And being in Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at meat, there came a woman having an alabaster box of ointment of spikenard very precious; and she brake the box, and poured it on his head.
And being in Bethany in the house of Simon the leper—The location is significant: Bethany (בֵּית־אַנְיָה, "house of affliction") was Jesus's retreat during Passion Week, home to Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. Simon the leper (Σίμων ὁ λεπρός) was likely healed by Jesus—he would not be hosting a meal otherwise—demonstrating Christ's power over ritual uncleanness.
An alabaster box of ointment of spikenard very precious (ἀλάβαστρον μύρου νάρδου πιστικῆς πολυτελοῦς)—John's parallel account identifies this woman as Mary of Bethany. Nardos pistikē ("pure nard") was imported from the Himalayas, worth 300 denarii—nearly a year's wages. She brake the box—She didn't just open it but shattered the flask, making the gift irrevocable and total. This extravagant act was prophetic anointing for burial (v. 8), foreshadowing the spices the women would bring to the tomb. While Judas criticized the "waste" (John 12:4-5), Jesus praised her understanding: He would soon be gone, and no sacrifice for Him is wasted.
Historical Context
This anointing occurred during Passion Week (likely Tuesday evening, two days before Passover) in the village of Bethany, about two miles east of Jerusalem on the Mount of Olives. Mark places this account between the Jewish leaders' plot to kill Jesus and Judas's agreement to betray Him—the contrast between Mary's worship and Judas's treachery is deliberate. Anointing a guest's feet was customary hospitality; anointing the head was reserved for kings and priests (1 Samuel 10:1, Psalm 23:5).
Questions for Reflection
What does Mary's breaking of the alabaster box teach about wholehearted, irrevocable devotion to Christ?
How does this account challenge the way you calculate "waste" versus "worship" in your service to Jesus?
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Analysis & Commentary
And being in Bethany in the house of Simon the leper—The location is significant: Bethany (בֵּית־אַנְיָה, "house of affliction") was Jesus's retreat during Passion Week, home to Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. Simon the leper (Σίμων ὁ λεπρός) was likely healed by Jesus—he would not be hosting a meal otherwise—demonstrating Christ's power over ritual uncleanness.
An alabaster box of ointment of spikenard very precious (ἀλάβαστρον μύρου νάρδου πιστικῆς πολυτελοῦς)—John's parallel account identifies this woman as Mary of Bethany. Nardos pistikē ("pure nard") was imported from the Himalayas, worth 300 denarii—nearly a year's wages. She brake the box—She didn't just open it but shattered the flask, making the gift irrevocable and total. This extravagant act was prophetic anointing for burial (v. 8), foreshadowing the spices the women would bring to the tomb. While Judas criticized the "waste" (John 12:4-5), Jesus praised her understanding: He would soon be gone, and no sacrifice for Him is wasted.