For this ointment might have been sold for much, and given to the poor.

MATTHEW 26:9KJV
Know the Bible

Matthew 26:9 (KJV)

What does Matthew 26:9 mean?

Matthew 26:9 records someone objecting that the expensive ointment used on Jesus could have been sold for a large sum of money and the proceeds given to the poor. The verse highlights a practical concern about using valuable resources for charity instead of a single act of honor.

In this scene, some of Jesus’ disciples are reacting to a woman anointing Jesus with costly ointment. They question whether this act was wasteful, suggesting that selling the ointment and giving the money to the poor would have been a better use. This sets up a contrast between honoring Jesus directly and caring for the needy, which Jesus addresses in the verses that follow.

The Greek behind Matthew 26:9

  • "μύρον" (myron, G3464): This word refers to a fragrant ointment or perfume, often very costly in the ancient world. Its use here underscores the value of what was poured out.
  • "πολλοῦ" (pollou, G4183): This word means "much" or "a great amount," emphasizing that the ointment was worth a significant sum, not just a token amount.
  • "πτωχοῖς" (ptōchois, G4434): This word means "the poor," referring to those in need. The disciples’ suggestion centers on the idea of charity and social responsibility.

Why Matthew 26:9 matters

  • Matthew 26:9 helps clarify that the disciples were not simply being critical but were voicing a real tension between acts of devotion and practical charity.
  • The verse sets up the response of Jesus in the following verses, where he explains the unique significance of the woman’s action.
  • Understanding the value of the ointment and the disciples’ concern helps readers see the depth of sacrifice and honor being shown to Jesus in this moment.

Where else these words appear

“sold” Greek G4097 · used in 9 verses

  • Matthew 13:46 Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it.
  • Mark 14:5 For it might have been sold for more than three hundred pence, and have been given to the poor. And they murmured against her.
  • Acts 4:34 Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold,

“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.)

“poor” Greek G4434 · used in 34 verses

  • Matthew 5:3 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
  • Luke 7:22 Then Jesus answering said unto them, Go your way, and tell John what things ye have seen and heard; how that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poor the gospel is preached.
  • John 13:29 For some of them thought, because Judas had the bag, that Jesus had said unto him, Buy those things that we have need of against the feast; or, that he should give something to the poor.