡμέραν
the day
Strong's:
G2250
Word #:
9 of 14
day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Matthew 26:12For in that she hath poured this ointment on my body, she did it for my burial.Mark 14:6And Jesus said, Let her alone; why trouble ye her? she hath wrought a good work on me.Matthew 26:10When Jesus understood it, he said unto them, Why trouble ye the woman? for she hath wrought a good work upon me.
Historical Context
Burial preparation involved anointing with expensive spices and oils. Jesus' reference to His burial again predicts His imminent death, though the disciples still don't grasp this.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus' defense of Mary validate worship that others criticize as excessive?
- What does 'against the day of my burying' teach about prophetic spiritual insight?
- In what ways does worship take precedence over other good works?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Jesus defends Mary: 'Let her alone,' indicating opposition to her (probably from Judas but possibly others). The phrase 'against the day of my burying hath she kept this' suggests she saved the ointment for His burial. Jesus recognizes her act as prophetic preparation for His death. Whether Mary consciously understood or acted on spiritual intuition, Jesus affirms her worship. His statement 'ye have the poor always' doesn't diminish concern for poverty but establishes worship's priority. The unique opportunity to honor the Incarnate Son transcends social obligation.