Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached throughout the whole world, this also that she hath done shall be spoken of for a memorial of her.

MARK 14:9KJV
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Mark 14:9 (KJV)

What does Mark 14:9 mean?

Mark 14:9 records Jesus saying that wherever the good news about him is shared in the world, people will also hear about the act this woman has done, and it will be remembered as a tribute to her. Jesus is highlighting the lasting significance of her action.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking to those present after a woman anoints him with expensive perfume at Bethany. Some criticize her for what they see as waste, but Jesus defends her, saying her deed will be told alongside the gospel message everywhere it goes. This shows how her act of devotion is given a place of honor in the story of Jesus.

The Greek behind Mark 14:9

  • "Gospel" (εὐαγγέλιον, euangelion): This word means "good news" and refers to the message about Jesus. Here, Jesus connects the woman's action directly to the spread of his message, showing its importance.
  • "Memorial" (μνημόσυνον, mnēmosynon): This Greek word means something done to remember or honor someone. Jesus is saying her deed will serve as a lasting reminder, not just a passing event.
  • "World" (κόσμος, kosmos): This word often means the whole inhabited earth. Jesus is making it clear that her story will be known everywhere, not just in their local area.

Why Mark 14:9 matters

  • Mark 14:9 clarifies that Jesus saw the woman’s act as deeply meaningful, not wasteful, and wanted it remembered as part of his story.
  • The verse shows that ordinary acts of love and devotion can have lasting impact, being honored by Jesus himself.
  • Mark 14:9 connects the woman’s action to the broader message of the gospel, showing that her story is meant to travel with the good news wherever it goes.

Where else these words appear

“memorial” Greek G3422 · used in 3 verses

  • Matthew 26:13 Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached in the whole world, there shall also this, that this woman hath done, be told for a memorial of her.
  • Acts 10:4 And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God.

“preached” Greek G2784 · used in 60 verses

  • Matthew 3:1 In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea,
  • Mark 13:10 And the gospel must first be published among all nations.
  • Romans 2:21 Thou therefore which teachest another, teachest thou not thyself? thou that preachest a man should not steal, dost thou steal?

“gospel” Greek G2098 · used in 74 verses

  • Matthew 4:23 And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people.
  • 1 Corinthians 9:12 If others be partakers of this power over you, are not we rather? Nevertheless we have not used this power; but suffer all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ.
  • Philippians 1:5 For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now;

“Wheresoever” Greek G3699 · used in 77 verses

  • Matthew 6:19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:
  • Luke 9:57 And it came to pass, that, as they went in the way, a certain man said unto him, Lord, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest.
  • John 17:24 Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.