New Testament
Mark 14:3
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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.
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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.
What Mark 14:3 means
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.
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
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: Mary Anoints Jesus at Bethany (Mark 14:3–9)
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Jesus
Photo: zeevveez, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 2.0. Source. Location: Capernaum, on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee. Resized for the web.
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Capernaum
Jesus' home base by the Sea of Galilee, and the town where Peter lived.
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At a Glance — the Book of Mark
- Author
- John Mark
- Written
- Around AD 55-65
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Roman and Gentile Christians
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.
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