New Testament
John 12:7
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Then Jesus said, "Leave her alone. She has kept this for the day of my burial."
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Then said Jesus, Let her alone: against the day of my burying hath she kept this.
What John 12:7 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus defends Mary, who anointed His feet with expensive perfume. He tells those criticizing her to leave her alone, indicating that her act was significant and purposeful. Jesus explains that she has saved this perfume for His burial, foreshadowing His impending death. This moment highlights the importance of honoring Jesus and recognizing His sacrifice. Mary’s act of devotion is seen as a preparation for His burial, showing her understanding of His mission. Jesus’ response emphasizes that true worship and acts of love may not always align with societal expectations or norms. Instead, they reflect a deeper understanding of His purpose and the significance of His sacrifice for humanity. This moment serves as a reminder of the value of sincere devotion and the importance of recognizing and preparing for the spiritual realities of life, including death and resurrection.
How to apply John 12:7 to your life
We can learn from Mary’s example of devotion to Jesus. In our lives, we should prioritize acts of love and worship, even if they are misunderstood by others. Recognizing the significance of Jesus’ sacrifice can inspire us to express our faith boldly and authentically.
Curated for this public verse page. John Summary
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: Mary Anoints Jesus at Bethany (John 12:1–8)
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Jesus
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724966). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Bethlehem, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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Bethlehem
David's hometown, and the town where Jesus was born.
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At a Glance — the Book of John
- Author
- John the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 85-95
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- All believers
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does John 12:7 mean in context?
In John 12:7, Jesus defends Mary after she anoints His feet with expensive perfume, which some criticize as wasteful. He emphasizes that her act is significant as it prepares Him for His burial, indicating His impending death. This moment highlights the importance of recognizing and honoring Jesus' sacrifice, showing that true devotion may not always align with societal expectations.
Why did Mary anoint Jesus' feet with perfume?
Mary anointed Jesus' feet with expensive perfume as an act of deep devotion and love. This act was not only a sign of respect but also a preparation for His burial, reflecting her understanding of His mission and the significance of His upcoming sacrifice. It symbolizes the honor and reverence she had for Jesus, recognizing His role as the Messiah.
What can we learn from Mary’s actions in this verse?
Mary’s actions in John 12:7 teach us the value of sincere devotion and worship. Despite criticism, she boldly expressed her love for Jesus through a significant act. This encourages us to prioritize our relationship with Christ and to engage in acts of love and worship, even if they are misunderstood by others. It reminds us to recognize the importance of Jesus' sacrifice in our lives.
How does Jesus respond to the criticism of Mary’s act?
Jesus responds to the criticism of Mary’s act by telling her detractors to leave her alone. He defends her actions as purposeful and significant, indicating that she has prepared for His burial. This response underscores the importance of true worship and devotion, suggesting that acts of love may not always fit societal norms but are deeply meaningful in the context of faith.
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