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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>Matthew 26:8 When the disciples saw this, they were indignant and asked, "Why this waste?</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/matthew/26-8.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/17/40_Mat_26_08.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Matthew 26:8 - Jesus Anointed at Bethany" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="When the disciples saw this, they were indignant and asked, Why this waste?" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/matthew/26-8.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/matthew/26-8.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/matthew/">Matthew</a> > <a href="/matthew/26.htm">Chapter 26</a> > Verse 8</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad8.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/matthew/26-7.htm" title="Matthew 26:7">◄</a> Matthew 26:8 <a href="/matthew/26-9.htm" title="Matthew 26:9">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/matthew/26.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/matthew/26.htm">New International Version</a> When the disciples saw this, they were indignant. &#8220Why this waste?&#8221 they asked. <a href="/nlt/matthew/26.htm">New Living Translation</a> The disciples were indignant when they saw this. “What a waste!” they said. <a href="/esv/matthew/26.htm">English Standard Version</a> And when the disciples saw it, they were indignant, saying, “Why this waste? <a href="/bsb/matthew/26.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> When the disciples saw this, they were indignant and asked, “Why this waste? <a href="/blb/matthew/26.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> And the disciples having seen, became indignant, saying, "For what purpose is this waste? <a href="/kjv/matthew/26.htm">King James Bible</a> But when his disciples saw it, they had indignation, saying, To what purpose is this waste? <a href="/nkjv/matthew/26.htm">New King James Version</a> But when His disciples saw it, they were indignant, saying, “Why this waste? <a href="/nasb_/matthew/26.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> But the disciples were indignant when they saw this, and said, “Why this waste? <a href="/nasb/matthew/26.htm">NASB 1995</a> But the disciples were indignant when they saw this, and said, &#8220Why this waste? <a href="/nasb77/matthew/26.htm">NASB 1977 </a> But the disciples were indignant when they saw this, and said, “Why this waste? <a href="/lsb/matthew/26.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> But when the disciples saw this, they were indignant, saying, “Why this waste? <a href="/amp/matthew/26.htm">Amplified Bible</a> But when the disciples saw it they were indignant and angry, saying, “Why all this waste [of money]? <a href="/csb/matthew/26.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> When the disciples saw it, they were indignant. “Why this waste? ” they asked. <a href="/hcsb/matthew/26.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> When the disciples saw it, they were indignant. &#8220Why this waste?&#8221 they asked. &#8220 <a href="/asv/matthew/26.htm">American Standard Version</a> But when the disciples saw it, they had indignation, saying, To what purpose is this waste? <a href="/cev/matthew/26.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> But when his disciples saw this, they became angry and complained, "Why such a waste? <a href="/erv/matthew/26.htm">English Revised Version</a> But when the disciples saw it, they had indignation, saying, To what purpose is this waste? <a href="/gwt/matthew/26.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> The disciples were irritated when they saw this. They asked, "Why did she waste it like this? <a href="/gnt/matthew/26.htm">Good News Translation</a> The disciples saw this and became angry. "Why all this waste?" they asked. <a href="/isv/matthew/26.htm">International Standard Version</a> But when the disciples saw this, they became irritated and said, "Why this waste? <a href="/msb/matthew/26.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> When His disciples saw this, they were indignant and asked, ?Why this waste? <a href="/net/matthew/26.htm">NET Bible</a> When the disciples saw this, they became indignant and said, "Why this waste? <a href="/nheb/matthew/26.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> But when the disciples saw this, they were indignant, saying, "Why this waste? <a href="/wbt/matthew/26.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> But when his disciples saw it, they had indignation, saying, To what purpose is this waste? <a href="/wey/matthew/26.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> "Why such waste?" indignantly exclaimed the disciples; <a href="/web/matthew/26.htm">World English Bible</a> But when his disciples saw this, they were indignant, saying, “Why this waste? <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/matthew/26.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And having seen [it], His disciples were much displeased, saying, “To what purpose [is] this waste? <a href="/blb/matthew/26.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> And the disciples having seen, became indignant, saying, "For what purpose is this waste? <a href="/ylt/matthew/26.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And having seen it, his disciples were much displeased, saying, 'To what purpose is this waste? <a href="/slt/matthew/26.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And his disciples seeing, felt pain, saying, For what this loss?<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/matthew/26.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And the disciples seeing it, had indignation, saying: To what purpose is this waste? <a href="/cpdv/matthew/26.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> But the disciples, seeing this, were indignant, saying: “What is the purpose of this waste? <a href="/nabre/matthew/26.htm">New American Bible</a> When the disciples saw this, they were indignant and said, “Why this waste? <a href="/nrsvce/matthew/26.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> But when the disciples saw it, they were angry and said, “Why this waste?<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/matthew/26.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> When his disciples saw it, they were dis- pleased, and said, Why is this loss? <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/matthew/26.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> But his disciples saw it and it displeased them and they said, “Why this waste?”<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/matthew/26.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> But when his disciples saw it, they were displeased, and said: For what purpose was this waste? <a href="/godbey/matthew/26.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> And His disciples, seeing, were indignant, saying, For what was this waste? <a href="/haweis/matthew/26.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> But when the disciples saw it, they had indignation, saying, For what end is this waste? <a href="/mace/matthew/26.htm">Mace New Testament</a> one of his disciples seeing this, with indignation said, to what purpose is this waste? <a href="/wey/matthew/26.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> "Why such waste?" indignantly exclaimed the disciples; <a href="/worrell/matthew/26.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> And the disciples, seeing it, were much displeased, saying, "To what purpose is this waste? <a href="/worsley/matthew/26.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> but when his disciples saw it, they were some of them provoked at it, and said, Wherefore is this waste? <a href="/parallel/matthew/26-8.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/hriiyJYqzvc?start=7924" 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/matthew/26.htm">Jesus Anointed at Bethany</a> …7a woman came to Him with an alabaster jar of expensive perfume, which she poured on His head as He reclined at the table. 8<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> 9This 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> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/john/12-4.htm">John 12:4-6</a> 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. <a href="/mark/14-4.htm">Mark 14:4-5</a> 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. <a href="/luke/7-39.htm">Luke 7:39</a> 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!” <a href="/john/11-47.htm">John 11:47-48</a> 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.” <a href="/john/13-29.htm">John 13:29</a> Since Judas kept the money bag, some thought that Jesus was telling him to buy what was needed for the feast, or to give something to the poor. <a href="/1_samuel/2-29.htm">1 Samuel 2:29</a> 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.’ <a href="/2_kings/5-26.htm">2 Kings 5:26-27</a> 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. <a href="/proverbs/14-31.htm">Proverbs 14:31</a> Whoever oppresses the poor taunts their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors Him. <a href="/proverbs/19-17.htm">Proverbs 19:17</a> Kindness to the poor is a loan to the LORD, and He will repay the lender. <a href="/isaiah/58-6.htm">Isaiah 58:6-7</a> 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? <a href="/amos/8-4.htm">Amos 8:4-6</a> 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!” <a href="/zechariah/11-12.htm">Zechariah 11:12-13</a> 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. <a href="/malachi/1-10.htm">Malachi 1:10</a> “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. <a href="/matthew/19-21.htm">Matthew 19:21</a> Jesus told him, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow Me.” <a href="/matthew/25-35.htm">Matthew 25:35-40</a> 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> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>But when his disciples saw it, they had indignation, saying, To what purpose is this waste?they.<a href="/1_samuel/17-28.htm">1 Samuel 17:28,29</a> 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… <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-4.htm">Ecclesiastes 4:4</a> Again, I considered all travail, and every right work, that for this a man is envied of his neighbour. This is also vanity and vexation of spirit.<a href="/mark/14-4.htm">Mark 14:4</a> And there were some that had indignation within themselves, and said, Why was this waste of the ointment made?To.<a href="/exodus/5-17.htm">Exodus 5:17</a> But he said, Ye are idle, ye are idle: therefore ye say, Let us go and do sacrifice to the LORD.<a href="/amos/8-5.htm">Amos 8:5</a> Saying, When will the new moon be gone, that we may sell corn? and the sabbath, that we may set forth wheat, making the ephah small, and the shekel great, and falsifying the balances by deceit?<a href="/haggai/1-2.htm">Haggai 1:2-4</a> 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… <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>1. <a href="/matthew/26-1.htm">Jesus foretells his own death.</a> 3. <a href="/matthew/26-3.htm">The rulers conspire against him.</a> 6. <a href="/matthew/26-6.htm">The woman anoints his feet.</a> 14. <a href="/matthew/26-14.htm">Judas bargains to betray him.</a> 17. <a href="/matthew/26-17.htm">Jesus eats the Passover;</a> 26. <a href="/matthew/26-26.htm">institutes his holy supper;</a> 30. <a href="/matthew/26-30.htm">foretells the desertion of his disciples, and Peter's denial;</a> 36. <a href="/matthew/26-36.htm">prays in the garden;</a> 47. <a href="/matthew/26-47.htm">and being betrayed by a kiss,</a> 57. <a href="/matthew/26-57.htm">is carried to Caiaphas,</a> 69. <a href="/matthew/26-69.htm">and 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'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/matthew/26.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/matthew/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/matthew/26.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>When the disciples saw this The disciples were present at the house of Simon the leper in Bethany, where a woman anointed Jesus with expensive perfume. 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.they were indignant 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.and asked, “Why this waste?” 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. <a href="/topical/t/the_disciples.htm">The Disciples</a> Followers of Jesus who were present during the anointing at Bethany. They expressed indignation at the perceived waste of expensive perfume. 2. <a href="/topical/j/jesus.htm">Jesus</a> Central figure of the New Testament, whose impending crucifixion is foreshadowed in this passage. He later defends the woman's actions. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_woman.htm">The Woman</a> 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. 4. <a href="/topical/b/bethany.htm">Bethany</a> A village near Jerusalem where this event takes place. It is significant as a place where Jesus often stayed and performed miracles. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_perfume.htm">The Perfume</a> A costly ointment used by the woman to anoint Jesus, symbolizing honor and preparation for His burial.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/v/value_of_worship.htm">Value of Worship</a> 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. <a href="/topical/u/understanding_sacrifice.htm">Understanding Sacrifice</a> 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. <a href="/topical/p/preparation_for_christ's_sacrifice.htm">Preparation for Christ's Sacrifice</a> The anointing prefigures Jesus' burial, reminding us of the importance of preparing our hearts for His ultimate sacrifice on the cross. <a href="/topical/g/generosity_and_stewardship.htm">Generosity and Stewardship</a> 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. <a href="/topical/h/heart_over_appearance.htm">Heart Over Appearance</a> 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> <a href="/q/what_is_the_wide_gate_to_destruction.htm">Am I the one, Lord?</a> <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> <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> <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) When his disciples saw it.--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, perdition) 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.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/matthew/26.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 8. - When his disciples saw it. 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. To what purpose is this waste (a)pw/leia)? Wordsworth notes that Judas is called υἱὸς ἀπωλείας (<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. <a href="/commentaries/matthew/26-8.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>When δὲ (de) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1161.htm">Strong's 1161: </a> A primary particle; but, and, etc. the οἱ (hoi) Article - Nominative 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. disciples μαθηταὶ (mathētai) Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3101.htm">Strong's 3101: </a> A learner, disciple, pupil. From manthano; a learner, i.e. Pupil. saw this, Ἰδόντες (Idontes) Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3708.htm">Strong's 3708: </a> Properly, to stare at, i.e. to discern clearly; by extension, to attend to; by Hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear. they were indignant ἠγανάκτησαν (ēganaktēsan) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_23.htm">Strong's 23: </a> To be angry, incensed. From agan and achthos; to be greatly afflicted, i.e. indignant. and asked, λέγοντες (legontes) Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3004.htm">Strong's 3004: </a> (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. “Why Εἰς (Eis) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1519.htm">Strong's 1519: </a> A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases. this αὕτη (hautē) Demonstrative Pronoun - Nominative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3778.htm">Strong's 3778: </a> This; he, she, it. waste? ἀπώλεια (apōleia) Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_684.htm">Strong's 684: </a> Destruction, ruin, loss, perishing; eternal ruin. From a presumed derivative of apollumi; ruin or loss. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/matthew/26-8.htm">Matthew 26:8 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/matthew/26-8.htm">Matthew 26:8 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/matthew/26-8.htm">Matthew 26:8 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/matthew/26-8.htm">Matthew 26:8 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/matthew/26-8.htm">Matthew 26:8 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/matthew/26-8.htm">Matthew 26:8 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/matthew/26-8.htm">Matthew 26:8 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/matthew/26-8.htm">Matthew 26:8 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/matthew/26-8.htm">Matthew 26:8 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/matthew/26-8.htm">Matthew 26:8 Catholic Bible</a> <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>