Mark 14:8
She hath done what she could: she is come aforehand to anoint my body to the burying.
Original Language Analysis
ὃ
what
G3739
ὃ
what
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
1 of 12
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
εἶχεν
could
G2192
εἶχεν
could
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
2 of 12
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
αὕτη
she
G3778
αὕτη
she
Strong's:
G3778
Word #:
3 of 12
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
ἐποίησεν·
She hath done
G4160
ἐποίησεν·
She hath done
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
4 of 12
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
προέλαβεν
she is come aforehand
G4301
προέλαβεν
she is come aforehand
Strong's:
G4301
Word #:
5 of 12
to take in advance, i.e., (literally) eat before others have an opportunity; (figuratively) to anticipate, surprise
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
σῶμά
body
G4983
σῶμά
body
Strong's:
G4983
Word #:
9 of 12
the body (as a sound whole), used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively
εἰς
to
G1519
εἰς
to
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
10 of 12
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
Historical Context
This anointing occurred at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, just two days before Passover (Mark 14:1-3). Anointing corpses with spices was Jewish burial custom, but Jesus was buried hastily without full preparation due to the approaching Sabbath. The woman's use of pure nard (worth 300 denarii, nearly a year's wages) reflected extraordinary devotion that scandalized the economically-minded disciples.
Questions for Reflection
- What does it mean to do 'what you could' for Christ rather than what others expect or demand?
- How does this woman's prophetic act of worship challenge your understanding of extravagant devotion to Jesus?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
She hath done what she could (ὃ ἔσχεν ἐποίησεν, ho eschen epoiēsen)—Jesus defends the woman's act with this profound commendation. The Greek literally means 'what she had, she did,' emphasizing the totality of her devotion. Her act was not measured by external standards but by the completeness of her sacrifice.
She is come aforehand to anoint my body to the burying (προέλαβεν μυρίσαι, proelaben myrisai)—Jesus reinterprets her act of worship as prophetic preparation for his death. The verb 'come aforehand' (προλαμβάνω) means to anticipate or do beforehand. While others would seek to anoint his body after death (Mark 16:1), finding the tomb empty, this woman accomplished the anointing while he lived. Her extravagant love achieved what the devoted women at the tomb could not—she anointed the Messiah for burial.