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She broke the jar and poured the perfume on his head. <a href="/nlt/mark/14.htm">New Living Translation</a> Meanwhile, Jesus was in Bethany at the home of Simon, a man who had previously had leprosy. While he was eating, a woman came in with a beautiful alabaster jar of expensive perfume made from essence of nard. She broke open the jar and poured the perfume over his head. <a href="/esv/mark/14.htm">English Standard Version</a> And while he was at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he was reclining at table, a woman came with an alabaster flask of ointment of pure nard, very costly, and she broke the flask and poured it over his head. <a href="/bsb/mark/14.htm">Berean Standard Bible</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="/blb/mark/14.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> And of Him being in Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, of Him having reclined, a woman came having an alabaster flask of fragrant oil of pure nard, of great price. Having broken the alabaster flask, she poured it on His head. <a href="/kjv/mark/14.htm">King James Bible</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="/nkjv/mark/14.htm">New King James Version</a> And being in Bethany at the house of Simon the leper, as He sat at the table, a woman came having an alabaster flask of very costly oil of spikenard. Then she broke the flask and poured it on His head. <a href="/nasb_/mark/14.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> While He was in Bethany at the home of Simon the Leper, He was reclining at the table, and a woman came with an alabaster vial of very expensive perfume of pure nard. She broke the vial and poured the perfume over His head. <a href="/nasb/mark/14.htm">NASB 1995</a> While He was in Bethany at the home of Simon the leper, and reclining at the table, there came a woman with an alabaster vial of very costly perfume of pure nard; and she broke the vial and poured it over His head. <a href="/nasb77/mark/14.htm">NASB 1977 </a> And while He was in Bethany at the home of Simon the leper, and reclining at the table, there came a woman with an alabaster vial of very costly perfume of pure nard; and she broke the vial and poured it over His head. <a href="/lsb/mark/14.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> And while He was in Bethany at the home of Simon the leper, and reclining at the table, there came a woman with an alabaster jar of perfume of very costly pure nard; and she broke the jar and poured it over His head. <a href="/amp/mark/14.htm">Amplified Bible</a> While He was in Bethany [as a guest] at the home of Simon the leper, and reclining at the table, a woman came with an alabaster vial of very costly and precious perfume of pure nard; and she broke the vial and poured the perfume over His head. <a href="/csb/mark/14.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> While he was in Bethany at the house of Simon the leper, as he was reclining at the table, a woman came with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume of pure nard. She broke the jar and poured it on his head. <a href="/hcsb/mark/14.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> While He was in Bethany at the house of Simon who had a serious skin disease, as He was reclining at the table, a woman came with an alabaster jar of pure and expensive fragrant oil of nard. She broke the jar and poured it on His head. <a href="/asv/mark/14.htm">American Standard Version</a> And while he was in Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at meat, there came a woman having an alabaster cruse of ointment of pure nard very costly; and she brake the cruse, and poured it over his head. <a href="/cev/mark/14.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Jesus was eating in Bethany at the home of Simon, who once had leprosy, when a woman came in with a very expensive bottle of sweet-smelling perfume. After breaking it open, she poured the perfume on Jesus' head. <a href="/erv/mark/14.htm">English Revised Version</a> And while he was in Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at meat, there came a woman having an alabaster cruse of ointment of spikenard very costly; and she brake the cruse, and poured it over his head. <a href="/gwt/mark/14.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Jesus was in Bethany at the home of Simon, a man who had suffered from a skin disease. While Jesus was sitting there, a woman went to him. She had a bottle of very expensive perfume made from pure nard. She opened the bottle and poured the perfume on his head. <a href="/gnt/mark/14.htm">Good News Translation</a> Jesus was in Bethany at the house of Simon, a man who had suffered from a dreaded skin disease. While Jesus was eating, a woman came in with an alabaster jar full of a very expensive perfume made of pure nard. She broke the jar and poured the perfume on Jesus' head. <a href="/isv/mark/14.htm">International Standard Version</a> While Jesus was in Bethany sitting at the table in the home of Simon the leper, a woman arrived with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume made from pure nard. She broke open the jar and poured the perfume on his head. <a href="/msb/mark/14.htm">Majority Standard Bible</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="/net/mark/14.htm">NET Bible</a> Now while Jesus was in Bethany at the house of Simon the leper, reclining at the table, a woman came with an alabaster jar of costly aromatic oil from pure nard. After breaking open the jar, she poured it on his head. <a href="/nheb/mark/14.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> While he was at Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper, as he was reclining, a woman came having an alabaster jar of ointment of pure nard--very costly. She broke the jar, and poured it over his head. <a href="/wbt/mark/14.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And being in Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at table, 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. <a href="/wey/mark/14.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Now when He was at Bethany, in the house of Simon the Leper, while He was at table, there came a woman with a jar of pure, sweet-scented ointment very costly: she broke the jar and poured the ointment over His head. <a href="/web/mark/14.htm">World English Bible</a> While he was at Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at the table, a woman came having an alabaster jar of ointment of pure nard—very costly. She broke the jar and poured it over his head. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/mark/14.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And He, being in Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper, at His reclining, there came a woman having an alabaster box of ointment, of spikenard, very precious, and having broken the alabaster box, poured [it] on His head; <a href="/blb/mark/14.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> And of Him being in Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, of Him having reclined, a woman came having an alabaster flask of fragrant oil of pure nard, of great price. Having broken the alabaster flask, she poured it on His head. <a href="/ylt/mark/14.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And he, being in Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper, at his reclining (at meat), there came a woman having an alabaster box of ointment, of spikenard, very precious, and having broken the alabaster box, did pour on his head; <a href="/slt/mark/14.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And he being in Bethany in the house of Simon the leprous, he reclining at table, a woman came having an alabaster box of perfumed oil of persuasive, costly, spikenard; and having broken the alabaster box, she poured upon his head.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/mark/14.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And when he was in Bethania, in the house of Simon the leper, and was at meat, there came a woman having an alabaster box of ointment of precious spikenard: and breaking the alabaster box, she poured it out upon his head. <a href="/cpdv/mark/14.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And when he was in Bethania, in the house of Simon the leper, and was reclining to eat, a woman arrived having an alabaster container of ointment, of precious spikenard. And breaking open the alabaster container, she poured it over his head. <a href="/nabre/mark/14.htm">New American Bible</a> When he was in Bethany reclining at table in the house of Simon the leper, a woman came with an alabaster jar of perfumed oil, costly genuine spikenard. She broke the alabaster jar and poured it on his head. <a href="/nrsvce/mark/14.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> While he was at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at the table, a woman came with an alabaster jar of very costly ointment of nard, and she broke open the jar and poured the ointment on his head.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/mark/14.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> When he was in Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper, while he reclined, there came a woman who had with her an alabaster vessel of perfume of pure nard, of good quality and very expensive; and she opened it, and poured it upon the head of Jesus. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/mark/14.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> And while he was in Bethany in the House of Shimeon the Potter, as he was reclining, a woman came who had with her an alabaster vase of ointment of the best spikenard, very expensive, and she opened it and poured it on Yeshua's head.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/mark/14.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> And while he was in Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper, as he reclined at table, there came a woman that had an alabaster box of ointment of pure nard, very costly; and she broke the box, and poured it on his head. <a href="/godbey/mark/14.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> And He being in Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper, He sitting at the table, a woman came having an alabaster box of myrrh of spikenard estimated very valuable; and breaking the alabastar box, she poured it on His head. <a href="/haweis/mark/14.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> And when he was at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at table, a woman came, having an alabaster vase of ointment, of genuine spikenard, of vast value: and breaking the vase, she let it flow down upon his head. <a href="/mace/mark/14.htm">Mace New Testament</a> now being at Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper, while he was at table, there came a woman with a viol full of the perfume of spikenard, which was very costly; and she opened the viol, and poured it upon his head. <a href="/wey/mark/14.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Now when He was at Bethany, in the house of Simon the Leper, while He was at table, there came a woman with a jar of pure, sweet-scented ointment very costly: she broke the jar and poured the ointment over His head. <a href="/worrell/mark/14.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> And, while He was in Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper, as He was reclining at table, there came a woman having an alabaster cruse of ointment of pure spikenard, very costly; and, having broken the cruse, she was pouring it down on His bead. <a href="/worsley/mark/14.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> And when He was at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as He was at table, there came a woman with an alabaster-box of ointment of spikenard, very valuable; and she brake the box and poured it on his head. <a href="/parallel/mark/14-3.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/DmwDTC71zvQ?start=4621" 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/mark/14.htm">Jesus Anointed at Bethany</a> 2“But not during the feast,” they said, “or there may be a riot among the people.” 3<a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: Kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">While</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.">Jesus</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: ontos (V-PPA-GMS) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">was</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">in</a> <a href="/greek/963.htm" title="963: Bēthania (N-DFS) -- Of Chaldee origin; date-house; Beth-any, a place in Palestine.">Bethany</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/2621.htm" title="2621: katakeimenou (V-PPM/P-GMS) -- From kata and keimai; to lie down, i.e. be sick; specially, to recline at a meal.">reclining at the table</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">in</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tē (Art-DFS) -- 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-DFS) -- From oikos; properly, residence, but usually an abode; by implication, a family.">home</a> <a href="/greek/4613.htm" title="4613: Simōnos (N-GMS) -- Simon. Of Hebrew origin; Simon, the name of nine Israelites.">of Simon</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.">the</a> <a href="/greek/3015.htm" title="3015: leprou (Adj-GMS) -- A leprous person, a leper. From the same as lepra; scaly, i.e. Leprous.">Leper,</a> <a href="/greek/1135.htm" title="1135: gynē (N-NFS) -- A woman, wife, my lady. Probably from the base of ginomai; a woman; specially, a wife.">a woman</a> <a href="/greek/2064.htm" title="2064: ēlthen (V-AIA-3S) -- To come, go. ">came</a> <a href="/greek/2192.htm" title="2192: echousa (V-PPA-NFS) -- To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.">with</a> <a href="/greek/211.htm" title="211: alabastron (N-AFS) -- Neuter of alabastros, the name of a stone; properly, an alabaster box, i.e. a perfume vase.">an alabaster jar</a> <a href="/greek/4185.htm" title="4185: polytelous (Adj-GFS) -- Very costly, very precious, of great value. From polus and telos; extremely expensive.">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/4937.htm" title="4937: syntripsasa (V-APA-NFS) -- From sun and the base of tribos; to crush completely, i.e. To shatter.">She broke open</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēn (Art-AFS) -- 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/211.htm" title="211: alabastron (N-AFS) -- Neuter of alabastros, the name of a stone; properly, an alabaster box, i.e. a perfume vase.">jar</a> <a href="/greek/2708.htm" title="2708: katecheen (V-AIA-3S) -- To pour (down) upon. From kata and cheo; to pour down.">and poured it on</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.">Jesus’</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."></a> <a href="/greek/2776.htm" title="2776: kephalēs (N-GFS) -- From the primary kapto; the head, literally or figuratively.">head.</a> 4Some of those present, however, expressed their indignation to one another: “Why this waste of perfume?…<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="/john/12-1.htm">John 12:1-8</a> Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, the hometown of Lazarus, whom He had raised from the dead. / So they hosted a dinner for Jesus there. Martha served, and Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with Him. / 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="/matthew/26-6.htm">Matthew 26:6-13</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. / When the disciples saw this, they were indignant and asked, “Why this waste? ... <a href="/luke/7-36.htm">Luke 7:36-50</a> Then one of the Pharisees invited Jesus to eat with him, and He entered the Pharisee’s house and reclined at the table. / 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/11-55.htm">John 11:55-57</a> Now the Jewish Passover was near, and many people went up from the country to Jerusalem to purify themselves before the Passover. / They kept looking for Jesus and asking one another as they stood in the temple courts, “What do you think? Will He come to the feast at all?” / But the chief priests and Pharisees had given orders that anyone who knew where He was must report it, so that they could arrest Him. <a href="/2_kings/4-1.htm">2 Kings 4:1-7</a> Now the wife of one of the sons of the prophets cried out to Elisha, “Your servant, my husband, is dead, and you know that your servant feared the LORD. And now his creditor is coming to take my two children as his slaves!” / “How can I help you?” asked Elisha. “Tell me, what do you have in the house?” She answered, “Your servant has nothing in the house but a jar of oil.” / “Go,” said Elisha, “borrow empty jars from all your neighbors. Do not gather just a few. ... <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="/1_kings/1-39.htm">1 Kings 1:39</a> Zadok the priest took the horn of oil from the tabernacle and anointed Solomon. Then they blew the ram’s horn, and all the people proclaimed, “Long live King Solomon!” <a href="/exodus/30-22.htm">Exodus 30:22-33</a> Then the LORD said to Moses, / “Take the finest spices: 500 shekels of liquid myrrh, half that amount (250 shekels) of fragrant cinnamon, 250 shekels of fragrant cane, / 500 shekels of cassia—all according to the sanctuary shekel—and a hin of olive oil. ... <a href="/psalms/23-5.htm">Psalm 23:5</a> You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. <a href="/isaiah/61-1.htm">Isaiah 61:1</a> The Spirit of the Lord GOD is on Me, because the LORD has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and freedom to the prisoners, <a href="/amos/6-6.htm">Amos 6:6</a> You drink wine by the bowlful and anoint yourselves with the finest oils, but you fail to grieve over the ruin of Joseph. <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="/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.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>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.being.<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="/john/11-2.htm">John 11:2</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="/john/12-1.htm">John 12:1-3</a> Then Jesus six days before the passover came to Bethany, where Lazarus was which had been dead, whom he raised from the dead… of ointment.<a href="/songs/4-13.htm">Song of Solomon 4:13,14</a> Thy plants are an orchard of pomegranates, with pleasant fruits; camphire, with spikenard, … <a href="/songs/5-5.htm">Song of Solomon 5:5</a> I rose up to open to my beloved; and my hands dropped with myrrh, and my fingers with sweet smelling myrrh, upon the handles of the lock.<a href="/luke/7-37.htm">Luke 7:37,38</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, … spikenard.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/matthew/26-7.htm">Alabaster</a> <a href="/mark/11-12.htm">Bethany</a> <a href="/mark/12-43.htm">Box</a> <a href="/mark/8-20.htm">Broke</a> <a href="/matthew/26-7.htm">Costly</a> <a href="/mark/12-10.htm">Head</a> <a href="/mark/13-34.htm">Home</a> <a href="/mark/13-35.htm">House</a> <a href="/matthew/26-7.htm">Jar</a> <a href="/mark/1-40.htm">Leper</a> <a href="/mark/8-8.htm">Meat</a> <a href="/songs/4-14.htm">Nard</a> <a href="/matthew/26-12.htm">Ointment</a> <a href="/matthew/26-28.htm">Poured</a> <a href="/matthew/26-7.htm">Precious</a> <a href="/matthew/5-8.htm">Pure</a> <a href="/mark/6-26.htm">Reclining</a> <a href="/mark/13-3.htm">Sat</a> <a href="/mark/6-3.htm">Simon</a> <a href="/songs/4-14.htm">Spikenard</a> <a href="/matthew/26-7.htm">Sweet-Scented</a> <a href="/mark/7-28.htm">Table</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/luke/7-37.htm">Alabaster</a> <a href="/luke/19-29.htm">Bethany</a> <a href="/luke/7-37.htm">Box</a> <a href="/mark/14-22.htm">Broke</a> <a href="/john/12-3.htm">Costly</a> <a href="/mark/15-17.htm">Head</a> <a href="/luke/1-23.htm">Home</a> <a href="/mark/14-14.htm">House</a> <a href="/mark/14-13.htm">Jar</a> <a href="/luke/4-28.htm">Leper</a> <a href="/mark/16-14.htm">Meat</a> <a href="/john/12-3.htm">Nard</a> <a href="/mark/14-4.htm">Ointment</a> <a href="/mark/14-8.htm">Poured</a> <a href="/luke/12-7.htm">Precious</a> <a href="/john/12-3.htm">Pure</a> <a href="/mark/14-18.htm">Reclining</a> <a href="/mark/14-18.htm">Sat</a> <a href="/mark/14-37.htm">Simon</a> <a href="/john/12-3.htm">Spikenard</a> <a href="/songs/5-13.htm">Sweet-Scented</a> <a href="/mark/14-15.htm">Table</a><div class="vheading2">Mark 14</div>1. <a href="/mark/14-1.htm">A conspiracy against Jesus.</a> 3. <a href="/mark/14-3.htm">Expensive perfume is poured on his head by a woman.</a> 10. <a href="/mark/14-10.htm">Judas sells his Master for money.</a> 12. <a href="/mark/14-12.htm">Jesus himself foretells how he will be betrayed by one of his disciples;</a> 22. <a href="/mark/14-22.htm">after the passover prepared, and eaten, institutes his last supper;</a> 26. <a href="/mark/14-26.htm">declares beforehand the flight of all his disciples, and Peter's denial.</a> 43. <a href="/mark/14-43.htm">Judas betrays him with a kiss.</a> 46. <a href="/mark/14-46.htm">Jesus is apprehended in the garden;</a> 53. <a href="/mark/14-53.htm">falsely accused and impiously condemned of the council;</a> 65. <a href="/mark/14-65.htm">shamefully abused by them;</a> 66. <a href="/mark/14-66.htm">and thrice denied by Peter.</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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It was a place of refuge and rest for Jesus, often associated with His close friends, Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. The name "Bethany" is thought to mean "house of affliction" or "house of figs," reflecting its humble and perhaps challenging environment. This setting underscores the humility and humanity of Jesus, who chose to spend His time in a place not of grandeur but of simplicity and genuine relationships.in the home of Simon the leper Simon the leper's home is a poignant setting, as leprosy was a disease that led to social ostracism. The fact that Jesus was in Simon's home highlights His compassion and willingness to associate with those marginalized by society. It is possible that Simon had been healed by Jesus, which would explain his ability to host a gathering. This setting emphasizes the transformative power of Jesus' ministry, breaking social barriers and restoring individuals to community and fellowship.a woman came The woman, identified in other Gospels as Mary of Bethany, approaches Jesus with a bold and sacrificial act. Her coming to Jesus signifies an act of devotion and courage, as she steps into a male-dominated space to express her love and reverence. This moment highlights the inclusive nature of Jesus' ministry, where women played crucial roles and were acknowledged for their faith and actions.with an alabaster jar Alabaster, a fine-grained stone, was commonly used to store precious ointments and perfumes. The jar itself represents value and beauty, indicating the significance of the contents it held. The use of an alabaster jar suggests the woman's intention to offer something of great worth to Jesus, symbolizing her deep devotion and the preciousness of her gift.of expensive perfume, made of pure nard Nard, a costly perfume derived from a plant found in the Himalayas, was a luxury item in the ancient world. Its mention underscores the sacrificial nature of the woman's offering, as she gives something of immense value. This act of anointing with pure nard symbolizes the woman's recognition of Jesus' divine kingship and foreshadows His burial, as anointing was a customary practice for honoring the dead.She broke open the jar Breaking the jar signifies a total and irreversible act of giving. Once broken, the jar could not be used again, symbolizing the woman's complete and unreserved devotion to Jesus. This act of breaking open the jar reflects the call for believers to offer their lives wholly to Christ, holding nothing back in their worship and service.and poured it on His head Anointing the head was a traditional act of honoring and consecration, often associated with kingship and priesthood. By pouring the perfume on Jesus' head, the woman acknowledges His authority and divine mission. This act prefigures Jesus' impending death and burial, serving as a prophetic gesture of His role as the Messiah who would suffer and die for humanity's redemption.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/mark/14.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(3-9) And being in Bethany.--See Notes on <a href="/context/matthew/26-6.htm" title="Now when Jesus was in Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper,">Matthew 26:6-13</a>.Ointment of spikenard.--The Greek word so translated is, as the various renderings in the margin show, of doubtful import. It is used by St. John (<a href="/john/12-3.htm" title="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.">John 12:3</a>) in his account of the same facts.She brake the box.--As in the "breaking through" the roof in <a href="/mark/2-4.htm" title="And when they could not come near to him for the press, they uncovered the roof where he was: and when they had broken it up, they let down the bed wherein the sick of the palsy lay.">Mark 2:4</a>, the vivid touch that brings the manner of the act distinctly before our eyes is found in St. Mark only. The Greek word implies not so much the breaking of the neck of the costly jar or flask, but the crushing it in its entirety with both her hands.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/mark/14.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 3. - And while he was in Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at meat, there came a woman having an alabaster cruse (ἀλάβαστρον) - literally, an alabaster; as we say, "a glass," of a vessel made of glass - of ointment of spikenard very costly (μύρου νάρδου πιστικῆς πολυτελοῦς); and she brake the cruse, and poured it over his head. This anointing of our Lord appears to have taken place on the Saturday before Palm Sunday (see <a href="/john/12-1.htm">John 12:1</a>). The anointing mentioned by St. Luke (<a href="/luke/7-36.htm">Luke 7:36</a>) evidently has reference to some previous occasion. The narrative here and in St. Matthew and St. John would lead us to the conclusion that this was a feast given by Simon - perhaps in grateful acknowledgment of the miracle which had been wrought upon Lazarus. He is called "Simon the leper," probably because he had been a leper, and had been healed by Christ, although he still retained the name of "leper," to distinguish him from others named Simon, or Simeon, a common name amongst the Jews. There came a woman. This woman, we learn from St. John (<a href="/john/12-2.htm">John 12:2, 3</a>), was Mary, the sister of Martha and Lazarus. The vessel, or cruse, which she had with her was made of alabaster, a kind of soft, smooth marble, which could easily be scooped out so as to form a receptacle for ointment, which, according to Pliny ('Nat. Hist.,' 13:3), was best preserved in vessels made of alabaster. The vessel would probably be formed with a long narrow neck, which could easily be broken, or crushed (the word in the original is συντρίψασα so as to allow of a free escape for the unguent. The ointment was made of spikenard νάρδου πιστικῆς). The Vulgate has nardi spicati. If this is the true interpretation of the word πιστικῆς, it would mean that this ointment was made from a bearded plant mentioned by Pliny ('Nat. Hist.,' 12:12), who says that the ointment made from this plant was most precious. The plant was called by Galen "nardi spica." Hence πιστικῆν it would mean "genuine" ointment - ointment made from the flowers of the choicest kind of plant, pliny ('Nat. Hist.,' 12:26) says that there was an inferior article in circulation, which he calls "pseudo-nard." The Syriac Peshito Version uses an expression which means the principal, or best kind of ointment. The anointing of the head would be the more usual mark of honor. It would seem most probable that Mary first wiped the feet of Jesus, wetting them with her tears, and then wiping off the dust, and then anointing them; and that she then proceeded to break the neck of the cruse, and to pour its whole contents on his head. <a href="/commentaries/mark/14-3.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>While Καὶ (Kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. [Jesus] αὐτοῦ (autou) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 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. was ὄντος (ontos) Verb - Present Participle Active - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. in ἐν (en) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. Bethany Βηθανίᾳ (Bēthania) Noun - Dative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_963.htm">Strong's 963: </a> Of Chaldee origin; date-house; Beth-any, a place in Palestine. reclining at the table κατακειμένου (katakeimenou) Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2621.htm">Strong's 2621: </a> From kata and keimai; to lie down, i.e. be sick; specially, to recline at a meal. in ἐν (en) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. the τῇ (tē) Article - Dative 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. home οἰκίᾳ (oikia) Noun - Dative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3614.htm">Strong's 3614: </a> From oikos; properly, residence, but usually an abode; by implication, a family. of Simon Σίμωνος (Simōnos) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4613.htm">Strong's 4613: </a> Simon. Of Hebrew origin; Simon, the name of nine Israelites. the τοῦ (tou) Article - Genitive Masculine 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. leper, λεπροῦ (leprou) Adjective - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3015.htm">Strong's 3015: </a> A leprous person, a leper. From the same as lepra; scaly, i.e. Leprous. a woman γυνὴ (gynē) Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1135.htm">Strong's 1135: </a> A woman, wife, my lady. Probably from the base of ginomai; a woman; specially, a wife. came ἦλθεν (ēlthen) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2064.htm">Strong's 2064: </a> To come, go. [with] ἔχουσα (echousa) Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2192.htm">Strong's 2192: </a> To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold. an alabaster jar ἀλάβαστρον (alabastron) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_211.htm">Strong's 211: </a> Neuter of alabastros, the name of a stone; properly, an 'alabaster' box, i.e. a perfume vase. of expensive πολυτελοῦς (polytelous) Adjective - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4185.htm">Strong's 4185: </a> Very costly, very precious, of great value. From polus and telos; extremely expensive. 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'. She broke open συντρίψασα (syntripsasa) Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4937.htm">Strong's 4937: </a> From sun and the base of tribos; to crush completely, i.e. To shatter. the τὴν (tēn) Article - Accusative 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. jar ἀλάβαστρον (alabastron) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_211.htm">Strong's 211: </a> Neuter of alabastros, the name of a stone; properly, an 'alabaster' box, i.e. a perfume vase. [and] poured [it] on κατέχεεν (katecheen) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2708.htm">Strong's 2708: </a> To pour (down) upon. From kata and cheo; to pour down. [Jesus鈥橾 αὐτοῦ (autou) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 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. head. κεφαλῆς (kephalēs) Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2776.htm">Strong's 2776: </a> From the primary kapto; the head, literally or figuratively. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/mark/14-3.htm">Mark 14:3 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/mark/14-3.htm">Mark 14:3 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/mark/14-3.htm">Mark 14:3 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/mark/14-3.htm">Mark 14:3 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/mark/14-3.htm">Mark 14:3 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/mark/14-3.htm">Mark 14:3 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/mark/14-3.htm">Mark 14:3 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/mark/14-3.htm">Mark 14:3 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/mark/14-3.htm">Mark 14:3 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/mark/14-3.htm">Mark 14:3 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/mark/14-3.htm">NT Gospels: Mark 14:3 While he was at Bethany (Mar Mk Mr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/mark/14-2.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Mark 14:2"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Mark 14:2" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/mark/14-4.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Mark 14:4"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Mark 14:4" /></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>