Mark 14 5

Mark 14:5 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.

Mark 14:5 nkjv

For it might have been sold for more than three hundred denarii and given to the poor." And they criticized her sharply.

Mark 14:5 niv

It could have been sold for more than a year's wages and the money given to the poor." And they rebuked her harshly.

Mark 14:5 esv

For this ointment could have been sold for more than three hundred denarii and given to the poor." And they scolded her.

Mark 14:5 nlt

"It could have been sold for a year's wages and the money given to the poor!" So they scolded her harshly.

Mark 14 verses

Mark 14 5 Meaning

Mark 14:5 captures the indignation of some individuals present at the anointing of Jesus, who perceived the extravagant use of costly perfume as a significant waste. They argued that the monetary value of the perfume, stated to be more than three hundred denarii, should have instead been sold and the proceeds given to the poor. This expresses a practical, economic-minded critique of an act of profound devotion, highlighting a contrast between earthly perceived utility and spiritual worship.

Mark 14 5 Context

This verse is situated immediately after an unnamed woman has anointed Jesus' head with "very costly perfume of pure nard" in Bethany, at the house of Simon the Leper (Mark 14:3). The setting is a dinner feast, just days before Jesus' crucifixion, when plots against Him by the chief priests and scribes are intensifying (Mark 14:1-2). Mark 14:5 records the direct criticism from "some who were there" concerning the perceived waste of this act of devotion. This critique sets the stage for Jesus' powerful defense of the woman and His profound explanation of her act as a prophetic preparation for His burial, while implicitly revealing the differing priorities and motivations of those present. Historically, the denarius was a Roman silver coin, representing a day's wage for a common laborer, thus "more than three hundred denarii" signified a substantial sum, equivalent to nearly a year's wages. Nard was an exotic and highly valued fragrance, indicating extreme luxury. The discourse highlights the tension between societal expectations of charity and a deeper understanding of worship and devotion to God's unique plan.

Mark 14 5 Word analysis

• For: introduces the reason or justification for the indignant reaction.
• it could have been sold: The Greek is ἐδύνατο (edynato), from δύναμαι (dynamai), meaning "to be able," "to have power," or "to be possible." The imperfect tense indicates a continuous or potential ability that was not realized. It highlights the perceived alternative use for the costly perfume.
• for more than three hundred denarii:
  • more than: (πλεῖον - pleion) Emphasizes the significant value.
  • three hundred denarii: (τριακοσίων δηναρίων - triakosiōn dēnariōn). A "denarius" (δηνάριον - dēnárion) was a common Roman silver coin, typically representing a day's wage for an ordinary laborer (Matt 20:2). Therefore, "more than three hundred denarii" amounted to roughly a year's wages for a working man, an extremely substantial sum in the ancient world, indicating the immense value of the perfume mentioned in Mark 14:3. This high price underscores the extravagant nature of the woman's gift and, consequently, the vehemence of the indignation.
• and given to the poor: (δοθῆναι τοῖς πτωχοῖς - dothēnai tois ptōchois). This phrase identifies the proposed alternative use for the perfume's value. The "poor" (πτωχοῖς - ptōchois) refers to the economically destitute. This seemingly benevolent concern is presented as the more "sensible" or "righteous" action. However, parallel accounts (John 12:6) expose the hypocrisy of some, particularly Judas, whose feigned concern for the poor masked a covetous heart and a habit of theft from the communal money-bag. This reveals a critical discernment between outward display of piety and true motives of the heart.

Mark 14 5 Bonus section

The critical mindset articulated in Mark 14:5 reflects a common human tendency to evaluate acts of devotion or worship through a utilitarian lens. This mindset often misses the essence of profound, costly love that is not bound by practical efficiency. The woman’s act, though economically "wasteful" to the critics, was an outpouring of devotion "for the Lord" (2 Sam 24:24), demonstrating worship that gives without holding back, a precursor to Christ's own selfless offering on the cross. The complaint also foreshadows Judas' betrayal for a mere thirty pieces of silver, juxtaposing profound, selfless giving with calculated, covetous betrayal. The woman’s sacrifice of the perfume was ultimately more meaningful than the thirty pieces of silver that exchanged Jesus' life.

Mark 14 5 Commentary

Mark 14:5 records a direct financial objection to an act of profound love and devotion. The critics' argument, rooted in seemingly virtuous concern for the poor, contrasts starkly with the spiritual significance of the woman's action. The perceived "waste" of such a valuable item highlights the tension between human logic of efficiency and divine purpose. Jesus, in His subsequent words (v.6-9), will reveal that this seemingly irrational act of pouring out something precious was in fact an irreplaceable prophetic action, serving as preparation for His imminent burial. This verse challenges believers to discern true devotion over mere economic pragmatism, and true compassion over self-serving criticism. It prompts introspection on motives: is our concern for "better" use truly selfless, or is it influenced by our own materialistic or judgmental predispositions?