Matthew 26 7

Matthew 26:7 kjv

There came unto him a woman having an alabaster box of very precious ointment, and poured it on his head, as he sat at meat.

Matthew 26:7 nkjv

a woman came to Him having an alabaster flask of very costly fragrant oil, and she poured it on His head as He sat at the table.

Matthew 26:7 niv

a woman came to him with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, which she poured on his head as he was reclining at the table.

Matthew 26:7 esv

a woman came up to him with an alabaster flask of very expensive ointment, and she poured it on his head as he reclined at table.

Matthew 26:7 nlt

While he was eating, a woman came in with a beautiful alabaster jar of expensive perfume and poured it over his head.

Matthew 26 verses

Matthew 26 7 Meaning

The verse depicts a pivotal act of profound devotion and foresight performed by a woman, often identified as Mary of Bethany. As Jesus reclines at a meal, she approaches with a costly alabaster jar of perfumed ointment and pours it onto His head. This act is rich in symbolic meaning, prophesying His impending death and burial while simultaneously expressing ultimate reverence and love, contrasting sharply with the material concerns of others present.

Matthew 26 7 Context

Matthew 26 initiates the Passion Week narrative, highlighting events immediately preceding Jesus' crucifixion. This anointing occurs "two days before the Passover," placing it in intimate proximity to His sacrificial death (Matt 26:2). The setting is Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper (Mk 14:3), where Jesus and His disciples were sharing a meal. The act of anointing Him, specifically on the head, carries profound symbolism in light of His impending burial and as a prophetic recognition of His identity as the Christ, the Anointed One. The scene is directly followed by Judas's decision to betray Jesus, creating a striking contrast between the woman's selfless devotion and Judas's selfish avarice. The meal setting itself is a context of intimacy and fellowship, but one which will soon be disrupted by betrayal and suffering.

Matthew 26 7 Word analysis

• A woman: (Greek: gynē). While Matthew does not name her, parallel accounts in Mark and John identify her location in Bethany and explicitly name her as Mary, the sister of Martha and Lazarus. Her bold action challenges cultural norms, as such public displays of anointing by women were exceptional.
• Came unto him: (Greek: proselthousa, meaning "approaching," "having come near"). This highlights a deliberate and purposeful action, showing her intent and focus on Jesus amidst others.
• Having an alabaster box: (Greek: echousa alabastron).
  • Alabaster box: (Greek: alabastron). A flask, often beautifully crafted from a fine-grained gypsum or calcite. These containers were designed to safely hold and preserve precious perfumes. Breaking its seal or neck signified the complete emptying of its contents in an unreserved act.
• Of very precious ointment: (Greek: myrou barutimou).
  • Ointment: (Greek: myrou). Perfumed oil, frequently made from costly exotic spices like pure nard. These were valued highly for their aroma and varied uses, including anointing. The spreading fragrance would fill the entire house.
  • Very precious: (Greek: barutimou). Literally "heavy in price" or "very costly." John's Gospel quantifies this as worth three hundred denarii, approximately a laborer's annual wage. This underscores the immense value of her offering, possibly representing her entire savings, emphasizing the magnitude of her sacrifice and devotion.
• And poured it: (Greek: katecheen). An Aorist indicative verb, denoting a completed and decisive action. The term suggests a complete emptying, a full and extravagant outpouring of the entire contents rather than just a measured application. This illustrates her wholehearted and unreserved commitment.
• On his head: (Greek: epi tēn kephalēn). Anointing the head was a profound gesture of honor and significance in ancient Jewish culture, typically reserved for kings (as with David, 1 Sam 16:13) and priests (Lev 8:12), and symbolic of blessings. By anointing Jesus' head, the woman not only honored Him immensely but also implicitly acknowledged His unique status as the Christ, the Anointed One, and foreshadowed His anointing for burial.
• As he sat at meat: (Greek: anakeimenou). This phrase refers to the common Greco-Roman custom of reclining on couches around a low table while dining. This detail establishes the public setting of the act, showing that she performed this extraordinary deed in plain sight of other guests, emphasizing her courage and conviction.

Matthew 26 7 Bonus section

• Messianic Significance: Jesus' title "Christ" (from Greek Christos) literally means "Anointed One" (from Hebrew Messiah). The woman's action, consciously or not, directly corresponds to this title, signifying a profound recognition of His role as King and deliverer, whose anointing prepares Him for the ultimate sacrificial act.
• Counter-Cultural Action: The act was significant for a woman to perform publicly. It highlighted her bold faith that transcended societal expectations and traditional gender roles in an era when women's public roles were generally restricted.
• Prophetic Action: The anointing, specifically on the head, connects to both ceremonial anointing of kings and priests, and preparation for burial. Jesus' immediate interpretation confirms it as preparation for His death and burial, an understanding largely missed by His disciples at the time.
• A "Good Work" (Matt 26:10): Jesus explicitly calls her action a "good work," validating her spiritual insight and challenging the disciples' pragmatic objections regarding "waste." This underscores the eternal value of acts done purely out of love and devotion to God.
• The Power of Fragrance: The strong scent of the ointment (Jn 12:3 mentions it filled the house) metaphorically represents how the news and impact of Jesus' sacrifice would pervade and spread throughout the world, akin to how believers are the "aroma of Christ" (2 Cor 2:14-16).

Matthew 26 7 Commentary

Matthew 26:7 presents an exceptionally significant act of devotion. The woman's pouring of expensive ointment on Jesus' head is far more than a simple act of hospitality; it is a profound and costly demonstration of worship, foresight, and preparation. Her lavish gift symbolizes unreserved love and recognizes Jesus' impending death as His royal anointing for burial. In contrast to the material and self-interested reactions of others, her selfless act exemplifies radical obedience and stands as a timeless testament to true reverence for Christ, highlighting that ultimate value lies not in earthly possessions but in sacrificial love offered to God. It establishes a divine economy where generous devotion is truly celebrated and eternally remembered.