Mark 14:5

5 for this could have been sold for more than three hundred denaries, and given to the poor;' and they were murmuring at 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 he, being in Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper, at his reclining (at meat), there came a woman having an alabaster box of ointment, of spikenard, very precious, and having broken the alabaster box, did pour on his head;

4 and there were certain much displeased within themselves, and saying, `For what hath this waste of the ointment been made?

5 for this could have been sold for more than three hundred denaries, and given to the poor;' and they were murmuring at her.

6 And Jesus said, `Let her alone; why are ye giving her trouble? a good work she wrought on me;

7 for the poor always ye have with you, and whenever ye may will ye are able to do them good, but me ye have not always;