New Testament

Mark 14:3

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In this passage, Jesus is at the home of Simon, who had been a leper, in Bethany.

Author: John Mark
Written: Around AD 55-65
Genre: Gospel
Original Audience: Roman and Gentile Christians

CBTClear Bible Translation

While Jesus was in Bethany, eating at the home of Simon the leper, a woman came in carrying an alabaster jar of pure nard — an extremely expensive perfume. She broke the jar open and poured it over his head.

KJVKing James Version

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.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In this passage, Jesus is at the home of Simon, who had been a leper, in Bethany. A woman enters with an alabaster jar filled with pure nard, a very costly perfume. She breaks the jar and pours the perfume over Jesus' head as an act of devotion. This act signifies deep respect and love for Jesus, as the perfume was valuable and often used for anointing. The breaking of the jar symbolizes a complete offering, as she gives her best to Jesus without holding back. This moment highlights the theme of sacrificial love and the importance of honoring Jesus. The act also foreshadows Jesus' impending death and burial, as anointing was a customary practice for preparing bodies. The woman's actions contrast with the attitudes of others who may have seen this as wasteful, emphasizing that true worship often goes against societal norms.

Key themes

Related Bible verses

How to apply Mark 14:3 to your life

This passage encourages us to consider how we honor Jesus in our lives. Are we willing to give our best, even if it seems extravagant to others? True worship often involves sacrifice and prioritizing our relationship with God above societal expectations.

Curated for this public verse page. Mark Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Mark 14:3 mean?

Mark 14:3 describes a woman anointing Jesus with expensive perfume at Simon the leper's house in Bethany. This act symbolizes deep devotion and respect for Jesus, highlighting the theme of sacrificial love.

What is the significance of the alabaster jar in Mark 14:3?

The alabaster jar represents the woman's willingness to give her best to Jesus. Breaking the jar signifies a complete offering, showing her devotion and the value she places on honoring Him.

Why did the woman pour perfume on Jesus' head in Mark 14:3?

The woman poured perfume on Jesus' head as an act of worship and devotion. This act foreshadows His impending death and burial, as anointing was a customary practice for preparing bodies.

What themes are present in Mark 14:3?

Key themes in Mark 14:3 include devotion, sacrifice, and the value of Christ. The passage contrasts the woman's extravagant act of worship with the attitudes of others who may view it as wasteful.

Book Summary

The Book of Mark

Mark 1: John the Baptist and the Beginning of Jesus's Ministry

John the Baptist appears in the wilderness and preaches a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. People from Judaea and Jerusalem come to him, confess their sins, and are baptized in the river Jordan. John wears camel's hair and a leather belt and eats locusts and wild honey. He announces that someone stronger than he is coming after him and says he is not worthy to stoop down and untie his sandals. He baptizes with water, but the one coming will baptize with the Holy Ghost.

Jesus comes from Nazareth of Galilee and is baptized by John in the Jordan. As Jesus comes up out of the water, he sees the heavens opened and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. A voice from heaven says, "Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." The Spirit drives Jesus into the wilderness, where he is tempted by Satan for forty days. He is with wild beasts, and angels minister to him. After John is put in prison, Jesus goes into Galilee preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, saying that the time is fulfilled and calling people to repent and believe the gospel. He calls Simon and Andrew, then James and John, and they leave their work to follow him. In Capernaum he teaches in the synagogue with authority and casts out an unclean spirit. He heals Simon's wife's mother of a fever and heals many who are sick or possessed. He prays in a solitary place and travels through Galilee preaching and casting out devils. A leper comes to him asking to be made clean, and Jesus touches him and says, "I will; be thou clean," and the leprosy leaves him. Jesus tells him to show himself to the priest, but the man spreads the news, and Jesus stays outside in desert places. Mark 2: The Paralytic, Levi, and Sabbath Controversy Jesus returns to Capernaum, and many gather in a house. Four men bring a paralyzed man, but because of the crowd they uncover the roof and lower him down. Jesus tells him his sins are forgiven. Some scribes think in their hearts that Jesus blasphemes. Jesus knows their thoughts and asks whether it is easier to say that sins are forgiven or to tell the man to rise and walk. He tells the man to take up his bed and go home, and the man rises immediately. The people glorify God.

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