Mark 14:5

5 for this ointment could have been sold for more than three hundred denarii and given to the poor. And they spoke very angrily at 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 And when he was in Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper, as he lay at table, there came a woman having an alabaster flask of ointment of pure nard, very costly; and having broken the alabaster flask, she poured it out upon his head.

4 And there were some indignant in themselves, and saying, Why has this waste been made of the ointment?

5 for this ointment could have been sold for more than three hundred denarii and given to the poor. And they spoke very angrily at her.

6 But Jesus said, Let her alone; why do ye trouble her? she has wrought a good work as to me;

7 for ye have the poor always with you, and whenever ye would ye can do them good; but me ye have not always.