John 12:5 kjv
Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor?
John 12:5 nkjv
"Why was this fragrant oil not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?"
John 12:5 niv
"Why wasn't this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year's wages."
John 12:5 esv
"Why was this ointment not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?"
John 12:5 nlt
"That perfume was worth a year's wages. It should have been sold and the money given to the poor."
John 12 5 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| John 12:5 | "Why then was this perfume not sold and given to the poor?" | Fulfillment of David's desire for God's glory |
| Matthew 26:9 | "For this perfume might have been sold for a high price and given to the poor." | Parallel account of the anointing |
| Mark 14:5 | "It could have been sold for more than three hundred denarii and given to the poor." | Parallel account, specifying value |
| Luke 7:37-38 | A sinful woman anoints Jesus' feet with perfume. | Similar act of devotion, different context |
| John 11:2 | Mary is identified as the one who anointed Jesus. | Identification of Mary |
| John 11:32 | Mary's devotion to Jesus. | Character witness of Mary |
| John 12:3-4 | Mary's act of anointing and its immediate effect. | Context of the action |
| John 12:7-8 | Jesus' response defending Mary's action. | Jesus' vindication of Mary |
| Acts 1:8 | Jesus' disciples as witnesses. | Relevance to outward expression of faith |
| 1 Corinthians 13:3 | Love expressed through sacrifice, even if seemingly extravagant. | The principle behind Mary's action |
| Philippians 4:18 | Gifts are a pleasing aroma to God. | The spiritual value of the act |
| Hebrews 13:16 | Doing good and sharing is pleasing to God. | Broad principle of generosity |
| 1 John 3:17 | Caring for the poor out of compassion. | The argument raised by Judas |
| Proverbs 11:25 | Generosity leads to prosperity. | Counterpoint to perceived waste |
| Proverbs 22:7 | The borrower is servant to the lender. | Financial practicality (Judas' view) |
| Ecclesiastes 3:1 | There is a time for everything. | The appropriateness of the moment |
| Isaiah 43:21 | God's praise to be declared. | The purpose of such acts of worship |
| Luke 10:38-42 | Mary and Martha at Jesus' feet. | Mary's consistent devotion |
| Song of Solomon 4:10 | Beloved's perfume delights the senses. | Metaphor of beloved's worth |
| 2 Corinthians 2:14-15 | Christ's aroma spread through believers. | The lasting impact of worship |
John 12 verses
John 12 5 Meaning
John 12:5, part of the anointing of Jesus at Bethany, directly questions the value and practicality of Mary's lavish use of expensive spikenard perfume. It highlights a perceived waste of resources that could have been used for the poor.
John 12 5 Context
This verse occurs during Jesus' final week before his crucifixion. He is at Bethany, a village near Jerusalem, attending a dinner hosted by Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. Mary takes a very costly vial of pure spikenard, an expensive perfume, and anoints Jesus' feet, wiping them with her hair. The act is one of deep reverence and devotion. The question in verse 5 comes from Judas Iscariot, who is often portrayed as the treasurer of the disciples, concerned about money and the poor. This act of anointing is interpreted as a pre-burial preparation for Jesus, recognizing his coming death and resurrection.
John 12 5 Word Analysis
"Why": Implies questioning the justification or reason behind an action.
"then": Refers to the consequence or the state of affairs immediately preceding the question.
"was this": Points specifically to the substance and the action taken with it.
"perfume": Translates from Greek myron (μύρον), a fragrant ointment or oil, often expensive and used for anointing or embalming. Spikenard was a highly prized and costly ingredient.
"not sold": Proposes an alternative disposition for the perfume, emphasizing a pragmatic economic choice.
"and given": Suggests a specific application for the money obtained from the sale – to aid the needy.
"to the poor": Refers to those lacking material resources. This highlights the argument of social justice and almsgiving.
Grouped Analysis: The entire question from Judas ("Why then was this perfume not sold and given to the poor?") encapsulates a materialistic perspective that judges spiritual devotion by its apparent economic utility, missing the deeper theological significance of the act. It juxtaposes potential humanitarian aid with an act of worship directed at the person of Jesus Christ.
John 12 5 Bonus Section
The anointing of Jesus by Mary is a significant event that foreshadows Jesus' eventual death and burial. Spikenard, derived from a plant that grew in the Himalayas, was exceedingly expensive, requiring significant travel and effort to obtain, signifying the preciousness of Mary's gift. Judas’ objection can be seen as a moment of spiritual blindness, failing to grasp the unique value of anointing the Son of God at this critical juncture, as he is about to be "anointed" for His burial by His disciples' faith and love. This act is contrasted with the ongoing need of the poor, which Jesus acknowledges will always be present, but His own imminent departure requires this particular form of honor.
John 12 5 Commentary
Judas' objection in John 12:5 reveals a disconnect from spiritual priorities. While caring for the poor is a vital Christian duty, his motive was not genuine concern but likely greed, as he was a thief (John 12:6). Mary's act, though expensive, was a profound expression of worship, love, and recognition of Jesus' divine status and impending death. Jesus' defense in the following verses elevates acts of devotion to Him above even charitable works, indicating that anointing Him was honoring God Himself. The perceived "waste" was, in fact, an investment in eternal worship.
- Practical Usage: True generosity and worship can be costly, but should not be judged solely on monetary terms. Discernment is needed to differentiate between true devotion and superficial objections motivated by self-interest.