New Testament
Matthew 26:8
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, the disciples react with anger and indignation when they witness a woman anointing Jesus with expensive perfume.
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
When the disciples saw this, they were angry. "What a waste!" they said.
But when his disciples saw it, they had indignation, saying, To what purpose is this waste?
Verse Analysis
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.
Related Bible verses
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
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.

The Book of Matthew
Matthew 1: The Generation and Birth of Jesus Christ
The book begins with the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. It records the generations from Abraham to David, from David until the carrying away into Babylon, and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ, each being fourteen generations. The genealogy concludes with Jacob begetting Joseph, the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.
Unlock the full Matthew summary
Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.
The complete summary of Matthew — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 28 chapters.
What you get
Every chapter of Matthew summarized in clear, modern English
How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points
Permanent access — read anytime, on any device
Best value • Save over 90%
One-time purchase • Access anytime
ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.
Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.