John 12:5

5 "Why wasn't this oil sold and the money given to the poor? It would have easily brought three hundred silver pieces."

John 12:5 Meaning and Commentary

John 12:5

Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence
Meaning Roman pence, one of which is, of the value of our money, seven pence halfpenny; so that three hundred pence amount to nine pounds seven shillings and six pence:

and given to the poor?
this was his pretence, and with which he covered himself; his uneasiness was, because it was not sold, and the money put into his hands, as appears by what follows.

John 12:5 In-Context

3 Mary came in with a jar of very expensive aromatic oils, anointed and massaged Jesus' feet, and then wiped them with her hair. The fragrance of the oils filled the house.

4 Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples, even then getting ready to betray him, said,

5 "Why wasn't this oil sold and the money given to the poor? It would have easily brought three hundred silver pieces."

6 He said this not because he cared two cents about the poor but because he was a thief. He was in charge of their common funds, but also embezzled them.

7 Jesus said, "Let her alone. She's anticipating and honoring the day of my burial.