Mark 14:5

5 For this ointment could have been sold for more than three hundred denarii, and the money given to the poor." And they scolded 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 at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at the table, a woman came with an alabaster jar of very costly ointment of nard, and she broke open the jar and poured the ointment on his head.

4 But some were there who said to one another in anger, "Why was the ointment wasted in this way?

5 For this ointment could have been sold for more than three hundred denarii, and the money given to the poor." And they scolded her.

6 But Jesus said, "Let her alone; why do you trouble her? She has performed a good service for me.

7 For you always have the poor with you, and you can show kindness to them whenever you wish; but you will not always have me.

Footnotes

• [a]. The denarius was the usual day's wage for a laborer