Mark 14:3 (KJV)

What does Mark 14:3 mean?

Mark 14:3 describes a woman coming to Jesus while he is eating at the house of Simon the leper in Bethany, bringing a very expensive alabaster container of perfumed ointment, breaking the container, and pouring the ointment on Jesus’ head. This act is presented as an extraordinary gesture of honor and devotion toward Jesus.

The scene takes place in Bethany, a village near Jerusalem, inside the home of a man known as Simon the leper. Jesus is reclining at the table with others when the woman enters. The ointment, described as “spikenard very precious,” was a luxury item, and breaking the container shows she intended to use all of it at once. This moment sets the stage for the reactions of those present and highlights the woman’s boldness and generosity.

The Greek behind Mark 14:3

• The word for “alabaster box” is ἀλάβαστρον (alabastron, G211), which refers to a small jar made of alabaster, a fine stone used to store precious ointments. Breaking it suggests the ointment was used up entirely, not saved for later.
• The term for “ointment of spikenard very precious” uses μύρου (myrou, G3464) for ointment and νάρδου πιστικῆς πολυτελοῦς (nardou pistikēs polytelous, G3487, G4101, G4185) for “pure nard, very costly.” This emphasizes the high value and purity of the perfume, underlining the extravagance of the woman’s act.
• The verb συνέτριψεν (sunetripsen, G4937), translated “she brake,” carries the sense of shattering or crushing, showing a decisive and irreversible action.

Why Mark 14:3 matters

• Mark 14:3 clears up that the woman’s act was not casual or routine; the original words show she gave something extremely valuable, making her gesture remarkable and sacrificial.
• The verse sets up the tension for the following verses, where others question or criticize her action, highlighting different attitudes toward Jesus and what he is worth.
• Understanding the setting—Simon the leper’s house—reminds the reader that Jesus often spent time with people on the margins of society, adding depth to the story’s context.