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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>John 12:5 "Why wasn't this perfume sold for three hundred denarii and the money given to the poor?"</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/john/12-5.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/20/43_Jhn_12_05.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="John 12:5 - Mary Anoints Jesus" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Why wasn't this perfume sold for three hundred denarii and the money given to the poor?" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/john/12-5.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/john/12-5.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/john/">John</a> > <a href="/john/12.htm">Chapter 12</a> > Verse 5</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad5.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/john/12-4.htm" title="John 12:4">◄</a> John 12:5 <a href="/john/12-6.htm" title="John 12:6">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/john/12.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/john/12.htm">New International Version</a> &#8220Why wasn&#8217t this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year&#8217s wages.&#8221 <a href="/nlt/john/12.htm">New Living Translation</a> “That perfume was worth a year’s wages. It should have been sold and the money given to the poor.” <a href="/esv/john/12.htm">English Standard Version</a> “Why was this ointment not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?” <a href="/bsb/john/12.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> “Why wasn’t this perfume sold for three hundred denarii and the money given to the poor?” <a href="/blb/john/12.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> "Why was this fragrant oil not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?" <a href="/kjv/john/12.htm">King James Bible</a> Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor? <a href="/nkjv/john/12.htm">New King James Version</a> “Why was this fragrant oil not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?” <a href="/nasb_/john/12.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> “Why was this perfume not sold for three hundred denarii and the proceeds given to poor people?” <a href="/nasb/john/12.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220Why was this perfume not sold for three hundred denarii and given to poor people?&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/john/12.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “Why was this perfume not sold for three hundred denarii, and given to poor people?” <a href="/lsb/john/12.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> “Why was this perfume not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?” <a href="/amp/john/12.htm">Amplified Bible</a> “Why was this perfume not sold for three hundred denarii and [the money] given to the poor?” <a href="/csb/john/12.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> “Why wasn’t this perfume sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor? ” <a href="/hcsb/john/12.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Why wasn&#8217t this fragrant oil sold for 300 denarii and given to the poor?&#8221 <a href="/asv/john/12.htm">American Standard Version</a> Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred shillings, and given to the poor? <a href="/cev/john/12.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> "Why wasn't this perfume sold for 300 silver coins and the money given to the poor?" <a href="/erv/john/12.htm">English Revised Version</a> Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor? <a href="/gwt/john/12.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> "Why wasn't this perfume sold for a high price and the money given to the poor?" <a href="/gnt/john/12.htm">Good News Translation</a> "Why wasn't this perfume sold for three hundred silver coins and the money given to the poor?" <a href="/isv/john/12.htm">International Standard Version</a> "Why wasn't this perfume sold for 300 denarii and the money given to the destitute?" <a href="/msb/john/12.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> ?Why wasn?t this perfume sold for three hundred denarii and the money given to the poor?? <a href="/net/john/12.htm">NET Bible</a> "Why wasn't this oil sold for three hundred silver coins and the money given to the poor?" <a href="/nheb/john/12.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> "Why was this ointment not sold for three hundred denarii, and given to the poor?" <a href="/wbt/john/12.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor? <a href="/wey/john/12.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> "Why was not that perfume sold for 300 shillings and the money given to the poor?" <a href="/web/john/12.htm">World English Bible</a> “Why wasn’t this ointment sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/john/12.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> “Why was this ointment not sold for three hundred denarii, and given to the poor?” <a href="/blb/john/12.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> "Why was this fragrant oil not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?" <a href="/ylt/john/12.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> 'Wherefore was not this ointment sold for three hundred denaries, and given to the poor?' <a href="/slt/john/12.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> Wherefore was not this perfumed oil sold for three hundred drachmas, and given to the poor?<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/john/12.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor? <a href="/cpdv/john/12.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> “Why was this ointment not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the needy?” <a href="/nabre/john/12.htm">New American Bible</a> “Why was this oil not sold for three hundred days’ wages and given to the poor?” <a href="/nrsvce/john/12.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> “Why was this perfume not sold for three hundred denarii and the money given to the poor?”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/john/12.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Why was not this oil sold for three hundred pennies, and given to the poor? <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/john/12.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> “Why was not this oil sold for 300 denarii and given to the poor?”<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/john/12.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred denarii, and given to the poor? <a href="/godbey/john/12.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> Why was not this myrrh sold for three hundred denaria, and given to the poor? <a href="/haweis/john/12.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> Wherefore was not this aromatic ointment sold for three hundred denarii, and given to the poor? <a href="/mace/john/12.htm">Mace New Testament</a> said, why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, to be given to the poor? <a href="/wey/john/12.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> "Why was not that perfume sold for 300 shillings and the money given to the poor?" <a href="/worrell/john/12.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> "Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred denaries, and given to the poor?" <a href="/worsley/john/12.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence and given to the poor? <a href="/parallel/john/12-5.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ixy2bchmXZ0?start=4361" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/john/12.htm">Mary Anoints Jesus</a> …4But one of His disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was going to betray Him, asked, 5<a href="/greek/1223.htm" title="1223: Dia (Prep) -- A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through.">“Why</a> <a href="/greek/5101.htm" title="5101: ti (IPro-ANS) -- Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what."></a> <a href="/greek/3756.htm" title="3756: ouk (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.">wasn’t</a> <a href="/greek/3778.htm" title="3778: touto (DPro-NNS) -- This; he, she, it. ">this</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: to (Art-NNS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/3464.htm" title="3464: myron (N-NNS) -- Anointing-oil, ointment. Probably of foreign origin; myrrh, i.e. perfumed oil.">perfume</a> <a href="/greek/4097.htm" title="4097: eprathē (V-AIP-3S) -- A reduplicated and prolonged form of prao; contracted from perao; to traffic, i.e. Dispose of as merchandise or into slavery.">sold</a> <a href="/greek/5145.htm" title="5145: triakosiōn (Adj-GNP) -- Three hundred. Plural from treis and hekaton; three hundred.">for three hundred</a> <a href="/greek/1220.htm" title="1220: dēnariōn (N-GNP) -- A denarius, a small Roman silver coin. Of Latin origin; a denarius.">denarii</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and the money</a> <a href="/greek/1325.htm" title="1325: edothē (V-AIP-3S) -- To offer, give; I put, place. A prolonged form of a primary verb; to give.">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> 6Judas 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.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/matthew/26-9.htm">Matthew 26:9</a> This perfume could have been sold at a high price, and the money given to the poor.” <a href="/mark/14-5.htm">Mark 14:5</a> It could have been sold for over three hundred denarii and the money given to the poor.” And they scolded her. <a href="/john/13-29.htm">John 13:29</a> 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. <a href="/john/6-7.htm">John 6:7</a> Philip answered, “Two hundred denarii would not buy enough bread for each of them to have a small piece.” <a href="/john/11-16.htm">John 11:16</a> Then Thomas called Didymus said to his fellow disciples, “Let us also go, so that we may die with Him.” <a href="/luke/12-33.htm">Luke 12:33</a> Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide yourselves with purses that will not wear out, an inexhaustible treasure in heaven, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys. <a href="/matthew/19-21.htm">Matthew 19:21</a> Jesus told him, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow Me.” <a href="/proverbs/19-17.htm">Proverbs 19:17</a> Kindness to the poor is a loan to the LORD, and He will repay the lender. <a href="/deuteronomy/15-11.htm">Deuteronomy 15:11</a> 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. <a href="/acts/4-34.htm">Acts 4:34-35</a> 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. <a href="/2_kings/4-43.htm">2 Kings 4:43</a> 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.’” <a href="/2_corinthians/9-9.htm">2 Corinthians 9:9</a> As it is written: “He has scattered abroad His gifts to the poor; His righteousness endures forever.” <a href="/james/2-15.htm">James 2:15-16</a> 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? <a href="/galatians/2-10.htm">Galatians 2:10</a> They only asked us to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do. <a href="/1_john/3-17.htm">1 John 3:17</a> 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?</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor?was.<a href="/exodus/5-8.htm">Exodus 5:8,17</a> And the tale of the bricks, which they did make heretofore, ye shall lay upon them; ye shall not diminish ought thereof: for they be idle; therefore they cry, saying, Let us go and sacrifice to our God… <a href="/amos/8-5.htm">Amos 8:5</a> Saying, When will the new moon be gone, that we may sell corn? and the sabbath, that we may set forth wheat, making the ephah small, and the shekel great, and falsifying the balances by deceit?<a href="/malachi/1-10.htm">Malachi 1:10-13</a> Who is there even among you that would shut the doors for nought? neither do ye kindle fire on mine altar for nought. I have no pleasure in you, saith the LORD of hosts, neither will I accept an offering at your hand… three hundred.<a href="/john/6-7.htm">John 6:7</a> Philip answered him, Two hundred pennyworth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may take a little.<a href="/matthew/20-2.htm">Matthew 20:2</a> And when he had agreed with the labourers for a penny a day, he sent them into his vineyard.<a href="/mark/14-5.htm">Mark 14:5</a> For it might have been sold for more than three hundred pence, and have been given to the poor. And they murmured against her.and given.<a href="/matthew/26-9.htm">Matthew 26:9</a> For this ointment might have been sold for much, and given to the poor.<a href="/luke/12-33.htm">Luke 12:33</a> Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth.<a href="/luke/18-22.htm">Luke 18:22</a> Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/luke/7-41.htm">Denaries</a> <a href="/john/6-7.htm">Denarii</a> <a href="/john/6-7.htm">Hundred</a> <a href="/john/9-8.htm">Money</a> <a href="/john/12-3.htm">Ointment</a> <a href="/john/6-7.htm">Pence</a> <a href="/john/12-3.htm">Perfume</a> <a href="/luke/21-3.htm">Poor</a> <a href="/luke/10-35.htm">Shillings</a> <a href="/john/2-16.htm">Sold</a> <a href="/john/11-39.htm">Three</a> <a href="/matthew/25-16.htm">Traded</a> <a href="/john/10-13.htm">Wages</a> <a href="/john/7-39.htm">Wasn't</a> <a href="/john/9-27.htm">Wherefore</a> <a href="/john/6-7.htm">Worth</a> <a href="/mark/14-5.htm">Year's</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/mark/14-5.htm">Denaries</a> <a href="/matthew/18-28.htm">Denarii</a> <a href="/john/19-39.htm">Hundred</a> <a href="/john/12-6.htm">Money</a> <a href="/revelation/18-13.htm">Ointment</a> <a href="/matthew/18-28.htm">Pence</a> <a href="/john/12-7.htm">Perfume</a> <a href="/john/12-6.htm">Poor</a> <a href="/matthew/18-28.htm">Shillings</a> <a href="/acts/2-45.htm">Sold</a> <a href="/john/13-38.htm">Three</a> <a href="/romans/1-23.htm">Traded</a> <a href="/romans/4-4.htm">Wages</a> <a href="/john/20-24.htm">Wasn't</a> <a href="/john/13-37.htm">Wherefore</a> <a href="/romans/8-18.htm">Worth</a> <a href="/exodus/34-22.htm">Year's</a><div class="vheading2">John 12</div>1. <a href="/john/12-1.htm">Jesus excuses Mary anointing his feet.</a> 9. <a href="/john/12-9.htm">The people flock to see Lazarus.</a> 10. <a href="/john/12-10.htm">The chief priests consult to kill him.</a> 12. <a href="/john/12-12.htm">Jesus rides into Jerusalem.</a> 20. <a href="/john/12-20.htm">Greeks desire to see Jesus.</a> 23. <a href="/john/12-23.htm">He foretells his death.</a> 37. <a href="/john/12-37.htm">The people are generally blinded;</a> 42. <a href="/john/12-42.htm">yet many chief rulers believe, but do not confess him;</a> 44. <a href="/john/12-44.htm">therefore Jesus calls earnestly for confession of faith.</a> </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>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <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> </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/john/12.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/john/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/john/12.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Why wasn’t this perfume sold for three hundred denarii This question is posed by Judas Iscariot during the anointing of Jesus by Mary in Bethany. The perfume in question is likely nard, a costly ointment imported from India, emphasizing its high value. Three hundred denarii was approximately a year's wages for a laborer, highlighting the extravagance of Mary's act. This reflects the tension between material value and spiritual devotion. Judas's question reveals a misunderstanding of Jesus's mission and the value of worship. The mention of "three hundred denarii" connects to the broader biblical theme of sacrificial giving, as seen in the widow's offering in <a href="/mark/12-41.htm">Mark 12:41-44</a>.and the money given to the poor? The concern for the poor is a recurring theme in Scripture, with numerous Old Testament laws and New Testament teachings emphasizing care for the needy (<a href="/deuteronomy/15-11.htm">Deuteronomy 15:11</a>, <a href="/matthew/25-35.htm">Matthew 25:35-40</a>). However, Judas's question is disingenuous, as noted in the following verses, where his true motives are revealed. This moment foreshadows the betrayal of Jesus, contrasting Judas's false piety with Mary's genuine devotion. The tension between earthly concerns and spiritual priorities is a central theme in Jesus's teachings, as seen in <a href="/matthew/6-19.htm">Matthew 6:19-21</a>, where believers are encouraged to store up treasures in heaven rather than on earth.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/judas_iscariot.htm">Judas Iscariot</a> One of Jesus' twelve disciples, known for betraying Jesus. In this passage, he questions the use of expensive perfume. 2. <a href="/topical/m/mary_of_bethany.htm">Mary of Bethany</a> Sister of Martha and Lazarus, she anoints Jesus' feet with costly perfume, demonstrating her devotion and love. 3. <a href="/topical/b/bethany.htm">Bethany</a> A village near Jerusalem where this event takes place, significant as the home of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_perfume.htm">The Perfume</a> A costly ointment, identified as pure nard, used by Mary to anoint Jesus, symbolizing honor and worship. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_poor.htm">The Poor</a> Referenced by Judas as a potential beneficiary of the perfume's value, highlighting a common concern for the needy.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/true_worship_and_devotion.htm">True Worship and Devotion</a> Mary's act of anointing Jesus with expensive perfume is a profound expression of worship and love. It challenges us to consider how we demonstrate our devotion to Christ. <a href="/topical/m/motives_of_the_heart.htm">Motives of the Heart</a> Judas' question, though seemingly concerned with the poor, reveals ulterior motives. This teaches us to examine our own hearts and intentions in our actions and words. <a href="/topical/v/value_of_sacrifice.htm">Value of Sacrifice</a> The perfume's worth was significant, yet Mary chose to use it for Jesus. This illustrates the principle of sacrificial giving and prioritizing Christ above material possessions. <a href="/topical/u/understanding_priorities.htm">Understanding Priorities</a> While caring for the poor is important, this passage highlights the necessity of discerning when to prioritize worship and direct service to Jesus. <a href="/topical/t/the_presence_of_the_poor.htm">The Presence of the Poor</a> Jesus' response to Judas reminds us of the ongoing responsibility to care for the poor, while also recognizing moments of unique spiritual significance.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_john_12.htm">Top 10 Lessons from John 12</a> <a href="/q/what_is_spikenard_in_the_bible.htm">What does spikenard refer to in the Bible?</a> <a href="/q/how_did_one_jar's_scent_fill_the_house.htm">In John 12:3, how is it scientifically plausible that the fragrance from a single jar of perfume filled the entire house? </a> <a href="/q/how_did_mary_show_devotion_to_jesus.htm">How did Mary of Bethany show devotion to Jesus?</a> <a href="/q/are_all_believers_resurrected.htm">Will all believers be resurrected? (Daniel 12:2 vs. John 5:28-29)</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/john/12.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(5) Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence?--Both the earlier Gospels preface this estimate by a reference to the use which was made of the ointment as actual waste. St. Matthew says only "that it might have been sold for much." St. Mark, "that it might have been sold for more than three hundred pence," that is, in actual value, for the yearly wage of a working man, and for the food therefore which would have maintained a poor man's household for a whole year. (Comp. Note on <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. Mark adds, "and they were angry at her." (Comp. Note on <a href="/john/11-33.htm" title="When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews also weeping which came with her, he groaned in the spirit, and was troubled.">John 11:33</a>.)<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/john/12.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verses 5, 6. - Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor? Sinful motive often hides itself under the mask of reverence for another virtue. In Mark's Gospel the same price was put upon the pound of pure nard as that which is mentioned here - about of our money. Christ had given emphatic advice about generosity to the poor, and even during this very week (<a href="/john/13-29.htm">John 13:29</a>) it is clear that his words were not forgotten, and in his great discourse, probably also delivered during this same week, he identified himself with the poor (<a href="/matthew/25-35.htm">Matthew 25:35</a>, etc.), and called for unreserved consideration of them; so that this language was not unnatural. The value of this ointment is another minute indication that there is no connection between the Lazarus of John and the Lazarus of the parable. But John adds that the utter lack of perception on Judas's part of Mary's self-devotion was prompted by the most unworthy motive. The suggestion of Judas is put down by the evangelist to the sheerest covetousness. During the interval that elapsed, Judas had revealed his character, and John did not hesitate to refer the suggestion to the traitor. Now this he said, not because he cared for the poor. He really cared nothing for the poor. He was ambitious, eager for the display of the Master's power, anxious for the rewards which might follow the Master's assumption of supreme authority, turning to his own account all that might happen. But because he was a thief, and having possession of the common purse (the word γλωσσόκομος, which occurs in the sense of a chest (<a href="/2_chronicles/24-8.htm">2 Chronicles 24:8</a>), has a curious etymology, which had passed out of recognition; from γλώσσα and κομέω comes γλωσσοκομεῖον, that in which month-pieces of flutes might be kept in safety, and subsequently a chest or box for the safe guardianship of other valuables), he was the bearer - perhaps, bore array (see <a href="/john/20-15.htm">John 20:15</a>, and Josephus, ' Ant.,' 7:15. 3, for this use of βαστάζω), at all events had at his disposal - of the things which were cast, in generous profusion, into it. Thoma makes the astounding suggestion that "John" here covertly refers to Simon Magus of <a href="/acts/8-18.htm">Acts 8:18</a>, etc. The question is often asked - Why was Judas entrusted with the common purse? Was it not likely to aggravate a disposition to which he was prone? Did not Jesus know what was in man? and had he not discerned the propensity of Judas (see <a href="/john/6-71.htm">John 6:71</a>)? In reply: (1) The appointment may have been made by the apostles themselves. (2) Our Lord may not have interfered with it, deeming confidence more likely to help him than distrust. (3) It may also show how, if men will yield themselves to sin, God will not and does not promise them immunity from temptation, but sometimes even brings them into it. . . . <a href="/commentaries/john/12-5.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>“Why Διὰ (Dia) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1223.htm">Strong's 1223: </a> A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through. wasn’t οὐκ (ouk) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3756.htm">Strong's 3756: </a> No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not. this τοῦτο (touto) Demonstrative Pronoun - Nominative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3778.htm">Strong's 3778: </a> This; he, she, it. perfume μύρον (myron) Noun - Nominative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3464.htm">Strong's 3464: </a> Anointing-oil, ointment. Probably of foreign origin; 'myrrh', i.e. perfumed oil. sold ἐπράθη (eprathē) Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4097.htm">Strong's 4097: </a> A reduplicated and prolonged form of prao; contracted from perao; to traffic, i.e. Dispose of as merchandise or into slavery. for three hundred τριακοσίων (triakosiōn) Adjective - Genitive Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_5145.htm">Strong's 5145: </a> Three hundred. Plural from treis and hekaton; three hundred. denarii δηναρίων (dēnariōn) Noun - Genitive Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1220.htm">Strong's 1220: </a> A denarius, a small Roman silver coin. Of Latin origin; a denarius. and [the money] καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. given ἐδόθη (edothē) Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1325.htm">Strong's 1325: </a> To offer, give; I put, place. A prolonged form of a primary verb; to give. to [the] poor?” πτωχοῖς (ptōchois) Adjective - Dative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4434.htm">Strong's 4434: </a> Poor, destitute, spiritually poor, either in a good sense (humble devout persons) or bad. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/john/12-5.htm">John 12:5 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/john/12-5.htm">John 12:5 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/john/12-5.htm">John 12:5 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/john/12-5.htm">John 12:5 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/john/12-5.htm">John 12:5 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/john/12-5.htm">John 12:5 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/john/12-5.htm">John 12:5 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/john/12-5.htm">John 12:5 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/john/12-5.htm">John 12:5 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/john/12-5.htm">John 12:5 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/john/12-5.htm">NT Gospels: John 12:5 Why wasn't this ointment sold for three (Jhn Jo Jn) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/john/12-4.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="John 12:4"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="John 12:4" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/john/12-6.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="John 12:6"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="John 12:6" /></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>