Mark 14:5

5 It could have been sold for more than a year’s wages[a] and the money given to the poor.” And they rebuked her harshly.

Mark 14:5 in Other Translations

KJV
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.
ESV
5 For this ointment could have been sold for more than three hundred denarii and given to the poor." And they scolded her.
NLT
5 “It could have been sold for a year’s wages and the money given to the poor!” So they scolded her harshly.
MSG
5 This perfume could have been sold for well over a year's wages and handed out to the poor." They swelled up in anger, nearly bursting with indignation over her.
CSB
5 For this oil might have been sold for more than 300 denarii and given to the poor." And they began to scold her.

Mark 14:5 Meaning and Commentary

Mark 14:5

For it might have been sold for more than three hundred
pence
Which, was to the value of our money nine pounds, seven shillings, and sixpence:

and given to the poor;
which was thought to be a better way of expending it, than by pouring it on the head of Christ:

and they murmured against her:
that she should lavish so much money away in such an imprudent manner; they reproved her for it, expressed much resentment at it, and were very angry with, her upon the account of it; (See Gill on Matthew 26:8), (See Gill on Matthew 26:9).

Mark 14:5 In-Context

3 While he was in Bethany, reclining at the table in the home of Simon the Leper, a woman came with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, made of pure nard. She broke the jar and poured the perfume on his head.
4 Some of those present were saying indignantly to one another, “Why this waste of perfume?
5 It could have been sold for more than a year’s wages and the money given to the poor.” And they rebuked her harshly.
6 “Leave her alone,” said Jesus. “Why are you bothering her? She has done a beautiful thing to me.
7 The poor you will always have with you,and you can help them any time you want. But you will not always have me.

Footnotes 1

  • [a]. Greek "than three hundred denarii"
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