Matthew 26:13
Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached in the whole world, there shall also this, that this woman hath done, be told for a memorial of her.
Original Language Analysis
ἀμὴν
Verily
G281
ἀμὴν
Verily
Strong's:
G281
Word #:
1 of 21
properly, firm, i.e., (figuratively) trustworthy; adverbially, surely (often as interjection, so be it)
λέγω
I say
G3004
λέγω
I say
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
2 of 21
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
ἐὰν
G1437
ἐὰν
Strong's:
G1437
Word #:
5 of 21
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
κηρυχθῇ
shall be preached
G2784
κηρυχθῇ
shall be preached
Strong's:
G2784
Word #:
6 of 21
to herald (as a public crier), especially divine truth (the gospel)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὅλῳ
the whole
G3650
ὅλῳ
the whole
Strong's:
G3650
Word #:
11 of 21
"whole" or "all", i.e., complete (in extent, amount, time or degree), especially (neuter) as noun or adverb
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κόσμῳ
world
G2889
κόσμῳ
world
Strong's:
G2889
Word #:
13 of 21
orderly arrangement, i.e., decoration; by implication, the world (including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively (morally))
καὶ
there shall also
G2532
καὶ
there shall also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
15 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὃ
G3739
ὃ
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
16 of 21
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ἐποίησεν
hath done
G4160
ἐποίησεν
hath done
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
17 of 21
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
αὐτῆς
of her
G846
αὐτῆς
of her
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
18 of 21
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
εἰς
for
G1519
εἰς
for
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
19 of 21
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
Cross References
Mark 14:9Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached throughout the whole world, this also that she hath done shall be spoken of for a memorial of her.Psalms 112:6Surely he shall not be moved for ever: the righteous shall be in everlasting remembrance.Matthew 24:14And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.
Historical Context
When Jesus spoke this, Christianity didn't exist as a movement. His prediction of global gospel proclamation was audacious—yet fulfilled. For 2,000 years, Mary's anointing has been recounted in every language and culture, immortalizing her worship in Scripture itself.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus's promise to memorialize Mary's worship demonstrate that God values our devotion more than our achievements?
- What acts of devotion to Christ might seem 'wasteful' to the world but will receive eternal commendation from Jesus?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Verily I say unto you—The solemn formula amen lego humin (ἀμὴν λέγω ὑμῖν) introduces authoritative pronouncement. Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached in the whole world—Jesus prophesies global evangelization (en holo to kosmo, ἐν ὅλῳ τῷ κόσμῳ, 'in the whole world'). Before His death, He envisions worldwide proclamation of the euangelion (εὐαγγέλιον), the 'good news' of His redemptive work.
There shall also this, that this woman hath done, be told for a memorial of her—Mary's devotion receives Christ's ultimate commendation: eternal remembrance wherever the gospel spreads. Her name becomes inseparable from gospel proclamation itself. While Judas's name means 'betrayer,' Mary's deed exemplifies abandoned worship.