New Testament
Matthew 26:8
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
When the disciples saw this, they were angry. "What a waste!" they said.
Compare translations
But when his disciples saw it, they had indignation, saying, To what purpose is this waste?
What Matthew 26:8 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the disciples react with anger and indignation when they witness a woman anointing Jesus with expensive perfume. They perceive her actions as wasteful, believing that the costly perfume could have been sold and the money given to the poor. Their response highlights a common human tendency to prioritize practicality and financial stewardship over acts of devotion and love. The disciples fail to understand the significance of the woman's gesture, which is an expression of deep reverence for Jesus. This moment serves as a reminder that true worship may sometimes appear extravagant or illogical to others, but it holds great value in the eyes of God. The disciples' reaction also reflects a misunderstanding of Jesus' mission and the importance of honoring Him in ways that may not align with societal expectations. Ultimately, this verse challenges readers to consider their own responses to acts of faith and devotion that may seem excessive or unnecessary.
How to apply Matthew 26:8 to your life
This verse encourages us to reflect on our own attitudes toward acts of worship and generosity. We should be open to expressions of faith that may seem extravagant to us or others. Instead of judging, we can learn to appreciate the heart behind such actions and recognize their significance in honoring God.
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 26:8
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 26:8
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 26:8 mean?
Matthew 26:8 describes the disciples' angry reaction to a woman anointing Jesus with expensive perfume. They see her act as wasteful, not understanding its significance as a gesture of deep devotion.
What is the significance of the woman's act in Matthew 26:8?
The woman's act of anointing Jesus with costly perfume symbolizes profound reverence and love for Him. It highlights the value of worship that may seem extravagant to others but is meaningful in honoring God.
Why were the disciples angry in Matthew 26:8?
The disciples were angry because they believed the expensive perfume could have been sold to help the poor. Their reaction reflects a misunderstanding of the importance of the woman's act of devotion.
What does 'waste' refer to in Matthew 26:8?
In Matthew 26:8, 'waste' refers to the disciples' perception that the expensive perfume was being squandered instead of being used for practical purposes, like helping the needy.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.