When Jesus understood it, he said unto them, Why trouble ye the woman? for she hath wrought a good work upon me.

MATTHEW 26:10KJV
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Matthew 26:10 (KJV)

What does Matthew 26:10 mean?

Matthew 26:10 shows Jesus defending a woman who had just done something kind for him, telling others not to criticize her because her actions were good and meaningful. Jesus recognizes her deed as valuable and instructs those around him to stop bothering her.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking to his disciples after a woman anoints him with expensive ointment. Some of the disciples are upset, thinking the ointment could have been sold and the money given to the poor. Jesus responds by highlighting the goodness of her action toward him, shifting the focus from criticism to appreciation of her gesture.

The Greek behind Matthew 26:10

  • The word for "good" is καλόν (kalon), which often means something beautiful, noble, or morally excellent. Jesus is not just saying her act was acceptable, but that it was especially commendable.
  • The verb ἐργάζομαι (ergazomai), translated "wrought" or "done," emphasizes that the woman actively accomplished or carried out this good deed, not just by accident but with intention.
  • The phrase "Why trouble ye the woman?" uses κόπους παρέχετε (kopous parechete), meaning to cause trouble or distress. Jesus is directly telling the others to stop making things hard for her, showing his concern for her dignity.

Why Matthew 26:10 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Jesus values sincere acts of devotion, even when others misunderstand or criticize them.
  • It highlights Jesus’ protective attitude toward those who honor him, showing he notices and affirms their actions.
  • The verse sets the stage for the following verses, where Jesus explains the deeper significance of the woman’s act in connection to his coming death and burial.

Where else these words appear

“ye” Greek G3930 · used in 16 verses

  • Mark 14:6 And Jesus said, Let her alone; why trouble ye her? she hath wrought a good work on me.
  • Acts 16:16 And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying:
  • Galatians 6:17 From henceforth let no man trouble me: for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus.

“ye” Greek G2873 · used in 19 verses

  • Mark 14:6 And Jesus said, Let her alone; why trouble ye her? she hath wrought a good work on me.
  • 2 Corinthians 6:5 In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings;
  • 1 Thessalonians 2:9 For ye remember, brethren, our labour and travail: for labouring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God.

“wrought” Greek G2038 · used in 37 verses

  • Matthew 7:23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
  • Acts 13:41 Behold, ye despisers, and wonder, and perish: for I work a work in your days, a work which ye shall in no wise believe, though a man declare it unto you.
  • Colossians 3:23 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;

“me” Greek G1691 · used in 77 verses

  • Matthew 10:37 He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.
  • John 9:4 I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.
  • John 17:20 Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;