Mark 14 4

Mark 14:4 kjv

And there were some that had indignation within themselves, and said, Why was this waste of the ointment made?

Mark 14:4 nkjv

But there were some who were indignant among themselves, and said, "Why was this fragrant oil wasted?

Mark 14:4 niv

Some of those present were saying indignantly to one another, "Why this waste of perfume?

Mark 14:4 esv

There were some who said to themselves indignantly, "Why was the ointment wasted like that?

Mark 14:4 nlt

Some of those at the table were indignant. "Why waste such expensive perfume?" they asked.

Mark 14 verses

Mark 14 4 Meaning

This verse reveals the initial reaction of certain individuals to the woman's lavish anointing of Jesus, characterized by their indignation and critical questioning of what they perceived as excessive waste of a valuable perfume. It highlights a conflict in values, contrasting material prudence with a spontaneous act of selfless devotion, implicitly challenging the understanding of Jesus' true worth and purpose among His followers.

Mark 14 4 Context

Mark 14 opens just two days before Passover and the Festival of Unleavened Bread, highlighting the growing tension and plotting by the chief priests and scribes to seize and kill Jesus. While they sought to avoid public uproar during the feast, Jesus was at the home of Simon the leper in Bethany. It is within this charged atmosphere that a woman performs an unexpected and extravagant act of devotion, pouring costly perfume on Jesus’ head. Verse 4 captures the immediate, negative reaction to this act, specifically the disciples' (and Judas's, as revealed in other Gospels) indignation over what they deemed an economic misuse. This setting underscores the differing priorities and misunderstandings surrounding Jesus' identity and impending death, as well as the growing animosity of both religious authorities and internal betrayal.

Mark 14 4 Word analysis

• But: (δὲ - de) - Introduces a contrast. While Jesus was being honored, an immediate, opposing reaction arose. It signifies a shift from the beautiful act to the human response to it.
• some: (τινὲς - tines) - Refers to a subset of those present. The parallel accounts (Mt 26:8) identify "the disciples," while Jn 12:4 explicitly points to Judas Iscariot as the initiator of the criticism. This collective pronoun in Mark indicates shared displeasure among some close to Jesus.
• were indignant: (ἠγανάκτουν - ēganaktoun, from ἀγανακτέω - aganakteō) - A strong verb meaning to be much vexed, angry, displeased, or disgusted. It implies a moral outrage or resentment, not merely a slight disapproval. Their indignation stemmed from a perception of misuse or injustice.
• among themselves: (πρὸς ἑαυτοὺς - pros heautous) - Suggests an internal, private discussion or muttering among the group, rather than a direct, open confrontation with the woman initially. This shows a shared sentiment consolidating within the group before perhaps being voiced more widely.
• saying: (λέγοντες - legontes) - Introduces the substance of their indignation.
• “Why: (Εἰς τί - Eis ti) - A question asking about purpose or reason, implying "to what end?" or "for what purpose?" It suggests an inability or unwillingness to comprehend the act's significance beyond its monetary value.
• was the perfume wasted: (ἀπώλεια αὕτη - apōleia hautē) -
  • perfume: (μύρου - myrou) - Specifically, a costly, fragrant oil or ointment. The term conveys preciousness and luxury, highlighting the value of what was poured out.
  • wasted: (ἀπώλεια - apōleia) - From the root meaning destruction or ruin. Here it means squandering, throwing away, or financial loss. It implies that the action was unproductive, pointless, and a poor economic decision. The word choices underscore a view of resources as something to be maximized economically, not spent in an act of devotion perceived as non-utilitarian.
• like this?”: (οὕτως - houtōs) - Expresses their perception of the sheer degree or manner of the perceived waste, emphasizing the extravagance of the anointing.

• "But some were indignant among themselves": This phrase captures the internal, collective, and immediate negative emotional reaction within Jesus' circle to an act of extreme generosity. Their displeasure suggests a practical, worldly viewpoint focused on material value over spiritual significance or devotional acts.
• "Why was the perfume wasted like this?": This question reveals the core of their critique. It frames the anointing as a destructive loss rather than a beautiful offering. Their focus is entirely on the financial implications, illustrating their spiritual short-sightedness and misunderstanding of the kingdom economy, where radical giving to God is often perceived as "waste" by worldly standards.

Mark 14 4 Bonus section

The immediate and strong negative reaction from some in Jesus' inner circle is significant because it highlights:

• The Clash of Values: It starkly contrasts two competing values: the earthly wisdom of managing resources for practical ends (like aiding the poor) versus the divine wisdom of unconditional devotion to God, which may appear irrational or "wasteful" from a human perspective.
• Misunderstanding of Sacrifice: The disciples struggled to grasp that true sacrifice to God is often extravagant and goes beyond utility. It mirrors instances throughout Scripture where God calls for seemingly disproportionate offerings as tests of faith and love.
• Prophetic Blindness: Their focus on material "waste" prevented them from discerning the prophetic significance of the woman's act, which Jesus later interprets as an anointing for His impending burial. This highlights their unpreparedness for His death.
• Juxtaposition with Judas: Although Mark doesn't explicitly name Judas here, the subsequent actions and parallel accounts strongly link his mercenary motive to this critique, making it a critical point in the unraveling of his loyalty and a precursor to the betrayal.
• Polemics against Hypocrisy: While expressing concern for the poor, their indignation lacked true empathy or understanding, revealing a superficial grasp of discipleship that prioritizes appearance or convenience over costly, heartfelt worship.

Mark 14 4 Commentary

Mark 14:4 captures the critical and indignant reaction of "some" disciples (identified more clearly by Matthew and John) to a woman's act of pouring very costly perfume on Jesus. Their indignation stemmed from perceiving this act as "waste" – a squandering of valuable resources that could have been monetized and used for "better" purposes, specifically for the poor. This reveals a fundamental divergence in understanding between Jesus, the woman, and certain disciples. While the disciples were fixated on the economic cost and perceived misallocation, the woman acted out of profound love and devotion. Their reaction exposes a pragmatic, perhaps even materialistic, mindset that prioritizes conventional charity or personal gain over radical worship and anticipation of Jesus' ultimate purpose (his burial). It foreshadows the deeper spiritual blindness and the economic motivation that would soon lead to Judas's betrayal.