For in that she hath poured this ointment on my body, she did it for my burial.

MATTHEW 26:12KJV
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Matthew 26:12 (KJV)

What does Matthew 26:12 mean?

Matthew 26:12 records Jesus explaining that the woman’s act of pouring ointment on his body was done in preparation for his burial. Jesus is saying that her action has a deeper meaning, pointing ahead to his coming death and burial.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to his disciples after a woman anoints him with expensive ointment at a meal in Bethany. Some present had criticized her for what they saw as a waste, but Jesus interprets her act as a symbolic preparation for his burial, showing that he understands his death is near and giving her action a special significance in that context.

The Greek behind Matthew 26:12

  • The word for "ointment" is μύρον (myron), which refers to a fragrant oil or perfume, often used in burial practices. This highlights that the woman’s act was not just generous, but also carried a symbolic meaning related to death and honoring the deceased.
  • The Greek word for "burial" is ἐνταφιασμός (entaphiasmos), which specifically means the preparation of a body for burial. This makes it clear that Jesus is connecting the woman’s action directly to the customs surrounding death, not just to an act of honor or hospitality.
  • The phrase "she did it for my burial" uses the preposition πρὸς (pros), which often means "toward" or "for the purpose of." This suggests intentionality, as if the woman’s action is directed toward what is about to happen to Jesus.

Why Matthew 26:12 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Jesus saw his death as imminent and understood the significance of the woman’s act, even when others did not.
  • It shows that acts of devotion, even if misunderstood by others, can have deep spiritual meaning and value in God’s plan.
  • By connecting the anointing to burial customs, Matthew 26:12 ties this event to Jesus’ coming crucifixion, helping readers see the unfolding story of his death and resurrection.

Where else these words appear

“burial” Greek G1779 · used in 2 verses

  • John 19:40 Then took they the body of Jesus, and wound it in linen clothes with the spices, as the manner of the Jews is to bury.

“ointment” Greek G3464 · used in 13 verses

  • Matthew 26:7 There came unto him a woman having an alabaster box of very precious ointment, and poured it on his head, as he sat at meat.
  • Luke 7:37 And, behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster box of ointment,
  • John 11:2 (It was that Mary which anointed the Lord with ointment, and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick.)

“poured” Greek G906 · used in 107 verses

  • Matthew 3:10 And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
  • Mark 9:42 And whosoever shall offend one of these little ones that believe in me, it is better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he were cast into the sea.
  • John 18:11 Then said Jesus unto Peter, Put up thy sword into the sheath: the cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it?

“body” Greek G4983 · used in 122 verses

  • Matthew 5:29 And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.
  • Romans 8:11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.
  • 1 Corinthians 15:44 It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body.