Mark 14:5
For it might have been sold for more than three hundred pence, and have been given to the poor. And they murmured against her.
Original Language Analysis
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 14
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
πραθῆναι
have been sold
G4097
πραθῆναι
have been sold
Strong's:
G4097
Word #:
4 of 14
from the base of g4008); to traffic (by travelling), i.e., dispose of as merchandise or into slavery (literally or figuratively)
ἐπάνω
for more than
G1883
ἐπάνω
for more than
Strong's:
G1883
Word #:
5 of 14
up above, i.e., over or on (of place, amount, rank, etc.)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
8 of 14
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
δοθῆναι
have been given
G1325
δοθῆναι
have been given
Strong's:
G1325
Word #:
9 of 14
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πτωχοῖς·
to the poor
G4434
πτωχοῖς·
to the poor
Strong's:
G4434
Word #:
11 of 14
akin to g4422 and the alternate of g4098); a beggar (as cringing), i.e., pauper (strictly denoting absolute or public mendicancy, although also used i
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
12 of 14
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Historical Context
This anointing occurred in Bethany at Simon the leper's house, just days before Passover (AD 30). A denarius was a day's wage (Matthew 20:2), making 300 denarii nearly a year's earnings—a sum highlighting both the woman's sacrificial love and the disciples' shock. Mark's account emphasizes their collective disapproval, while John reveals Judas as the instigator, whose betrayal for 30 pieces of silver would soon follow.
Questions for Reflection
- When has concern for 'practical ministry' caused you to miss opportunities for extravagant worship of Christ?
- How does this passage challenge the false dichotomy between worship and service to the poor?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
For it might have been sold for more than three hundred pence (τριακοσίων δηναρίων, triakosion denariōn)—approximately one year's wages for a laborer, emphasizing the extravagance of the anointing. The critics' calculation reveals their focus on economic utility over worship's intrinsic worth.
And have been given to the poor—John's Gospel identifies Judas Iscariot as the primary objector (John 12:4-6), noting his role as treasurer and thief. The concern for the poor, while appearing righteous, masked greed and a failure to recognize Christ's impending death. Jesus would later rebuke this misdirected piety: "The poor you have with you always" (v.7), affirming that this unique moment of preparing His body for burial transcended even charitable duty. They murmured against her (ἐνεβριμῶντο, enebrimōnto)—literally "snorted with anger," expressing harsh, indignant criticism of the woman's devotion.