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Mark 14:5

Poverty and the vulnerable

3 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.

4 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.

6 But Jesus said, “Leave her alone; why are you bothering her? She has done a beautiful deed to Me.

7 The poor you will always have with you, and you can help them whenever you want. But you will not always have Me.

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Here the Bible tells a story about someone else. Ask yourself what it can say to us today. Do read the surrounding verses too, because the context often says more than a single verse.

Compare

BSB
It could have been sold for over three hundred denarii and the money given to the poor.” And they scolded her.
KJV
For it might have been sold for more than three hundred pence, and have been given to the poor. And they murmured against her.
WEB
For this might have been sold for more than three hundred denarii and given to the poor.” So they grumbled against her.
ASV
For this ointment might have been sold for above three hundred shillings, and given to the poor. And they murmured against her.
DARBY
for this ointment could have been sold for more than three hundred denarii and given to the poor. And they spoke very angrily at her.
BLB
For this fragrant oil could have been sold for more than three hundred denarii and given to the poor.” And they were grumbling at her.
ÅB
Denne salve kunne jo være solgt for mere enn tre hundre penninger og gitt til de fattige. Og de talte strengt til henne.
OTB
Den kunne ha blitt solgt for mer enn tre hundre denarer og pengene gitt til de fattige." Og de kjeftet strengt på henne.
B1930
Denne salve kunde jo være solgt for mere enn tre hundre penninger og gitt til de fattige. Og de talte strengt til henne.

Study notes (Tyndale)

Original text and word study

Cross references

  • John 13:29

    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.

    Read in context

  • Matthew 20:11

    On receiving their pay, they began to grumble against the landowner.

    Read in context

  • Psalms 106:25

    They grumbled in their tents and did not listen to the voice of the LORD.

    Read in context

  • 1 Corinthians 10:10

    And do not complain, as some of them did, and were killed by the destroying angel.

    Read in context

  • Matthew 18:28

    But when that servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii. He grabbed him and began to choke him, saying, ‘Pay back what you owe me!’

    Read in context

  • Ephesians 4:28

    He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing good with his own hands, that he may have something to share with the one in need.

    Read in context

  • John 12:5–6

    “Why wasn’t this perfume sold for three hundred denarii and the money given to the poor?”

    Read in context

  • Exodus 16:7–8

    and in the morning you will see the LORD’s glory, because He has heard your grumbling against Him. For who are we that you should grumble against us?”

    Read in context