Mark 14:4
And there were some that had indignation within themselves, and said, Why was this waste of the ointment made?
Original Language Analysis
ἀγανακτοῦντες
that had indignation
G23
ἀγανακτοῦντες
that had indignation
Strong's:
G23
Word #:
4 of 16
to be greatly afflicted, i.e., (figuratively) indignant
πρὸς
within
G4314
πρὸς
within
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
5 of 16
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
ἑαυτούς
themselves
G1438
ἑαυτούς
themselves
Strong's:
G1438
Word #:
6 of 16
(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
7 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
λέγοντες,
said
G3004
λέγοντες,
said
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
8 of 16
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
Εἰς
Why
G1519
Εἰς
Why
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
9 of 16
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τί
G5101
τί
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
10 of 16
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὕτη
this
G3778
αὕτη
this
Strong's:
G3778
Word #:
13 of 16
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Historical Context
This occurred in Bethany at Simon the leper's house, six days before Passover (John 12:1). The ointment of pure nard (Mark 14:3) cost 300 denarii—nearly a year's wages for a laborer. In first-century Jewish culture, such extravagant acts toward a rabbi were unusual but reflected deep devotion and recognition of Jesus' messianic identity.
Questions for Reflection
- What acts of devotion to Christ might others criticize as "wasteful" that are actually precious to Him?
- How does viewing worship through an economic lens (cost-benefit analysis) reveal spiritual blindness to Jesus' worth?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And there were some that had indignation (ἀγανακτέω, aganakteō)—strong displeasure or irritation, not mere disappointment. John 12:4-5 identifies Judas Iscariot as the primary objector, though others joined his protest.
Why was this waste of the ointment made? (ἀπώλεια, apōleia)—the Greek apōleia means "destruction, loss, ruin," the same word used for eternal perdition (Matthew 7:13). The irony is profound: they accused Mary of "waste" for honoring Jesus, while Judas himself would become the "son of perdition" (John 17:12). What appears wasteful in human economy—extravagant worship, sacrificial devotion—is precious to Christ. Their calculated objection masked spiritual blindness to Jesus' imminent death, which Mary alone seemed to grasp (Mark 14:8).