New Testament
Matthew 26:10
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Jesus knew what they were saying and told them, "Why are you giving this woman a hard time? She has done something beautiful for me.
Compare translations
When Jesus understood it, he said unto them, Why trouble ye the woman? for she hath wrought a good work upon me.
What Matthew 26:10 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus responds to criticism directed at a woman who has anointed him with expensive perfume. The disciples are upset, believing the perfume could have been sold to help the poor. Jesus defends her actions, highlighting that her act of love and devotion is significant and beautiful. He emphasizes that her gesture is not just a waste but a meaningful expression of worship. This moment illustrates the importance of recognizing and valuing acts of love towards God, even when they may seem extravagant or unnecessary to others. Jesus teaches that true devotion can take many forms and that we should not judge others' expressions of faith. Instead, we should appreciate the heart behind the actions, as they can reflect deep love and commitment to God.
How to apply Matthew 26:10 to your life
This verse encourages us to appreciate and support acts of devotion to God, even if they seem extravagant. We should avoid judging others for their expressions of faith and instead focus on the love and intention behind their actions. Everyone's relationship with God is unique.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: Mary Anoints Jesus at Bethany (Matthew 26:6–13)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
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.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Bethlehem
David's hometown, and the town where Jesus was born.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Matthew 26:10
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Matthew 26:10
Related Bible verses
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Matthew
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Matthew 26:10 mean?
Matthew 26:10 shows Jesus defending a woman who anointed him with expensive perfume against criticism from his disciples. He emphasizes that her act of love is beautiful and significant, highlighting the importance of valuing expressions of devotion to God.
What is the significance of the woman's actions in Matthew 26:10?
The woman's actions in Matthew 26:10 are significant because they represent a deep act of love and worship towards Jesus. Jesus defends her, indicating that such expressions of faith, even if seen as extravagant, are meaningful and should be appreciated.
Why did the disciples criticize the woman in Matthew 26:10?
The disciples criticized the woman in Matthew 26:10 because they believed the expensive perfume could have been sold to help the poor. They viewed her actions as wasteful rather than recognizing the value of her devotion.
What lesson can we learn from Matthew 26:10?
Matthew 26:10 teaches us to appreciate acts of devotion to God, even if they seem extravagant. It encourages us to focus on the love and intention behind others' expressions of faith rather than judging them.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.