Mark 14:5

5 This perfume could have been sold for a high price, and the money could have been given to the poor." So they said some very unkind things to 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 Jesus was in Bethany at the home of Simon, a man who had suffered from a skin disease. While Jesus was sitting there, a woman went to him. She had a bottle of very expensive perfume made from pure nard. She opened the bottle and poured the perfume on his head.

4 Some who were there were irritated and said to one another, "Why was the perfume wasted like this?

5 This perfume could have been sold for a high price, and the money could have been given to the poor." So they said some very unkind things to her.

6 Jesus said, "Leave her alone! Why are you bothering her? She has done a beautiful thing for me.

7 You will always have the poor with you and can help them whenever you want. But you will not always have me with you.