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.

MATTHEW 26:13KJV
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Matthew 26:13 (KJV)

What does Matthew 26:13 mean?

Matthew 26:13 means that wherever the message about Jesus ("this gospel") is shared throughout the world, the story of what this woman did for him will also be told, serving as a lasting remembrance of her act. Jesus is highlighting that her actions will not be forgotten but will be honored alongside the spreading of his message.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking to his disciples after a woman anoints him with expensive ointment, an act some criticized as wasteful. Jesus responds by saying her deed is significant and will be remembered wherever his story is told. He connects her act of devotion to the global proclamation of his message, giving her a place in the ongoing story of the gospel.

The Greek behind Matthew 26:13

  • εὐαγγέλιον (euangelion, "gospel"): This word means "good news" or "message." Here, it refers specifically to the message about Jesus that will be spread worldwide.
  • μνημόσυνον (mnēmosynon, "memorial"): This word means a remembrance or a reminder. Jesus is saying that the woman’s act will serve as a permanent reminder of her devotion whenever the gospel is preached.
  • ὅπου ἐὰν (hopou ean, "wheresoever"): This phrase emphasizes that there are no limits to where this remembrance will reach; it will be told everywhere the gospel goes.
  • λαληθήσεται (lalēthēsetai, "shall be told"): This verb means "to speak" or "to tell." Jesus is promising that her story will be actively shared, not just remembered silently.

Why Matthew 26:13 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Jesus values acts of love and devotion, even if others do not understand or appreciate them at the time.
  • It shows that the story of the woman’s action is meant to be part of the gospel message itself, not just a side note.
  • The verse connects a specific, personal act to the much larger mission of spreading the gospel worldwide, showing how individual faithfulness can have lasting significance.

Where else these words appear

“memorial” Greek G3422 · used in 3 verses

  • Mark 14:9 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.
  • 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 14:9 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.
  • 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.