Mark 14:5

5 For this ointment might have been sold for more than three hundred denarii, and given to the poor." And they reproached 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 while he was at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at table, a woman came with an alabaster flask of ointment of pure nard, very costly, and she broke the flask and poured it over his head.

4 But there were some who said to themselves indignantly, "Why was the ointment thus wasted?

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

6 But Jesus said, "Let her alone; why do you trouble her? She has done a beautiful thing to me.

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