John 12:5

5 Why is not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to poor men [and given to needy men]?

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 Therefore Mary took a pound of ointment of true nard precious [Therefore Mary took a pound of ointment spikenard, or true nard, precious], and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hairs; and the house was full-filled with the savour of the ointment.

4 Therefore Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples, that was to betray him, said,

5 Why is not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to poor men [and given to needy men]?

6 But he said this thing, not for it pertained to him of needy men, but for he was a thief, and had the purses, and bare those things that were sent.

7 Therefore Jesus said, Suffer ye her, that into the day of my burying she keep that;