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Matthew 26:8 When the disciples saw this, they were indignant and asked, "Why this waste?
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class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/matthew/26.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter"> (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/matthew/26.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />When the disciples saw this, they were indignant. “Why this waste?” they asked.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/matthew/26.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />The disciples were indignant when they saw this. “What a waste!” they said.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/matthew/26.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />And when the disciples saw it, they were indignant, saying, “Why this waste?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/matthew/26.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />When the disciples saw this, they were indignant and asked, “Why this waste?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/matthew/26.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />And the disciples having seen, became indignant, saying, "For what purpose <i>is</i> this waste?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/matthew/26.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />But when his disciples saw <i>it</i>, they had indignation, saying, To what purpose <i>is</i> this waste?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/matthew/26.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />But when His disciples saw <i>it,</i> they were indignant, saying, “Why this waste?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/matthew/26.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />But the disciples were indignant when they saw <i>this,</i> and said, “Why this waste?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/matthew/26.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />But the disciples were indignant when they saw this, and said, “Why this waste?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/matthew/26.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />But the disciples were indignant when they saw <i>this,</i> and said, “Why this waste?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/matthew/26.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />But when the disciples saw <i>this</i>, they were indignant, saying, “Why this waste?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/matthew/26.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />But when the disciples saw it they were indignant <i>and</i> angry, saying, “Why all this waste [of money]?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/matthew/26.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />When the disciples saw it, they were indignant. “Why this waste? ” they asked.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/matthew/26.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />When the disciples saw it, they were indignant. “Why this waste?” they asked. “<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/matthew/26.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />But when the disciples saw it, they had indignation, saying, To what purpose is this waste?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/matthew/26.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />But when his disciples saw this, they became angry and complained, "Why such a waste? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/matthew/26.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />But when the disciples saw it, they had indignation, saying, To what purpose is this waste?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/matthew/26.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />The disciples were irritated when they saw this. They asked, "Why did she waste it like this?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/matthew/26.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />The disciples saw this and became angry. "Why all this waste?" they asked. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/matthew/26.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />But when the disciples saw this, they became irritated and said, "Why this waste? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/matthew/26.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />When His disciples saw this, they were indignant and asked, ?Why this waste?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/matthew/26.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />When the disciples saw this, they became indignant and said, "Why this waste?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/matthew/26.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />But when the disciples saw this, they were indignant, saying, "Why this waste?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/matthew/26.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />But when his disciples saw it, they had indignation, saying, To what purpose is this waste?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/matthew/26.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />"Why such waste?" indignantly exclaimed the disciples;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/matthew/26.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />But when his disciples saw this, they were indignant, saying, “Why this waste? <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/matthew/26.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And having seen [it], His disciples were much displeased, saying, “To what purpose [is] this waste?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/matthew/26.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />And the disciples having seen, became indignant, saying, "For what purpose <i>is</i> this waste?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/matthew/26.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And having seen it, his disciples were much displeased, saying, 'To what purpose is this waste?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/matthew/26.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And his disciples seeing, felt pain, saying, For what this loss?<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/matthew/26.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And the disciples seeing it, had indignation, saying: To what purpose is this waste? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/matthew/26.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />But the disciples, seeing this, were indignant, saying: “What is the purpose of this waste?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/matthew/26.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />When the disciples saw this, they were indignant and said, “Why this waste?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/matthew/26.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />But when the disciples saw it, they were angry and said, “Why this waste?<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/matthew/26.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />When his disciples saw it, they were dis- pleased, and said, Why is this loss?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/matthew/26.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />But his disciples saw it and it displeased them and they said, “Why this waste?”<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/matthew/26.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />But when his disciples saw it, they were displeased, and said: For what purpose was this waste?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/matthew/26.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />And His disciples, seeing, were indignant, saying, For what was this waste?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/matthew/26.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />But when the disciples saw it, they had indignation, saying, For what end is this waste?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/matthew/26.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />one of his disciples seeing this, with indignation said, to what purpose is this waste?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/matthew/26.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />"Why such waste?" indignantly exclaimed the disciples;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/matthew/26.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />And the disciples, seeing it, were much displeased, saying, "To what purpose is this waste?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/matthew/26.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />but when his disciples saw <i>it,</i> they were <i>some of them</i> provoked <i>at it,</i> and said, Wherefore <i>is</i> this waste?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/matthew/26-8.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hriiyJYqzvc?start=7924" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/matthew/26.htm">Jesus Anointed at Bethany</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">7</span>a woman came to Him with an alabaster jar of expensive perfume, which she poured on His head as He reclined at the table. <span class="reftext">8</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">When</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: hoi (Art-NMP) -- 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/3101.htm" title="3101: mathētai (N-NMP) -- A learner, disciple, pupil. From manthano; a learner, i.e. Pupil.">disciples</a> <a href="/greek/3708.htm" title="3708: Idontes (V-APA-NMP) -- Properly, to stare at, i.e. to discern clearly; by extension, to attend to; by Hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear.">saw this,</a> <a href="/greek/23.htm" title="23: ēganaktēsan (V-AIA-3P) -- To be angry, incensed. From agan and achthos; to be greatly afflicted, i.e. indignant.">they were indignant</a> <a href="/greek/3004.htm" title="3004: legontes (V-PPA-NMP) -- (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. ">and asked,</a> <a href="/greek/1519.htm" title="1519: Eis (Prep) -- A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.">“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/3778.htm" title="3778: hautē (DPro-NFS) -- This; he, she, it. ">this</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/684.htm" title="684: apōleia (N-NFS) -- Destruction, ruin, loss, perishing; eternal ruin. From a presumed derivative of apollumi; ruin or loss.">waste?</a> </span> <span class="reftext">9</span>This perfume could have been sold at a high price, and the money given to the poor.”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/12-4.htm">John 12:4-6</a></span><br />But one of His disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was going to betray Him, asked, / “Why wasn’t this perfume sold for three hundred denarii and the money given to the poor?” / Judas did not say this because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief. As keeper of the money bag, he used to take from what was put into it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/14-4.htm">Mark 14:4-5</a></span><br />Some of those present, however, expressed their indignation to one another: “Why this waste of perfume? / It could have been sold for over three hundred denarii and the money given to the poor.” And they scolded her.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/7-39.htm">Luke 7:39</a></span><br />When the Pharisee who had invited Jesus saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, He would know who this is and what kind of woman is touching Him—for she is a sinner!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/11-47.htm">John 11:47-48</a></span><br />Then the chief priests and Pharisees convened the Sanhedrin and said, “What are we to do? This man is performing many signs. / If we let Him go on like this, everyone will believe in Him, and then the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/13-29.htm">John 13:29</a></span><br />Since Judas kept the money bag, some thought that Jesus was telling him to buy what was needed for the feast, or to give something to the poor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/2-29.htm">1 Samuel 2:29</a></span><br />Why then do you kick at My sacrifice and offering that I have prescribed for My dwelling place? You have honored your sons more than Me by fattening yourselves with the best of all the offerings of My people Israel.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/5-26.htm">2 Kings 5:26-27</a></span><br />But Elisha questioned him, “Did not my spirit go with you when the man got down from his chariot to meet you? Is this the time to accept money and clothing, olive groves and vineyards, sheep and oxen, menservants and maidservants? / Therefore, the leprosy of Naaman will cling to you and your descendants forever!” And as Gehazi left his presence, he was leprous—as white as snow.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/14-31.htm">Proverbs 14:31</a></span><br />Whoever oppresses the poor taunts their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors Him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/19-17.htm">Proverbs 19:17</a></span><br />Kindness to the poor is a loan to the LORD, and He will repay the lender.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/58-6.htm">Isaiah 58:6-7</a></span><br />Isn’t this the fast that I have chosen: to break the chains of wickedness, to untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and tear off every yoke? / Isn’t it to share your bread with the hungry, to bring the poor and homeless into your home, to clothe the naked when you see him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/amos/8-4.htm">Amos 8:4-6</a></span><br />Hear this, you who trample the needy, who do away with the poor of the land, / asking, “When will the New Moon be over, that we may sell grain? When will the Sabbath end, that we may market wheat? Let us reduce the ephah and increase the shekel; let us cheat with dishonest scales. / Let us buy the poor with silver and the needy for a pair of sandals, selling even the chaff with the wheat!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/zechariah/11-12.htm">Zechariah 11:12-13</a></span><br />Then I told them, “If it seems right to you, give me my wages; but if not, keep them.” So they weighed out my wages, thirty pieces of silver. / And the LORD said to me, “Throw it to the potter”—this magnificent price at which they valued me. So I took the thirty pieces of silver and threw them to the potter in the house of the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/malachi/1-10.htm">Malachi 1:10</a></span><br />“Oh, that one of you would shut the temple doors, so that you would no longer kindle useless fires on My altar! I take no pleasure in you,” says the LORD of Hosts, “and I will accept no offering from your hands.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/19-21.htm">Matthew 19:21</a></span><br />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.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/25-35.htm">Matthew 25:35-40</a></span><br />For I was hungry and you gave Me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave Me something to drink, I was a stranger and you took Me in, / I was naked and you clothed Me, I was sick and you looked after Me, I was in prison and you visited Me.’ / Then the righteous will answer Him, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You something to drink? ...</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">But when his disciples saw it, they had indignation, saying, To what purpose is this waste?</p><p class="hdg">they.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/17-28.htm">1 Samuel 17:28,29</a></b></br> And Eliab his eldest brother heard when he spake unto the men; and Eliab's anger was kindled against David, and he said, Why camest thou down hither? and with whom hast thou left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know thy pride, and the naughtiness of thine heart; for thou art come down that thou mightest see the battle… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ecclesiastes/4-4.htm">Ecclesiastes 4:4</a></b></br> Again, I considered all travail, and every right work, that for this a man is envied of his neighbour. This <i>is</i> also vanity and vexation of spirit.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/mark/14-4.htm">Mark 14:4</a></b></br> And there were some that had indignation within themselves, and said, Why was this waste of the ointment made?</p><p class="hdg">To.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/5-17.htm">Exodus 5:17</a></b></br> But he said, Ye <i>are</i> idle, <i>ye are</i> idle: therefore ye say, Let us go <i>and</i> do sacrifice to the LORD.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/amos/8-5.htm">Amos 8:5</a></b></br> 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?</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/haggai/1-2.htm">Haggai 1:2-4</a></b></br> Thus speaketh the LORD of hosts, saying, This people say, The time is not come, the time that the LORD'S house should be built… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/matthew/22-7.htm">Angry</a> <a href="/matthew/26-1.htm">Disciples</a> <a href="/matthew/21-15.htm">Displeased</a> <a href="/matthew/26-1.htm">End</a> <a href="/matthew/21-20.htm">Exclaimed</a> <a href="/matthew/21-15.htm">Indignant</a> <a href="/luke/15-2.htm">Indignantly</a> <a href="/matthew/21-15.htm">Indignation</a> <a href="/matthew/25-1.htm">Purpose</a> <a href="/matthew/24-26.htm">Waste</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/mark/3-5.htm">Angry</a> <a href="/matthew/26-17.htm">Disciples</a> <a href="/mark/10-14.htm">Displeased</a> <a href="/matthew/26-58.htm">End</a> <a href="/matthew/26-65.htm">Exclaimed</a> <a href="/mark/3-5.htm">Indignant</a> <a href="/mark/14-4.htm">Indignantly</a> <a href="/mark/10-14.htm">Indignation</a> <a href="/matthew/26-50.htm">Purpose</a> <a href="/mark/1-3.htm">Waste</a><div class="vheading2">Matthew 26</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/26-1.htm">Jesus foretells his own death.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">3. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/26-3.htm">The rulers conspire against him.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">6. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/26-6.htm">The woman anoints his feet.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">14. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/26-14.htm">Judas bargains to betray him.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">17. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/26-17.htm">Jesus eats the Passover;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">26. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/26-26.htm">institutes his holy supper;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">30. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/26-30.htm">foretells the desertion of his disciples, and Peter's denial;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">36. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/26-36.htm">prays in the garden;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">47. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/26-47.htm">and being betrayed by a kiss,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">57. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/26-57.htm">is carried to Caiaphas,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">69. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/26-69.htm">and denied by Peter.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; 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This act was a significant moment, as it foreshadowed Jesus' impending death and burial. The disciples, who had been with Jesus throughout His ministry, witnessed many miracles and teachings, yet they often struggled to understand the deeper spiritual significance of events.<p><b>they were indignant</b><br>The disciples' indignation reflects a common human reaction to perceived extravagance, especially when resources could be used for practical purposes. This reaction highlights their misunderstanding of the spiritual importance of the woman's act. The term "indignant" suggests a strong emotional response, indicating that the disciples were genuinely upset by what they saw as a misuse of resources.<p><b>and asked, “Why this waste?”</b><br>The question posed by the disciples reveals their practical mindset, as they viewed the anointing as a waste of valuable resources. This perspective contrasts with Jesus' understanding of the act as a preparation for His burial. The disciples' question also reflects a broader theme in the Gospels, where Jesus often challenges societal norms and values, emphasizing spiritual truths over material concerns. This moment can be connected to other instances where Jesus teaches about the value of devotion and sacrifice, such as the widow's offering in <a href="/mark/12-41.htm">Mark 12:41-44</a>.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_disciples.htm">The Disciples</a></b><br>Followers of Jesus who were present during the anointing at Bethany. They expressed indignation at the perceived waste of expensive perfume.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/j/jesus.htm">Jesus</a></b><br>Central figure of the New Testament, whose impending crucifixion is foreshadowed in this passage. He later defends the woman's actions.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_woman.htm">The Woman</a></b><br>Although not named in this verse, she is identified in other Gospels as Mary of Bethany. She anoints Jesus with expensive perfume, an act of devotion and worship.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/b/bethany.htm">Bethany</a></b><br>A village near Jerusalem where this event takes place. It is significant as a place where Jesus often stayed and performed miracles.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_perfume.htm">The Perfume</a></b><br>A costly ointment used by the woman to anoint Jesus, symbolizing honor and preparation for His burial.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/v/value_of_worship.htm">Value of Worship</a></b><br>True worship may seem extravagant or wasteful to others, but it is precious in the eyes of God. The woman's act teaches us to prioritize devotion to Christ above material concerns.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/u/understanding_sacrifice.htm">Understanding Sacrifice</a></b><br>The disciples' reaction highlights a common human tendency to misunderstand sacrificial acts of love. We are called to discern the heart behind actions rather than their economic value.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/preparation_for_christ's_sacrifice.htm">Preparation for Christ's Sacrifice</a></b><br>The anointing prefigures Jesus' burial, reminding us of the importance of preparing our hearts for His ultimate sacrifice on the cross.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/generosity_and_stewardship.htm">Generosity and Stewardship</a></b><br>While the disciples' concern for the poor is valid, Jesus' response indicates that acts of worship and generosity are not mutually exclusive. We are encouraged to balance stewardship with acts of devotion.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/h/heart_over_appearance.htm">Heart Over Appearance</a></b><br>Like the woman, our actions should stem from a heart of love and worship, regardless of how they are perceived by others.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_matthew_26.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Matthew 26</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_the_wide_gate_to_destruction.htm">Am I the one, Lord?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_was_uzziah's_father.htm">Who was the father of Uzziah? Joram (Matthew 1:8) Amaziah (2 Chronicles 26:1)</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_matthew's_anointing_differ.htm">In Matthew 26:6-13, why does the anointing scene differ from similar accounts in other Gospels regarding the woman's identity and purpose of the act?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/did_jesus_allow_disciples_a_staff.htm">Did Jesus allow his disciples to keep a staff on their journey? Yes (Mark 6:8) No (Matthew 10:9; Luke 9:3)</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/matthew/26.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(8) <span class= "bld">When his disciples saw it.</span>--There is a singular narrowing of the limits in the three narratives. St. Mark reports that "some had indignation;" St. John (<a href="/john/12-4.htm" title="Then said one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, which should betray him,">John 12:4</a>), as knowing who had whispered the first word of blame, fixes the uncharitable judgment on "Judas Iscariot, Simon's son." The narrow, covetous soul of the Traitor could see nothing in the lavish gift but a "waste" (literally, <span class= "ital">perdition</span>) that was matter for reproach. There is something almost terribly suggestive in the fact that our Lord repeats the self-same word when He describes Judas as a "son of perdition" (<a href="/john/17-12.htm" title="While I was with them in the world, I kept them in your name: those that you gave me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled.">John 17:12</a>). He had wasted that which was more precious than the ointment of spikenard. He wondered that his Master should accept such an offering. His indignation, partly real, partly affected, was perhaps honestly shared by some of his fellow-disciples, probably by those of the third group, with whom he came most into contact, and of whom we may well think as having a less glowing love, and narrower sympathies than the others.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/matthew/26.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 8.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">When his disciples saw it.</span> St. John states that the objection came originally from Judas. Doubtless, when it was once made, many concurred in it, not, indeed, from Judas's selfish motive (<a href="/john/12-6.htm">John 12:6</a>), but because they did not clearly apprehend the Divinity of Christ, nor the unspeakable sacredness of that body which was about to be the instrument of man's redemption. <span class="cmt_word">To what purpose is this waste</span> (<span class="greek_word">a)pw/leia</span>)? Wordsworth notes that Judas is called <span class="greek">υἱὸς</span> <span class="greek">ἀπωλείας</span> (<a href="/john/17-12.htm">John 17:12</a>). A fitting question truly for him to ask! The objectors saw no practical usefulness in the expenditure of this costly substance. If it was thought proper to show respect to their Master, a much inferior oil would have equally effected this purpose, or a few drops of the more precious unguent would have sufficed. So nowadays one hears complaints of money being expended in the rich decoration of churches, etc., when there are starving multitudes whom it would have relieved. But God himself has sanctioned the use of precious materials and of exquisite workmanship in temples built in his honour, and in the accessories of his public worship; the interests of the poor are not overlooked in such expenditure; they who give of their substance for such purposes are just those who feel all their responsibilities, and know that they serve Christ in ministering to his needy members. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/matthew/26-8.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">When</span><br /><span class="grk">δὲ</span> <span class="translit">(de)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1161.htm">Strong's 1161: </a> </span><span class="str2">A primary particle; but, and, etc.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the</span><br /><span class="grk">οἱ</span> <span class="translit">(hoi)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Nominative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">disciples</span><br /><span class="grk">μαθηταὶ</span> <span class="translit">(mathētai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3101.htm">Strong's 3101: </a> </span><span class="str2">A learner, disciple, pupil. From manthano; a learner, i.e. Pupil.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">saw this,</span><br /><span class="grk">Ἰδόντες</span> <span class="translit">(Idontes)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3708.htm">Strong's 3708: </a> </span><span class="str2">Properly, to stare at, i.e. to discern clearly; by extension, to attend to; by Hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">they were indignant</span><br /><span class="grk">ἠγανάκτησαν</span> <span class="translit">(ēganaktēsan)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_23.htm">Strong's 23: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be angry, incensed. From agan and achthos; to be greatly afflicted, i.e. indignant.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and asked,</span><br /><span class="grk">λέγοντες</span> <span class="translit">(legontes)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3004.htm">Strong's 3004: </a> </span><span class="str2">(a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">“Why</span><br /><span class="grk">Εἰς</span> <span class="translit">(Eis)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1519.htm">Strong's 1519: </a> </span><span class="str2">A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">this</span><br /><span class="grk">αὕτη</span> <span class="translit">(hautē)</span><br /><span class="parse">Demonstrative Pronoun - Nominative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3778.htm">Strong's 3778: </a> </span><span class="str2">This; he, she, it. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">waste?</span><br /><span class="grk">ἀπώλεια</span> <span class="translit">(apōleia)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_684.htm">Strong's 684: </a> </span><span class="str2">Destruction, ruin, loss, perishing; eternal ruin. From a presumed derivative of apollumi; ruin or loss.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/matthew/26-8.htm">Matthew 26:8 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/matthew/26-8.htm">Matthew 26:8 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/matthew/26-8.htm">Matthew 26:8 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/matthew/26-8.htm">Matthew 26:8 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/matthew/26-8.htm">Matthew 26:8 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/matthew/26-8.htm">Matthew 26:8 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/matthew/26-8.htm">Matthew 26:8 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/matthew/26-8.htm">Matthew 26:8 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/matthew/26-8.htm">Matthew 26:8 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/matthew/26-8.htm">Matthew 26:8 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/matthew/26-8.htm">NT Gospels: Matthew 26:8 But when his disciples saw this they (Matt. Mat Mt) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/matthew/26-7.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Matthew 26:7"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Matthew 26:7" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/matthew/26-9.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Matthew 26:9"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Matthew 26:9" /></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>