Mark 14 3

Mark 14:3 kjv

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.

Mark 14:3 nkjv

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.

Mark 14:3 niv

While he was in Bethany, reclining at the table in the home of Simon the Leper, a woman came with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, made of pure nard. She broke the jar and poured the perfume on his head.

Mark 14:3 esv

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.

Mark 14:3 nlt

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.

Mark 14 verses

Mark 14 3 Meaning

While Jesus was sharing a meal in Bethany at the house of Simon, a woman demonstrated profound devotion by anointing Him with very costly perfume. This extravagant act involved breaking the sealed alabaster jar and pouring all its contents onto His head, foreshadowing His imminent burial. It signifies a complete, sacrificial offering of honor and worship to Jesus.

Mark 14 3 Context

Mark 14 opens just two days before the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread, setting the scene for Jesus's crucifixion. The religious authorities are actively plotting to seize and kill Jesus secretly. This meal in Bethany stands in stark contrast to their hostility. It takes place at the home of Simon the Leper, indicating Jesus's acceptance of and presence among those marginalized by society. This entire chapter describes the intensifying events leading to Jesus's passion, making the woman's act of anointing a significant and prophetic gesture, interpreting Jesus's mission and impending death while others around Him, including His disciples, failed to fully grasp it.

Mark 14 3 Word analysis

• While he was in Bethany: Jesus's final week, specifically two days before the Passover, the most significant Jewish festival. Bethany, a small village near Jerusalem, often served as a retreat for Jesus (Jn 11:1).
• reclining at the table: The common posture for dining in the Roman and Hellenistic world, implying a relaxed and communal setting, often for a celebratory or significant meal.
• in the home of Simon the Leper: This identifies the host. "The Leper" could indicate he was a former leper healed by Jesus, as lepers were ceremonially unclean and could not typically host gatherings, or it might be a description to distinguish him from other Simons. Jesus's presence here shows His association with the marginalized and the impact of His healing ministry.
• a woman came with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume: This highlights the person performing the act and the nature of her offering. The gospels identify her as Mary of Bethany (Jn 12:3).
  • alabaster jar (ἀλάβαστρον - alabastron): A type of vessel, usually made of alabaster stone, often with a narrow, long neck and no handles, typically used for holding costly perfumed oils. Its design allowed it to be sealed to preserve the contents, implying its contents were valuable and protected.
  • very expensive (πολυτελοῦς - polytelous): Emphasizes the great value and costliness of the perfume, signifying the magnitude of the woman's sacrifice.
  • perfume (μύρου - murou): Refers to aromatic, liquid ointment, highly valued in the ancient world for cosmetics, religious ceremonies, and burial rites.
• made of pure nard (νάρδου πιστικῆς - nardou pistikes): Specifies the type of perfume. Nard was an aromatic oil from a plant native to India, indicating its exotic origin and therefore high cost due to import.
  • pure (πιστικῆς - pistikes): Interpreted by scholars as "genuine," "unadulterated," or possibly "liquid/pourable." The "genuine" interpretation suggests it was not a counterfeit blend, thus confirming its premium value and the sincerity of the offering.
• She broke the jar: This specific action is crucial. Unlike merely opening it, breaking the neck was a decisive act of permanent sacrifice. It meant the entire contents would be poured out immediately and irrevocably, symbolizing an unreserved, total gift, holding nothing back. It ensured the perfume's aroma would fill the entire room, marking the moment.
• and poured the perfume on his head: The act of anointing.
  • poured... on his head (κατέχεεν ἐπὶ τῆς κεφαλῆς): Anointing the head was a customary sign of honor and blessing, typically for kings, priests, or esteemed guests (1 Sam 10:1, Ps 23:5). In this specific context, Jesus later reveals its prophetic significance as preparation for His burial. The extravagance suggests not only honor but also profound reverence and personal devotion.

Words-Group Analysis

• "in the home of Simon the Leper, a woman came": The setting highlights Jesus's acceptance of those on the fringes of society, and the contrast between Simon (recipient of healing/mercy) and the woman (giver of radical devotion). Her "coming" shows intentionality and determination despite social customs.
• "alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, made of pure nard": This phrase cumulatively underscores the extreme value of the offering. Each descriptor amplifies the worth and sacrifice involved, pointing to a gift far beyond mere pleasantry.
• "She broke the jar and poured the perfume on his head": This sequence of actions emphasizes the radical nature of the woman's devotion. Breaking the jar signifies a point of no return, a complete giving. The act of anointing Jesus's head signifies regal honor and a prophetic pre-anointing for burial. This is a deliberate, costly, and worshipful act.

Mark 14 3 Bonus section

The act of anointing a head, as done by the woman, was specifically a messianic or kingly anointing. The woman's action, while having immediate burial connotations as per Jesus's words in Mark 14:8, simultaneously affirms Jesus's unique identity as the Messiah, the King who would ultimately reign through sacrifice. The disciples and others failed to grasp His identity in this way; only the woman performed an action that perfectly encapsulated His present honor, impending death, and eternal kingship. The public nature of the anointing, happening "at the table" during a meal, contrasts with the desire of the religious authorities to seize Jesus "secretly." The fragrant perfume filled the room, making the act impossible to ignore, thereby signifying the far-reaching impact of Jesus's sacrifice, and as Jesus notes in Mk 14:9, her act of devotion would be recounted wherever the Gospel is proclaimed.

Mark 14 3 Commentary

Mark 14:3 depicts an act of profound, sacrificial devotion to Jesus. At a moment when religious leaders plotted His death, and His disciples would soon fail Him, a nameless woman (Mary of Bethany in John's account) expressed her worship with costly abandonment. Her use of very expensive nard, sealed in an alabaster jar which she broke to pour out completely, symbolizes an offering without reservation or thought of personal gain. This action, interpreted by Jesus Himself in Mk 14:8 as preparation for His burial, signifies her unique foresight into His impending death, a reality the disciples struggled to grasp. The anointing, usually reserved for kings or for honor, here takes on a deeper, prophetic meaning tied to His ultimate sacrifice. It stands as a testament to radical, Christ-centered generosity and prioritizes loving Him over conventional 'wise' expenditures. It reminds believers that true devotion is not always logical to the world, but it is always recognized and affirmed by Christ.