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.