Matthew 26:10
When Jesus understood it, he said unto them, Why trouble ye the woman? for she hath wrought a good work upon me.
Original Language Analysis
γνοὺς
understood
G1097
γνοὺς
understood
Strong's:
G1097
Word #:
1 of 17
to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
4 of 17
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
αὐτοῖς
unto them
G846
αὐτοῖς
unto them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
6 of 17
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 17
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
κόπους
trouble ye
G2873
κόπους
trouble ye
Strong's:
G2873
Word #:
8 of 17
a cut, i.e., (by analogy) toil (as reducing the strength), literally or figuratively; by implication, pains
παρέχετε
G3930
παρέχετε
Strong's:
G3930
Word #:
9 of 17
to hold near, i.e., present, afford, exhibit, furnish occasion
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἔργον
work
G2041
ἔργον
work
Strong's:
G2041
Word #:
12 of 17
toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act
γὰρ
for
G1063
γὰρ
for
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
13 of 17
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
καλὸν
a good
G2570
καλὸν
a good
Strong's:
G2570
Word #:
14 of 17
properly, beautiful, but chiefly (figuratively) good (literally or morally), i.e., valuable or virtuous (for appearance or use, and thus distinguished
εἰργάσατο
she hath wrought
G2038
εἰργάσατο
she hath wrought
Strong's:
G2038
Word #:
15 of 17
to toil (as a task, occupation, etc.), (by implication) effect, be engaged in or with, etc
Cross References
Titus 3:8This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.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.1 Timothy 3:1This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.1 Timothy 5:10Well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints' feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work.Titus 1:16They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.Titus 3:14And let our's also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful.Titus 3:1Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work,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.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.Colossians 1:10That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;
Historical Context
In first-century Judaism, women's spiritual insights were often dismissed. Jesus's public affirmation of Mary's 'good work' honors her prophetic understanding and challenges gender hierarchies. She becomes a model of devotion when male disciples remain confused and critical.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus's defense of Mary encourage you when religious people criticize your expressions of wholehearted devotion?
- What makes an act 'good' in God's eyes—its practical utility or its expression of love for Christ?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Why trouble ye the woman?—Jesus defends Mary with parechete kopous (παρέχετε κόπους), 'stop causing her trouble/grief.' The Greek present tense suggests they were continuing to harass her. Christ protects His worshipers from religious critics. He values her heart's devotion over their utilitarian calculations.
For she hath wrought a good work upon me—The phrase ergon kalon (ἔργον καλόν) means 'beautiful work' or 'noble deed.' Jesus recognizes her act as prophetically significant. Unlike the disciples' blindness, Mary grasps that Jesus is the suffering Messiah who will die. Her anointing demonstrates spiritual insight and abandoned love.