Matthew 26:6
Now when Jesus was in Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper,
Original Language Analysis
Τοῦ
G3588
Τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 11
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦ
when Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦ
when Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
3 of 11
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
γενομένου
was
G1096
γενομένου
was
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
4 of 11
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
οἰκίᾳ
the house
G3614
οἰκίᾳ
the house
Strong's:
G3614
Word #:
8 of 11
properly, residence (abstractly), but usually (concretely) an abode (literally or figuratively); by implication, a family (especially domestics)
Historical Context
This anointing occurs on Wednesday evening of Passion Week (John 12:1-8 places it six days before Passover). Mark 14:3-9 provides a parallel account. The location in Bethany, outside Jerusalem's tumult, offered Jesus refuge during His final week before crucifixion.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus's choice to fellowship with a former leper demonstrate the radical inclusiveness of His kingdom?
- What does Jesus's pattern of ministry in Bethany reveal about the importance of intimate friendship and refuge during spiritual warfare?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Now when Jesus was in Bethany—Bethany means 'house of affliction' or 'house of dates,' located about two miles east of Jerusalem on the Mount of Olives' eastern slope. This was Jesus's base during Passion Week, home of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus (John 11:1)—the family Jesus loved.
In the house of Simon the leper—Simon had likely been healed by Jesus, hence hosting this meal. The Greek lepros (λεπρός) designated various skin diseases that rendered one ceremonially unclean (Leviticus 13-14). That Jesus dines in a former leper's home demonstrates His radical acceptance of the marginalized and His power to cleanse the unclean.