Mark 14:6
And Jesus said, Let her alone; why trouble ye her? she hath wrought a good work on me.
Original Language Analysis
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
3 of 15
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
αὐτῇ
her
G846
αὐτῇ
her
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
6 of 15
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
τί
why
G5101
τί
why
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
7 of 15
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
αὐτῇ
her
G846
αὐτῇ
her
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
8 of 15
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
κόπους
trouble ye
G2873
κόπους
trouble ye
Strong's:
G2873
Word #:
9 of 15
a cut, i.e., (by analogy) toil (as reducing the strength), literally or figuratively; by implication, pains
παρέχετε
G3930
παρέχετε
Strong's:
G3930
Word #:
10 of 15
to hold near, i.e., present, afford, exhibit, furnish occasion
καλὸν
a good
G2570
καλὸν
a good
Strong's:
G2570
Word #:
11 of 15
properly, beautiful, but chiefly (figuratively) good (literally or morally), i.e., valuable or virtuous (for appearance or use, and thus distinguished
ἔργον
work
G2041
ἔργον
work
Strong's:
G2041
Word #:
12 of 15
toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act
εἰργάσατο
she hath wrought
G2038
εἰργάσατο
she hath wrought
Strong's:
G2038
Word #:
13 of 15
to toil (as a task, occupation, etc.), (by implication) effect, be engaged in or with, etc
Cross References
Hebrews 10:24And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:Hebrews 13:21Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.Ephesians 2:10For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.Matthew 26:10When Jesus understood it, he said unto them, Why trouble ye the woman? for she hath wrought a good work upon me.Titus 2:14Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.Titus 3:14And let our's also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful.2 Timothy 2:21If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work.
Historical Context
This anointing occurred in Bethany during Passion Week (26-30 AD), just days before the crucifixion. Pure nard was imported from the Himalayas, making it extraordinarily expensive—worth 300 denarii (a year's wages for a laborer). The disciples' objection reflected common Jewish values of charity, but Jesus corrected their failure to recognize the eschatological moment.
Questions for Reflection
- When have you criticized another's worship as "wasteful" because it seemed impractical?
- How does Jesus' defense of this woman challenge your assumption that practical charity always trumps costly devotion?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Let her alone; why trouble ye her? (Ἄφετε αὐτήν· τί αὐτῇ κόπους παρέχετε;)—Jesus defends the woman against the disciples' criticism with a sharp rhetorical question. The verb aphete ("let alone") is an imperative command, demanding they cease their reproach. She hath wrought a good work on me (καλὸν ἔργον ἠργάσατο ἐν ἐμοί)—kalon ergon means "beautiful work," denoting moral excellence and intrinsic goodness, not mere utility.
Jesus reframes wasteful extravagance as prophetic worship. The disciples saw economics; Christ saw eschatology. Her anointing anticipated his burial (v. 8), making this costly devotion a singular act of prophetic insight. By defending her, Jesus establishes that love's extravagance toward him transcends even charitable duty—a radical prioritization that offended utilitarian piety then and now.