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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 12:3 Then Mary took about a pint of expensive perfume, made of pure nard, and she anointed Jesus' feet and wiped them with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/john/12-3.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/18/43_Jhn_12_03.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="John 12:3 - Mary Anoints Jesus" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Then Mary took about a pint of expensive perfume, made of pure nard, and she anointed Jesus' feet and wiped them with her hair. 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And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. <a href="/nlt/john/12.htm">New Living Translation</a> Then Mary took a twelve-ounce jar of expensive perfume made from essence of nard, and she anointed Jesus’ feet with it, wiping his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance. <a href="/esv/john/12.htm">English Standard Version</a> Mary therefore took a pound of expensive ointment made from pure nard, and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. <a href="/bsb/john/12.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Then Mary took about a pint of expensive perfume, made of pure nard, and she anointed Jesus’ feet and wiped them with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. <a href="/blb/john/12.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Therefore Mary, having taken a litra of fragrant oil of pure nard, of great price, anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped His feet with her hair; and the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil. <a href="/kjv/john/12.htm">King James Bible</a> Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment. <a href="/nkjv/john/12.htm">New King James Version</a> Then Mary took a pound of very costly oil of spikenard, anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped His feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil. <a href="/nasb_/john/12.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Mary then took a pound of very expensive perfume of pure nard, and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped His feet with her hair; and the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. <a href="/nasb/john/12.htm">NASB 1995</a> Mary then took a pound of very costly perfume of pure nard, and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped His feet with her hair; and the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. <a href="/nasb77/john/12.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Mary therefore took a pound of very costly perfume of pure nard, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped His feet with her hair; and the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. <a href="/lsb/john/12.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Mary then took a litra of perfume of very costly pure nard, and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped His feet with her hair; and the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. <a href="/amp/john/12.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Then Mary took a pound of very expensive perfume of pure nard, and she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped His feet with her hair; and the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. <a href="/csb/john/12.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Then Mary took a pound of perfume, pure and expensive nard, anointed Jesus’s feet, and wiped his feet with her hair. So the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. <a href="/hcsb/john/12.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Then Mary took a pound of fragrant oil—pure and expensive nard—anointed Jesus&#8217 feet, and wiped His feet with her hair. So the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil. <a href="/asv/john/12.htm">American Standard Version</a> Mary therefore took a pound of ointment of pure nard, very precious, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odor of the ointment. <a href="/cev/john/12.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Mary took a very expensive bottle of perfume and poured it on Jesus' feet. She wiped them with her hair, and the sweet smell of the perfume filled the house. <a href="/erv/john/12.htm">English Revised Version</a> Mary therefore took a pound of ointment of spikenard, very precious, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment. <a href="/gwt/john/12.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Mary took a bottle of very expensive perfume made from pure nard and poured it on Jesus' feet. Then she dried his feet with her hair. The fragrance of the perfume filled the house. <a href="/gnt/john/12.htm">Good News Translation</a> Then Mary took a whole pint of a very expensive perfume made of pure nard, poured it on Jesus' feet, and wiped them with her hair. The sweet smell of the perfume filled the whole house. <a href="/isv/john/12.htm">International Standard Version</a> Mary took a litron of very expensive perfume made of pure nard and anointed Jesus' feet. She wiped his feet with her hair, and the house became filled with the fragrance of the perfume. <a href="/msb/john/12.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Then Mary took about a pint of expensive perfume, made of pure nard, and she anointed Jesus? feet and wiped them with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. <a href="/net/john/12.htm">NET Bible</a> Then Mary took three quarters of a pound of expensive aromatic oil from pure nard and anointed the feet of Jesus. She then wiped his feet dry with her hair. (Now the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfumed oil.) <a href="/nheb/john/12.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Mary, therefore, took a pound of ointment of pure nard, very precious, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the ointment. <a href="/wbt/john/12.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Then Mary took a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odor of the ointment. <a href="/wey/john/12.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Availing herself of the opportunity, Mary took a pound weight of pure spikenard, very costly, and poured it over His feet, and wiped His feet with her hair, so that the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. <a href="/web/john/12.htm">World English Bible</a> Therefore Mary took a pound of ointment of pure nard, very precious, and anointed Jesus’s feet and wiped his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the ointment. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/john/12.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> Mary, therefore, having taken a pound of ointment of spikenard, of great price, anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped His feet with her hair, and the house was filled from the fragrance of the ointment. <a href="/blb/john/12.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Therefore Mary, having taken a litra of fragrant oil of pure nard, of great price, anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped His feet with her hair; and the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil. <a href="/ylt/john/12.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> Mary, therefore, having taken a pound of ointment of spikenard, of great price, anointed the feet of Jesus and did wipe with her hair his feet, and the house was filled from the fragrance of the ointment. <a href="/slt/john/12.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> Then Mary having taken a pound of perfumed oil of spikenard, very precious, anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hairs: and the house was filled with the smell of the perfumed oil.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/john/12.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Mary therefore took a pound of ointment of right spikenard, of great price, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair; and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment. <a href="/cpdv/john/12.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And then Mary took twelve ounces of pure spikenard ointment, very precious, and she anointed the feet of Jesus, and she wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the ointment. <a href="/nabre/john/12.htm">New American Bible</a> Mary took a liter of costly perfumed oil made from genuine aromatic nard and anointed the feet of Jesus and dried them with her hair; the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil. <a href="/nrsvce/john/12.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Mary took a pound of costly perfume made of pure nard, anointed Jesus’ feet, and wiped them with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/john/12.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Then Mary took a cruse containing pure and expensive nard, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair; and the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/john/12.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> But Maryam took an alabaster vase of ointment of the best Indian spikenard, very expensive, and she anointed the feet of Yeshua and wiped his feet with her hair and the house was filled with the fragrance of the ointment.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/john/12.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> Then Mary took a pound of ointment of pure nard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the perfume of the ointment. <a href="/godbey/john/12.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> Then Mary taking a pound of myrrh of spikenard, estimated very valuable, anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped His feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odor of the myrrh. <a href="/haweis/john/12.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> Then Mary taking a pound of unadulterated balm of nard, very valuable, anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment. <a href="/mace/john/12.htm">Mace New Testament</a> but Mary taking a pound of the oil of spikenard which was very costly, anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped them with her hair: so that the house was filled with the odour of the perfume. <a href="/wey/john/12.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Availing herself of the opportunity, Mary took a pound weight of pure spikenard, very costly, and poured it over His feet, and wiped His feet with her hair, so that the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. <a href="/worrell/john/12.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> Mary, therefore, having taken a pound of ointment of pure spikenard, very costly, anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped His feet with her hair; and the house was filled with the odor of the ointment. <a href="/worsley/john/12.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> And Mary taking a pound of ointment of spikenard of great value, anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped them with her hair; and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment. <a href="/parallel/john/12-3.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=4340" 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> …2So they hosted a dinner for Jesus there. Martha served, and Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with Him. 3<a href="/greek/3767.htm" title="3767: oun (Conj) -- Therefore, then. Apparently a primary word; certainly, or accordingly.">Then</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: hē (Art-NFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/3137.htm" title="3137: Mariam (N-NFS) -- Or Mariam of Hebrew origin; Maria or Mariam, the name of six Christian females.">Mary</a> <a href="/greek/2983.htm" title="2983: labousa (V-APA-NFS) -- (a) I receive, get, (b) I take, lay hold of. ">took</a> <a href="/greek/3046.htm" title="3046: litran (N-AFS) -- A Roman pound, of about twelve ounces. Of Latin origin; a pound in weight.">about a pint</a> <a href="/greek/4186.htm" title="4186: polytimou (Adj-GFS) -- Of great value, very costly, very precious. From polus and time; extremely valuable.">of expensive</a> <a href="/greek/3464.htm" title="3464: myrou (N-GNS) -- Anointing-oil, ointment. Probably of foreign origin; myrrh, i.e. perfumed oil.">perfume,</a> <a href="/greek/4101.htm" title="4101: pistikēs (Adj-GFS) -- Genuine, pure (of ointment), trustworthy. From pistis; trustworthy, i.e. Genuine.">made of pure</a> <a href="/greek/3487.htm" title="3487: nardou (N-GFS) -- Spikenard, a perfume made originally from a plant growing on the Himalayas. Of foreign origin; nard.">nard,</a> <a href="/greek/218.htm" title="218: ēleipsen (V-AIA-3S) -- To anoint: festivally, in homage, medicinally, or in anointing the dead. To oil.">and she anointed</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tou (Art-GMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2424.htm" title="2424: Iēsou (N-GMS) -- Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites.">Jesus’</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tous (Art-AMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/4228.htm" title="4228: podas (N-AMP) -- The foot. A primary word; a foot.">feet</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/1591.htm" title="1591: exemaxen (V-AIA-3S) -- To wipe, wipe (off) thoroughly. From ek and the base of massaomai; to knead out, i.e. to wipe dry.">wiped</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autou (PPro-GM3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons."></a> <a href="/greek/4228.htm" title="4228: podas (N-AMP) -- The foot. A primary word; a foot.">them</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tous (Art-AMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">with</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autēs (PPro-GF3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">her</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tais (Art-DFP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2359.htm" title="2359: thrixin (N-DFP) -- Hair (of the head or of animals). Genitive case trichos, etc. of uncertain derivation; hair.">hair.</a> <a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">And</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: hē (Art-NFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/3614.htm" title="3614: oikia (N-NFS) -- From oikos; properly, residence, but usually an abode; by implication, a family.">house</a> <a href="/greek/4137.htm" title="4137: eplērōthē (V-AIP-3S) -- From pleres; to make replete, i.e. to cram, level up, or to furnish, satisfy, execute, finish, verify, etc.">was filled</a> <a href="/greek/1537.htm" title="1537: ek (Prep) -- From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out.">with</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēs (Art-GFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/3744.htm" title="3744: osmēs (N-GFS) -- A smell, odor, savor. From ozo; fragrance.">fragrance</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tou (Art-GNS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">of the</a> <a href="/greek/3464.htm" title="3464: myrou (N-GNS) -- Anointing-oil, ointment. Probably of foreign origin; myrrh, i.e. perfumed oil.">perfume.</a> 4But one of His disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was going to betray Him, asked,…<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="/mark/14-3.htm">Mark 14:3</a> While Jesus was in Bethany reclining at the table in the home of Simon the Leper, a woman came with an alabaster jar of expensive perfume, made of pure nard. She broke open the jar and poured it on Jesus’ head. <a href="/matthew/26-6.htm">Matthew 26:6-7</a> While Jesus was in Bethany in the home of Simon the Leper, / a woman came to Him with an alabaster jar of expensive perfume, which she poured on His head as He reclined at the table. <a href="/luke/7-37.htm">Luke 7:37-38</a> When a sinful woman from that town learned that Jesus was dining there, she brought an alabaster jar of perfume. / As she stood behind Him at His feet weeping, she began to wet His feet with her tears and wipe them with her hair. Then she kissed His feet and anointed them with the perfume. <a href="/john/11-2.htm">John 11:2</a> (Mary, whose brother Lazarus was sick, was to anoint the Lord with perfume and wipe His feet with her hair.) <a href="/john/11-32.htm">John 11:32</a> When Mary came to Jesus and saw Him, she fell at His feet and said, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died.” <a href="/john/13-5.htm">John 13:5</a> After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and dry them with the towel that was around Him. <a href="/john/19-39.htm">John 19:39-40</a> Nicodemus, who had previously come to Jesus at night, also brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds. / So they took the body of Jesus and wrapped it in linen cloths with the spices, according to the Jewish burial custom. <a href="/songs/1-12.htm">Song of Solomon 1:12</a> While the king was at his table, my perfume spread its fragrance. <a href="/songs/4-10.htm">Song of Solomon 4:10</a> How delightful is your love, my sister, my bride! Your love is much better than wine, and the fragrance of your perfume than all spices. <a href="/songs/4-14.htm">Song of Solomon 4:14</a> with nard and saffron, with calamus and cinnamon, with every kind of frankincense tree, with myrrh and aloes, with all the finest spices. <a href="/proverbs/27-9.htm">Proverbs 27:9</a> Oil and incense bring joy to the heart, and the counsel of a friend is sweetness to the soul. <a href="/isaiah/39-2.htm">Isaiah 39:2</a> And Hezekiah welcomed the envoys gladly and showed them what was in his treasure house—the silver, the gold, the spices, and the precious oil, as well as his entire armory—all that was found in his storehouses. There was nothing in his palace or in all his dominion that Hezekiah did not show them. <a href="/1_samuel/10-1.htm">1 Samuel 10:1</a> Then Samuel took a flask of oil, poured it on Saul’s head, kissed him, and said, “Has not the LORD anointed you ruler over His inheritance? <a href="/2_kings/9-3.htm">2 Kings 9:3</a> Then take the flask of oil, pour it on his head, and declare, ‘This is what the LORD says: I anoint you king over Israel.’ Then open the door and run. Do not delay!” <a href="/2_kings/9-6.htm">2 Kings 9:6</a> So Jehu got up and went into the house, where the young prophet poured the oil on his head and declared, “This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘I anoint you king over the LORD’s people Israel.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odor of the ointment.took.<a href="/john/11-2.htm">John 11:2,28,32</a> (It was that Mary which anointed the Lord with ointment, and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick.) … <a href="/matthew/26-6.htm">Matthew 26:6,7</a> Now when Jesus was in Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper, … <a href="/mark/14-3.htm">Mark 14:3</a> And being in Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at meat, there came a woman having an alabaster box of ointment of spikenard very precious; and she brake the box, and poured it on his head.ointment.<a href="/psalms/132-2.htm">Psalm 132:2</a> How he sware unto the LORD, and vowed unto the mighty God of Jacob;<a href="/songs/1-12.htm">Song of Solomon 1:12</a> While the king sitteth at his table, my spikenard sendeth forth the smell thereof.<a href="/songs/4-10.htm">Song of Solomon 4:10,13,14</a> How fair is thy love, my sister, my spouse! how much better is thy love than wine! and the smell of thine ointments than all spices! … spikenard.anointed.<a href="/mark/14-3.htm">Mark 14:3</a> And being in Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at meat, there came a woman having an alabaster box of ointment of spikenard very precious; and she brake the box, and poured it on his head.<a href="/luke/7-37.htm">Luke 7:37,38,46</a> And, behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster box of ointment, … filled.<a href="/songs/1-3.htm">Song of Solomon 1:3</a> Because of the savour of thy good ointments thy name is as ointment poured forth, therefore do the virgins love thee.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/john/11-2.htm">Anointed</a> <a href="/mark/14-3.htm">Costly</a> <a href="/luke/23-31.htm">Dry</a> <a href="/john/11-44.htm">Feet</a> <a href="/john/6-26.htm">Filled</a> <a href="/hosea/14-7.htm">Fragrance</a> <a href="/john/10-10.htm">Full</a> <a href="/john/11-3.htm">Great</a> <a href="/john/11-2.htm">Hair</a> <a href="/luke/13-11.htm">Herself</a> <a href="/john/11-31.htm">House</a> <a href="/john/12-2.htm">Jesus</a> <a href="/john/11-45.htm">Mary</a> <a href="/mark/14-3.htm">Nard</a> <a href="/john/11-39.htm">Odor</a> <a href="/amos/5-21.htm">Odour</a> <a href="/john/11-2.htm">Oil</a> <a href="/john/11-2.htm">Ointment</a> <a href="/john/7-1.htm">Opportunity</a> <a href="/john/11-2.htm">Perfume</a> <a href="/john/11-2.htm">Perfumed</a> <a href="/luke/19-24.htm">Pound</a> <a href="/john/11-2.htm">Poured</a> <a href="/john/10-29.htm">Precious</a> <a href="/mark/14-3.htm">Pure</a> <a href="/john/11-39.htm">Smell</a> <a href="/mark/14-3.htm">Spikenard</a> <a href="/john/10-29.htm">Value</a> <a href="/luke/11-46.htm">Weight</a> <a href="/john/11-2.htm">Wiped</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/acts/4-10.htm">Anointed</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/3-12.htm">Costly</a> <a href="/john/15-6.htm">Dry</a> <a href="/john/13-5.htm">Feet</a> <a href="/john/16-6.htm">Filled</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/2-14.htm">Fragrance</a> <a href="/john/12-27.htm">Full</a> <a href="/john/12-9.htm">Great</a> <a href="/acts/18-18.htm">Hair</a> <a href="/john/20-14.htm">Herself</a> <a href="/john/14-2.htm">House</a> <a href="/john/12-4.htm">Jesus</a> <a href="/john/19-25.htm">Mary</a> <a href="/songs/1-12.htm">Nard</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/2-16.htm">Odor</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/2-14.htm">Odour</a> <a href="/hebrews/1-9.htm">Oil</a> <a href="/john/12-5.htm">Ointment</a> <a href="/acts/16-10.htm">Opportunity</a> <a href="/john/12-5.htm">Perfume</a> <a href="/proverbs/7-17.htm">Perfumed</a> <a href="/john/19-39.htm">Pound</a> <a href="/john/13-5.htm">Poured</a> <a href="/acts/20-24.htm">Precious</a> <a href="/acts/18-6.htm">Pure</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/12-17.htm">Smell</a> <a href="/songs/1-12.htm">Spikenard</a> <a href="/acts/19-19.htm">Value</a> <a href="/john/19-39.htm">Weight</a> <a href="/acts/3-19.htm">Wiped</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'; 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The act of taking a pint of expensive perfume signifies a significant sacrifice, as such perfumes were costly and often reserved for special occasions. The perfume, identified as pure nard, was imported from the Himalayan region, indicating its high value and rarity. This act of generosity and devotion is a reflection of Mary's deep love and reverence for Jesus, contrasting with the materialistic concerns of others, such as Judas Iscariot, who later criticizes her actions.made of pure nard Nard, or spikenard, is a fragrant oil derived from the root of the nard plant, native to India. Its purity indicates that it was unadulterated and of the highest quality, making it extremely valuable. In biblical times, nard was used in the preparation of incense and perfumes and was often associated with kingship and burial practices. This connection foreshadows Jesus' impending death and burial, highlighting Mary's prophetic insight into His mission.and she anointed Jesus’ feet Anointing was a common practice in ancient times, often signifying consecration or preparation for a special purpose. By anointing Jesus' feet, Mary demonstrates humility and devotion, as feet were considered the dirtiest part of the body. This act prefigures Jesus' own washing of the disciples' feet, emphasizing servanthood and love. Anointing also has messianic implications, as the term "Messiah" means "Anointed One," pointing to Jesus' divine role and mission.and wiped them with her hair In Jewish culture, a woman's hair was considered her glory and was usually kept covered in public. By using her hair to wipe Jesus' feet, Mary displays an intimate and personal act of worship, disregarding social norms and potential criticism. This act of vulnerability and devotion underscores the depth of her faith and love for Jesus, serving as a model for believers in their own expressions of worship and surrender.And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume The spreading fragrance symbolizes the far-reaching impact of Mary's act of worship. Just as the scent permeated the house, the story of her devotion has permeated the Christian narrative, serving as an enduring testament to the power of sacrificial love. This imagery also evokes the idea of Christ's sacrificial death, which brings a "fragrance" of salvation to the world, as referenced in <a href="/2_corinthians/2-15.htm">2 Corinthians 2:15</a>, where believers are described as the "aroma of Christ."<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/m/mary.htm">Mary</a> Sister of Martha and Lazarus, known for her devotion to Jesus. In this passage, she demonstrates her love and reverence for Jesus through an extravagant act of worship. 2. <a href="/topical/j/jesus.htm">Jesus</a> The central figure of the New Testament, the Son of God, who is anointed by Mary in this passage, symbolizing His impending death and burial. 3. <a href="/topical/n/nard.htm">Nard</a> A costly perfume derived from a plant in the Himalayas, symbolizing the value and sacrifice in Mary's act of worship. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_house.htm">The House</a> Likely the home of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus in Bethany, a place where Jesus often found hospitality and friendship. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_anointing.htm">The Anointing</a> This event foreshadows Jesus' death and burial, as anointing was a customary practice for preparing a body for burial.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/e/extravagant_worship.htm">Extravagant Worship</a> Mary's act of anointing Jesus with expensive perfume teaches us about the value of giving our best to God, regardless of the cost. <a href="/topical/h/humility_and_service.htm">Humility and Service</a> By wiping Jesus' feet with her hair, Mary demonstrates humility and service, reminding us to serve others selflessly. <a href="/topical/f/foreshadowing_of_sacrifice.htm">Foreshadowing of Sacrifice</a> The anointing prefigures Jesus' sacrificial death, encouraging us to reflect on the significance of His sacrifice for our salvation. <a href="/topical/t/the_fragrance_of_devotion.htm">The Fragrance of Devotion</a> Just as the fragrance filled the house, our acts of worship and devotion should permeate our lives and influence those around us. <a href="/topical/c/criticism_in_worship.htm">Criticism in Worship</a> Mary faced criticism for her actions, yet she remained focused on Jesus. We are reminded to prioritize our devotion to Christ over the opinions of others.<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/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/what_is_spikenard_in_the_bible.htm">What does spikenard refer to in the Bible?</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/is_a_good_name_worth_more_than_ointment.htm">Is a good name more valuable than precious ointment?</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>(3) Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard.--Here, again, St. John alone gives the name of her whom St. Matthew and St. Mark call "a woman," and here, too, she is true to the earlier character as we have it drawn in St. Luke (<a href="/luke/10-40.htm" title="But Martha was encumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me.">Luke 10:40</a>; <a href="/luke/10-42.htm" title="But one thing is needful: and Mary has chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.">Luke 10:42</a>). From this passage also we know that it was a "pound" of ointment which she took. The other accounts tell us that it was an "alabaster box." This pound was the Greek litra, the Latin "libra," the pound of twelve ounces.For the "ointment of spikenard," see <a href="/mark/14-3.htm" title="And being in Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at meat, there came a woman having an alabaster box of ointment of spikenard very precious; and she broke the box, and poured it on his head.">Mark 14:3</a>. It may perhaps mean "Nard Pistik," or Pistik ointment, the word Pistik being a local name. The fact that this peculiar word occurs only in these two passages points to this as the probable explanation.And anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair.--St. Matthew and St. Mark both state that she anointed His head. This was the usual custom (comp. Note on <a href="/luke/7-46.htm" title="My head with oil you did not anoint: but this woman has anointed my feet with ointment.">Luke 7:46</a>, and <a href="/psalms/23-5.htm" title="You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies: you anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over.">Psalm 23:5</a>); but St. John remembers that the act of love went beyond that of common esteem, in the depth of its gratitude and reverence, and anointed the feet, and wiped them with her own hair. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/john/12.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 3. - Mary therefore took a pound (the synoptists Matthew and Mark say "an alabaster," i.e. a flask made of the costly spar, which was peculiarly adapted to the preservation of liquid perfume, hermetically sealed before it was broken for immediate use. The fact, as stated by Matthew and Mark, is inconsistent with her reserving any of the precious fluid for another occasion) of ointment ("liquid perfume," sometimes added to the more ordinary oil), of pure (or possibly; pistie) nard. Mark uses this unusual word πιστικός, which belongs to later Greek. The derivation of πιστκτικός from πίνω, equivalent to "potable," is not appropriate in meaning, though this "nard" was used for perfuming wine. In <a href="/mark/14-3.htm">Mark 14:3</a> also the Authorized Version translates it "spikenard," as it does here (cf. also <a href="/songs/1-12.htm">Song of Solomon 1:12</a> and Song 4:13, 14, where Hebrew נֵרְדְּ corresponds with νάρδος). But the one place where the word was supposed to be found in Aristotle is now seen not to be πισττικός, but πειστικός, trustworthy, or unadulterated. It is possible that the word may have had a local geographical value, belonging to some proper name, and is untranslatable. Very precious. Mark (<a href="/mark/14-3.htm">Mark 14:3</a>) uses the word πολυτελοῦς, and Matthew (<a href="/matthew/26-7.htm">Matthew 26:7</a>) βαρυτίμου. John appears to combine the idea of both words in his πολυτίμον. Each of the synoptists severally mentions a fact which John omits - that Mary broke the alabaster box, and poured the costly unguent on his head in rich abundance, as though hers had been the royal or high-priestly anointing (cf. <a href="/psalms/133.htm">Psalm 133</a>.); but John shows that this at least was not all she did. She anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odor of the ointment. Thoma thinks that, conformably with John's idea, the anointing of the head of the true High Priest was the work of God alone, quoting Philo's comment on <a href="/leviticus/21-10.htm">Leviticus 21:10</a>, etc., "The head of the Logos, as High Priest, is anointed with oil, i.e. his innermost essence gleams with dazzling light;" and adds, that as the feet of the high priest were washed with water from recent defilement of the world's dust, so God's anointed Lamb and Priest was anointed on his feet with the spikenard of faith, the best and costliest thing that man could offer. So profound an analogy seems to us contrary to the simplicity of the narrative, which is perfectly natural in its form. The perfumed nard ran down to the Savior's feet and the skirts of his garments, and there accumulating, the significant act is further recounted how Mary wiped off the superfluous perfume from his feet with the tresses of her loosened hair. This simple act proclaimed the self-humiliation and adoration of her unbounded love, seeing that the loosening of a woman's hair was a mark of unusual self-abandonment, Many most unnecessary inferences have been drawn from this. John adds an interesting feature, revealing the sensitive eye-witness of the scene, "and the house was filled with the odor of the ointment;" and the whole house of God ever since has been fragrant with her immortal and prophetic act. <a href="/commentaries/john/12-3.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>Then οὖν (oun) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_3767.htm">Strong's 3767: </a> Therefore, then. Apparently a primary word; certainly, or accordingly. Mary Μαριὰμ (Mariam) Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3137.htm">Strong's 3137: </a> Or Mariam of Hebrew origin; Maria or Mariam, the name of six Christian females. took λαβοῦσα (labousa) Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2983.htm">Strong's 2983: </a> (a) I receive, get, (b) I take, lay hold of. about a pint λίτραν (litran) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3046.htm">Strong's 3046: </a> A Roman pound, of about twelve ounces. Of Latin origin; a pound in weight. of expensive πολυτίμου (polytimou) Adjective - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4186.htm">Strong's 4186: </a> Of great value, very costly, very precious. From polus and time; extremely valuable. perfume, μύρου (myrou) Noun - Genitive Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3464.htm">Strong's 3464: </a> Anointing-oil, ointment. Probably of foreign origin; 'myrrh', i.e. perfumed oil. made of pure πιστικῆς (pistikēs) Adjective - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4101.htm">Strong's 4101: </a> Genuine, pure (of ointment), trustworthy. From pistis; trustworthy, i.e. Genuine. nard, νάρδου (nardou) Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3487.htm">Strong's 3487: </a> Spikenard, a perfume made originally from a plant growing on the Himalayas. Of foreign origin; 'nard'. [and] she anointed ἤλειψεν (ēleipsen) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_218.htm">Strong's 218: </a> To anoint: festivally, in homage, medicinally, or in anointing the dead. To oil. Jesus’ Ἰησοῦ (Iēsou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2424.htm">Strong's 2424: </a> Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites. feet πόδας (podas) Noun - Accusative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4228.htm">Strong's 4228: </a> The foot. A primary word; a 'foot'. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. wiped ἐξέμαξεν (exemaxen) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1591.htm">Strong's 1591: </a> To wipe, wipe (off) thoroughly. From ek and the base of massaomai; to knead out, i.e. to wipe dry. [them] πόδας (podas) Noun - Accusative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4228.htm">Strong's 4228: </a> The foot. A primary word; a 'foot'. with τοὺς (tous) Article - Accusative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. her αὐτῆς (autēs) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Feminine 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. hair. θριξὶν (thrixin) Noun - Dative Feminine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2359.htm">Strong's 2359: </a> Hair (of the head or of animals). Genitive case trichos, etc. of uncertain derivation; hair. And δὲ (de) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1161.htm">Strong's 1161: </a> A primary particle; but, and, etc. the ἡ (hē) Article - Nominative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. house οἰκία (oikia) Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3614.htm">Strong's 3614: </a> From oikos; properly, residence, but usually an abode; by implication, a family. was filled ἐπληρώθη (eplērōthē) Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4137.htm">Strong's 4137: </a> From pleres; to make replete, i.e. to cram, level up, or to furnish, satisfy, execute, finish, verify, etc. with ἐκ (ek) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1537.htm">Strong's 1537: </a> From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out. the τῆς (tēs) Article - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. fragrance ὀσμῆς (osmēs) Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3744.htm">Strong's 3744: </a> A smell, odor, savor. From ozo; fragrance. of the τοῦ (tou) Article - Genitive Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. perfume. μύρου (myrou) Noun - Genitive Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3464.htm">Strong's 3464: </a> Anointing-oil, ointment. Probably of foreign origin; 'myrrh', i.e. perfumed oil. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/john/12-3.htm">John 12:3 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/john/12-3.htm">John 12:3 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/john/12-3.htm">John 12:3 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/john/12-3.htm">John 12:3 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/john/12-3.htm">John 12:3 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/john/12-3.htm">John 12:3 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/john/12-3.htm">John 12:3 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/john/12-3.htm">John 12:3 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/john/12-3.htm">John 12:3 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/john/12-3.htm">John 12:3 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/john/12-3.htm">NT Gospels: John 12:3 Mary therefore took a pound of ointment (Jhn Jo Jn) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/john/12-2.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="John 12:2"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="John 12:2" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/john/12-4.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="John 12:4"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="John 12:4" /></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>