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class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/matthew/26.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/matthew/26.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />&#8220This perfume could have been sold at a high price and the money given to the poor.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/matthew/26.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />“It could have been sold for a high price and the money given to the poor.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/matthew/26.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />For this could have been sold for a large sum and given to the poor.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/matthew/26.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />This perfume could have been sold at a high price, and the money given to the poor.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/matthew/26.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />For this could have been sold for much, and have been given to <i>the</i> poor."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/matthew/26.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />For this ointment might have been sold for much, and given to the poor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/matthew/26.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />For this fragrant oil might have been sold for much and given to <i>the</i> poor.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/matthew/26.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />For this <i>perfume</i> could have been sold for a high price and <i>the money</i> given to the poor.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/matthew/26.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220For this perfume might have been sold for a high price and the money given to the poor.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/matthew/26.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“For this <i>perfume</i> might have been sold for a high price and <i>the money</i> given to the poor.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/matthew/26.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />For this <i>perfume</i> might have been sold for a high price and <i>the money</i> given to the poor.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/matthew/26.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />For this <i>perfume</i> might have been sold at a high price and <i>the money</i> given to the poor.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/matthew/26.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />“This might have been sold for a great deal and given to the poor.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/matthew/26.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />This might have been sold for a great deal and given to the poor.&#8221 <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/matthew/26.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />For this ointment might have been sold for much, and given to the poor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/matthew/26.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />We could have sold this perfume for a lot of money and given it to the poor." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/matthew/26.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />For this ointment might have been sold for much, and given to the poor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/matthew/26.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />It could have been sold for a high price, and the money could have been given to the poor."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/matthew/26.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />"This perfume could have been sold for a large amount and the money given to the poor!" <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/matthew/26.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Surely this perfume could've been sold for a high price and the money given to the destitute."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/matthew/26.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />This perfume could have been sold at a high price, and the money given to the poor.?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/matthew/26.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />It could have been sold at a high price and the money given to the poor!"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/matthew/26.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />For this ointment might have been sold for much, and given to the poor."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/matthew/26.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />For this ointment might have been sold for much, and given to the poor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/matthew/26.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />"for this might have been sold for a considerable sum, and the money given to the poor."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/matthew/26.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />For this ointment might have been sold for much and given to the poor.” <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/matthew/26.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />For this ointment could have been sold for much, and given to the poor.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/matthew/26.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />For this could have been sold for much, and have been given to <i>the</i> poor."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/matthew/26.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> for this ointment could have been sold for much, and given to the poor.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/matthew/26.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />For this perfumed oil could have been sold for much, and have been given to the poor.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/matthew/26.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />For this might have been sold for much, and given to the poor. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/matthew/26.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />For this could have been sold for a great deal, so as to be given to the poor.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/matthew/26.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />It could have been sold for much, and the money given to the poor.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/matthew/26.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />For this ointment could have been sold for a large sum, and the money given to the poor.”<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/matthew/26.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />For it could have been sold for a great deal, and given to the poor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/matthew/26.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />“For it would have been possible to sell this for much and it might have been given to the poor.”<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/matthew/26.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />For this could have been sold for much, and given to the poor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/matthew/26.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />For this was able to be sold for much, and given to the poor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/matthew/26.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />For this ointment might have been sold for a considerable sum, and given to the poor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/matthew/26.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />for this could have been sold for a great price, which might have been given to the poor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/matthew/26.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />"for this might have been sold for a considerable sum, and the money given to the poor."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/matthew/26.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />For this might have been sold for much, and given to the poor!"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/matthew/26.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />for this ointment might have been sold for a great deal <i>of money,</i> and given to the poor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/matthew/26-9.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hriiyJYqzvc?start=7929" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/matthew/26.htm">Jesus Anointed at Bethany</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">8</span>When the disciples saw this, they were indignant and asked, “Why this waste? <span class="reftext">9</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/1063.htm" title="1063: gar (Conj) -- For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason."></a> <a href="/greek/3778.htm" title="3778: touto (DPro-NNS) -- This; he, she, it. ">This perfume</a> <a href="/greek/1410.htm" title="1410: edynato (V-IIM/P-3S) -- (a) I am powerful, have (the) power, (b) I am able, I can. Of uncertain affinity; to be able or possible.">could</a> <a href="/greek/4097.htm" title="4097: prathēnai (V-ANP) -- A reduplicated and prolonged form of prao; contracted from perao; to traffic, i.e. Dispose of as merchandise or into slavery.">have been sold</a> <a href="/greek/4183.htm" title="4183: pollou (Adj-GNS) -- Much, many; often. ">at a high price,</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/1325.htm" title="1325: dothēnai (V-ANP) -- To offer, give; I put, place. A prolonged form of a primary verb; to give.">the money given</a> <a href="/greek/4434.htm" title="4434: ptōchois (Adj-DMP) -- Poor, destitute, spiritually poor, either in a good sense (humble devout persons) or bad. ">to the poor.”</a> </span> <span class="reftext">10</span>Aware of this, Jesus asked, “Why are you bothering this woman? She has done a beautiful deed to Me.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/12-4.htm">John 12:4-6</a></span><br />But one of His disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was going to betray Him, asked, / “Why wasn’t this perfume sold for three hundred denarii and the money given to the poor?” / Judas did not say this because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief. As keeper of the money bag, he used to take from what was put into it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/14-4.htm">Mark 14:4-5</a></span><br />Some of those present, however, expressed their indignation to one another: “Why this waste of perfume? / It could have been sold for over three hundred denarii and the money given to the poor.” And they scolded her.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/13-29.htm">John 13:29</a></span><br />Since Judas kept the money bag, some thought that Jesus was telling him to buy what was needed for the feast, or to give something to the poor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/10-38.htm">Luke 10:38-42</a></span><br />As they traveled along, Jesus entered a village where a woman named Martha welcomed Him into her home. / She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to His message. / But Martha was distracted by all the preparations to be made. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her to help me!” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/11-1.htm">John 11:1-2</a></span><br />At this time a man named Lazarus was sick. He lived in Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. / (Mary, whose brother Lazarus was sick, was to anoint the Lord with perfume and wipe His feet with her hair.)<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/2-29.htm">1 Samuel 2:29</a></span><br />Why then do you kick at My sacrifice and offering that I have prescribed for My dwelling place? You have honored your sons more than Me by fattening yourselves with the best of all the offerings of My people Israel.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/4-42.htm">2 Kings 4:42-44</a></span><br />Now a man from Baal-shalishah came to the man of God with a sack of twenty loaves of barley bread from the first ripe grain. “Give it to the people to eat,” said Elisha. / But his servant asked, “How am I to set twenty loaves before a hundred men?” “Give it to the people to eat,” said Elisha, “for this is what the LORD says: ‘They will eat and have some left over.’” / So he set it before them, and they ate and had some left over, according to the word of the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/19-17.htm">Proverbs 19:17</a></span><br />Kindness to the poor is a loan to the LORD, and He will repay the lender.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/15-11.htm">Deuteronomy 15:11</a></span><br />For there will never cease to be poor in the land; that is why I am commanding you to open wide your hand to your brother and to the poor and needy in your land.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/4-34.htm">Acts 4:34-35</a></span><br />There were no needy ones among them, because those who owned lands or houses would sell their property, bring the proceeds from the sales, / and lay them at the apostles’ feet for distribution to anyone as he had need.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/9-9.htm">2 Corinthians 9:9-11</a></span><br />As it is written: “He has scattered abroad His gifts to the poor; His righteousness endures forever.” / Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your store of seed and will increase the harvest of your righteousness. / You will be enriched in every way to be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will produce thanksgiving to God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/2-10.htm">Galatians 2:10</a></span><br />They only asked us to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/2-15.htm">James 2:15-16</a></span><br />Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. / If one of you tells him, “Go in peace; stay warm and well fed,” but does not provide for his physical needs, what good is that?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/3-17.htm">1 John 3:17</a></span><br />If anyone with earthly possessions sees his brother in need, but withholds his compassion from him, how can the love of God abide in him?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/22-25.htm">Exodus 22:25</a></span><br />If you lend money to one of My people among you who is poor, you must not act as a creditor to him; you are not to charge him interest.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">For this ointment might have been sold for much, and given to the poor.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/joshua/7-20.htm">Joshua 7:20,21</a></b></br> And Achan answered Joshua, and said, Indeed I have sinned against the LORD God of Israel, and thus and thus have I done: … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/15-9.htm">1 Samuel 15:9,21</a></b></br> But Saul and the people spared Agag, and the best of the sheep, and of the oxen, and of the fatlings, and the lambs, and all <i>that was</i> good, and would not utterly destroy them: but every thing <i>that was</i> vile and refuse, that they destroyed utterly… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_kings/5-20.htm">2 Kings 5:20</a></b></br> But Gehazi, the servant of Elisha the man of God, said, Behold, my master hath spared Naaman this Syrian, in not receiving at his hands that which he brought: but, <i>as</i> the LORD liveth, I will run after him, and take somewhat of him.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/matthew/14-24.htm">Considerable</a> <a href="/matthew/26-3.htm">High</a> <a href="/matthew/23-5.htm">Large</a> <a href="/matthew/25-27.htm">Money</a> <a href="/matthew/26-7.htm">Ointment</a> <a href="/matthew/26-7.htm">Perfume</a> <a href="/matthew/19-21.htm">Poor</a> <a href="/matthew/26-7.htm">Price</a> <a href="/matthew/21-12.htm">Sold</a> <a href="/daniel/7-1.htm">Sum</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/luke/7-12.htm">Considerable</a> <a href="/matthew/26-14.htm">High</a> <a href="/matthew/26-47.htm">Large</a> <a href="/matthew/27-5.htm">Money</a> <a href="/matthew/26-12.htm">Ointment</a> <a href="/matthew/26-12.htm">Perfume</a> <a href="/matthew/26-11.htm">Poor</a> <a href="/matthew/26-15.htm">Price</a> <a href="/mark/11-15.htm">Sold</a> <a href="/matthew/28-12.htm">Sum</a><div class="vheading2">Matthew 26</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/26-1.htm">Jesus foretells his own death.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">3. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/26-3.htm">The rulers conspire against him.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">6. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/26-6.htm">The woman anoints his feet.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">14. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/26-14.htm">Judas bargains to betray him.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">17. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/26-17.htm">Jesus eats the Passover;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">26. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/26-26.htm">institutes his holy supper;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">30. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/26-30.htm">foretells the desertion of his disciples, and Peter's denial;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">36. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/26-36.htm">prays in the garden;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">47. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/26-47.htm">and being betrayed by a kiss,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">57. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/26-57.htm">is carried to Caiaphas,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">69. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/26-69.htm">and denied by Peter.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/matthew/26.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/matthew/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/matthew/26.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>This perfume could have been sold at a high price</b><br>In the context of <a href="/matthew/26.htm">Matthew 26</a>, this statement is made by the disciples in response to Mary of Bethany anointing Jesus with expensive perfume. The perfume, identified as pure nard in other Gospel accounts, was a costly ointment imported from the Himalayan region, indicating its high value. The disciples' reaction reflects a practical concern for financial stewardship, as the perfume's worth was approximately a year's wages for a laborer. This highlights the tension between material value and spiritual significance, a recurring theme in Jesus' teachings.<p><b>and the money given to the poor.</b><br>The suggestion to sell the perfume and give the proceeds to the poor aligns with Jewish customs and the teachings of the Torah, which emphasize care for the needy. Almsgiving was a significant aspect of Jewish piety, especially during Passover, when this event takes place. The disciples' proposal reflects a genuine concern for social justice, yet it also reveals a misunderstanding of the moment's spiritual importance. Jesus frequently taught about the importance of helping the poor (e.g., <a href="/matthew/19-21.htm">Matthew 19:21</a>), but here He emphasizes the unique opportunity to honor Him before His impending crucifixion. This moment foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice Jesus would make, offering Himself for the spiritual poverty of humanity.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/j/jesus.htm">Jesus</a></b><br>- Central figure in the passage, whose actions and teachings are the focus of the account.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/d/disciples.htm">Disciples</a></b><br>- Followers of Jesus who express concern over the use of expensive perfume.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/w/woman_with_the_alabaster_jar.htm">Woman with the Alabaster Jar</a></b><br>- An unnamed woman who anoints Jesus with expensive perfume, demonstrating her devotion.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/b/bethany.htm">Bethany</a></b><br>- The village where this event takes place, near Jerusalem, often associated with Jesus' friends Mary, Martha, and Lazarus.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_poor.htm">The Poor</a></b><br>- Represents those in need, whom the disciples suggest could benefit from the sale of the perfume.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/v/value_of_worship.htm">Value of Worship</a></b><br>The woman's act of anointing Jesus with expensive perfume demonstrates the importance of sacrificial worship. True worship often involves giving our best to God, regardless of the cost.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/prioritizing_jesus.htm">Prioritizing Jesus</a></b><br>While caring for the poor is crucial, this passage teaches that there are moments when honoring Jesus takes precedence. Our devotion to Christ should be our highest priority.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/u/understanding_motives.htm">Understanding Motives</a></b><br>The disciples' reaction highlights the need to examine our motives. Are we genuinely concerned for others, or are we masking other intentions?<br><br><b><a href="/topical/b/balancing_service_and_worship.htm">Balancing Service and Worship</a></b><br>This passage encourages believers to find a balance between serving others and worshiping God. Both are essential aspects of the Christian life.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/recognizing_jesus'_worth.htm">Recognizing Jesus' Worth</a></b><br>The woman's actions remind us of the immeasurable worth of Jesus. Our response to Him should reflect His value in our lives.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_matthew_26.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Matthew 26</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_was_judas_iscariot.htm">Who was Judas Iscariot in biblical history?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_charity.htm">What does the Bible say about giving to the poor?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_matthew's_anointing_differ.htm">In Matthew 26:6-13, why does the anointing scene differ from similar accounts in other Gospels regarding the woman's identity and purpose of the act?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_motivated_judas_to_betray_jesus.htm">What motivated Judas to betray Jesus?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/matthew/26.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(9) <span class= "bld">This ointment might have been sold for much.</span>--St. Mark and St. John agree in giving the Traitor's computation. It might have been sold for three hundred <span class= "ital">denarii,</span> a labourer's wages for nearly a whole year (<a href="/matthew/20-2.htm" title="And when he had agreed with the laborers for a penny a day, he sent them into his vineyard.">Matthew 20:2</a>), enough <span class= "ital">to</span> feed a multitude of more than 7,500 men (<a href="/john/6-7.htm" title="Philip answered him, Two hundred pennyworth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may take a little.">John 6:7</a>). St. John adds the damning fact that the pretended zeal for the poor was the cloak for the irritation of disappointed greed. "He was a thief, and bare the bag." He was, <span class= "ital">i.e.,</span> the treasurer or bursar of the travelling company, received the offerings of the wealthier disciples, and disbursed them either on their necessary expenditure or in alms to the poor (see Notes on <a href="/john/12-6.htm" title="This he said, not that he cared for the poor; but because he was a thief, and had the bag, and bore what was put therein.">John 12:6</a>; <a href="/john/13-29.htm" title="For some of them thought, because Judas had the bag, that Jesus had said to him, Buy those things that we have need of against the feast; or, that he should give something to the poor.">John 13:29</a>). This was the "one talent" given to him "according to his ability," and in dealing with it he proved fraudulent and faithless.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/matthew/26.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 9.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Might have been sold for much.</span> According to St. John, Judas had accurately estimated the value of the ointment at 300 denarii, equal to about £9 of our money. When we remember that one denarius represented the daily wages of a labouring man (<a href="/matthew/20-2.htm">Matthew 20:2</a>), we see that the cost was very large. <span class="cmt_word">Given to the poor.</span> And this "much" given to the poor. But piety is not shown only in giving alms; the honour of God has a superior claim. And Mary was rich, and quite able to afford this offering without neglecting her almsgiving. "How often does charity serve as a cloak for covetousness! We must not neglect what we owe to Jesus Christ under pretence of what we owe his members. Men count as wasted what is expended in the outer worship of God, when they love neither God nor his worship. Jesus Christ authorizes it by accepting it at the very instant in which he was establishing religion by a worship the most spiritual and inward" (Quesnel). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/matthew/26-9.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">This [perfume]</span><br /><span class="grk">τοῦτο</span> <span class="translit">(touto)</span><br /><span class="parse">Demonstrative Pronoun - Nominative Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3778.htm">Strong's 3778: </a> </span><span class="str2">This; he, she, it. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">could</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐδύνατο</span> <span class="translit">(edynato)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Imperfect Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1410.htm">Strong's 1410: </a> </span><span class="str2">(a) I am powerful, have (the) power, (b) I am able, I can. Of uncertain affinity; to be able or possible.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">have been sold</span><br /><span class="grk">πραθῆναι</span> <span class="translit">(prathēnai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Infinitive Passive<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4097.htm">Strong's 4097: </a> </span><span class="str2">A reduplicated and prolonged form of prao; contracted from perao; to traffic, i.e. Dispose of as merchandise or into slavery.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">at a high price,</span><br /><span class="grk">πολλοῦ</span> <span class="translit">(pollou)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Genitive Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4183.htm">Strong's 4183: </a> </span><span class="str2">Much, many; often. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">and</span><br /><span class="grk">καὶ</span> <span class="translit">(kai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> </span><span class="str2">And, even, also, namely. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">[the money] given</span><br /><span class="grk">δοθῆναι</span> <span class="translit">(dothēnai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Infinitive Passive<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1325.htm">Strong's 1325: </a> </span><span class="str2">To offer, give; I put, place. A prolonged form of a primary verb; to give.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to [the] poor.”</span><br /><span class="grk">πτωχοῖς</span> <span class="translit">(ptōchois)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Dative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4434.htm">Strong's 4434: </a> </span><span class="str2">Poor, destitute, spiritually poor, either in a good sense (humble devout persons) or bad. </span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/matthew/26-9.htm">Matthew 26:9 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/matthew/26-9.htm">Matthew 26:9 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/matthew/26-9.htm">Matthew 26:9 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/matthew/26-9.htm">Matthew 26:9 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/matthew/26-9.htm">Matthew 26:9 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/matthew/26-9.htm">Matthew 26:9 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/matthew/26-9.htm">Matthew 26:9 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/matthew/26-9.htm">Matthew 26:9 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/matthew/26-9.htm">Matthew 26:9 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/matthew/26-9.htm">Matthew 26:9 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/matthew/26-9.htm">NT Gospels: Matthew 26:9 For this ointment might have been sold (Matt. Mat Mt) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/matthew/26-8.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Matthew 26:8"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Matthew 26:8" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/matthew/26-10.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Matthew 26:10"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Matthew 26:10" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>