Now when Jesus was in Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper,

MATTHEW 26:6KJV
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Matthew 26:6 (KJV)

What does Matthew 26:6 mean?

Matthew 26:6 sets the scene for an encounter between Jesus and a woman who brings an expensive ointment. Jesus is staying in Bethany, at the house of a man known as Simon the leper. The verse identifies the place and host before describing what happens there.

Matthew is telling the story, rather than recording someone’s speech. Following the plot against Jesus in verses 3–5, Matthew places the reader in a private house, where the next scene unfolds.

The Greek behind Matthew 26:6

  • “leper” — λεπρός (lepros): This word describes someone affected by a skin condition associated with leprosy. The Greek term was used broadly for such conditions, so it does not by itself identify the precise illness known as leprosy today.
  • “house” — οἰκία (oikia): The word means a house or home. Here it identifies the setting as Simon’s home, rather than a public gathering place.

Why Matthew 26:6 matters

  • Simon’s label helps identify him, but it does not establish his condition at the time of the visit. Matthew calls him “Simon the leper” while describing an event in his house.
  • The house setting helps explain why others are present to witness the woman’s action. In the following verses, the disciples see her pour the ointment on Jesus and react to what she has done.

Where else these words appear

“leper” Greek G3015 · used in 9 verses

  • Matthew 8:2 And, behold, there came a leper and worshipped him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.
  • Matthew 11:5 The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them.
  • Luke 4:27 And many lepers were in Israel in the time of Eliseus the prophet; and none of them was cleansed, saving Naaman the Syrian.

“Bethany” Greek G963 · used in 11 verses

  • Matthew 21:17 And he left them, and went out of the city into Bethany; and he lodged there.
  • Mark 11:12 And on the morrow, when they were come from Bethany, he was hungry:
  • Luke 24:50 And he led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them.

“Simon” Greek G4613 · used in 70 verses

  • Matthew 4:18 And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.
  • Luke 5:10 And so was also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men.
  • John 18:15 And Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple: that disciple was known unto the high priest, and went in with Jesus into the palace of the high priest.

“house” Greek G3614 · used in 85 verses

  • Matthew 2:11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.
  • Mark 6:4 But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, but in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house.
  • Luke 18:29 And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or parents, or brethren, or wife, or children, for the kingdom of God's sake,