Mark 14:7
For ye have the poor with you always, and whensoever ye will ye may do them good: but me ye have not always.
Original Language Analysis
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 19
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πτωχοὺς
the poor
G4434
πτωχοὺς
the poor
Strong's:
G4434
Word #:
4 of 19
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
ἔχετε
ye have
G2192
ἔχετε
ye have
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
5 of 19
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
μεθ'
with
G3326
μεθ'
with
Strong's:
G3326
Word #:
6 of 19
properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)
ἑαυτῶν
you
G1438
ἑαυτῶν
you
Strong's:
G1438
Word #:
7 of 19
(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
8 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὅταν
whensoever
G3752
ὅταν
whensoever
Strong's:
G3752
Word #:
9 of 19
whenever (implying hypothesis or more or less uncertainty); also causatively (conjunctionally) inasmuch as
θέλητε
ye will
G2309
θέλητε
ye will
Strong's:
G2309
Word #:
10 of 19
to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),
αὐτούς
them
G846
αὐτούς
them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
12 of 19
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
ποιῆσαι
do
G4160
ποιῆσαι
do
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
14 of 19
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
Historical Context
This exchange occurs at Simon the leper's house in Bethany, two days before Passover (v. 1). The woman's extravagant act—breaking an alabaster flask of pure nard worth 300 denarii (a year's wages)—provoked indignation from disciples who saw it as wasteful. Jesus's response reorients their understanding of worship's priority while affirming Deuteronomy's mandate to care for the poor.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus's defense of this woman challenge modern utilitarian calculations that dismiss 'wasteful' worship?
- In what ways might legitimate concern for the poor become a shield for avoiding costly personal devotion to Christ?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
For ye have the poor with you always—Jesus quotes Deuteronomy 15:11, not to justify indifference toward poverty, but to establish the unique significance of this moment. The phrase πάντοτε (pantote, "always") underscores the ongoing nature of poverty in a fallen world and the perpetual call to compassion.
But me ye have not always—Christ identifies this woman's anointing as a prophetic preparation for His burial (v. 8). The temporal limitation of His physical presence demands recognition of this kairos moment. Against Judas's feigned concern for the poor (John 12:6), Jesus vindicates costly worship. The contrast isn't poor versus Christ, but the permanence of social obligation versus the once-for-all opportunity to honor Him before the cross. True love for the poor flows from devotion to Christ, not in competition with it.