Mark 14:5
New International Version
It could have been sold for more than a year’s wages and the money given to the poor.” And they rebuked her harshly.

New Living Translation
“It could have been sold for a year’s wages and the money given to the poor!” So they scolded her harshly.

English Standard Version
For this ointment could have been sold for more than three hundred denarii and given to the poor.” And they scolded her.

Berean Standard Bible
It could have been sold for over three hundred denarii and the money given to the poor.” And they scolded her.

Berean Literal Bible
For this fragrant oil could have been sold for above three hundred denarii, and have been given to the poor." And they were grumbling at her.

King James Bible
For it might have been sold for more than three hundred pence, and have been given to the poor. And they murmured against her.

New King James Version
For it might have been sold for more than three hundred denarii and given to the poor.” And they criticized her sharply.

New American Standard Bible
For this perfume could have been sold for over three hundred denarii, and the money given to the poor.” And they were scolding her.

NASB 1995
“For this perfume might have been sold for over three hundred denarii, and the money given to the poor.” And they were scolding her.

NASB 1977
“For this perfume might have been sold for over three hundred denarii, and the money given to the poor.” And they were scolding her.

Legacy Standard Bible
For this perfume might have been sold for over three hundred denarii and given to the poor.” And they were scolding her.

Amplified Bible
For this perfume might have been sold for more than three hundred denarii [a laborer’s wages for almost a year], and the money given to the poor.” And they scolded her.

Christian Standard Bible
For this perfume might have been sold for more than three hundred denarii and given to the poor.” And they began to scold her.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
For this oil might have been sold for more than 300 denarii and given to the poor.” And they began to scold her.

American Standard Version
For this ointment might have been sold for above three hundred shillings, and given to the poor. And they murmured against her.

Contemporary English Version
We could have sold this perfume for more than 300 silver coins and given the money to the poor!" So they started saying cruel things to the woman.

English Revised Version
For this ointment might have been sold for above three hundred pence, and given to the poor. And they murmured against her.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
This perfume could have been sold for a high price, and the money could have been given to the poor." So they said some very unkind things to her.

Good News Translation
It could have been sold for more than three hundred silver coins and the money given to the poor!" And they criticized her harshly.

International Standard Version
This perfume could have been sold for more than 300 denarii and the money given to the destitute." So they got extremely angry with her.

Majority Standard Bible
It could have been sold for over three hundred denarii and the money given to the poor.? And they scolded her.

NET Bible
It could have been sold for more than three hundred silver coins and the money given to the poor!" So they spoke angrily to her.

New Heart English Bible
For this ointment might have been sold for more than three hundred denarii, and given to the poor." They grumbled against her.

Webster's Bible Translation
For it might have been sold for more than three hundred pence, and have been given to the poor. And they murmured against her.

Weymouth New Testament
For that ointment might have been sold for fifteen pounds or more, and the money have been given to the poor." And they were exceedingly angry with her.

World English Bible
For this might have been sold for more than three hundred denarii and given to the poor.” So they grumbled against her.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
For this could have been sold for more than three hundred denarii, and given to the poor”; and they were murmuring at her.

Berean Literal Bible
For this fragrant oil could have been sold for above three hundred denarii, and have been given to the poor." And they were grumbling at her.

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

Smith's Literal Translation
For this could have been sold for above three hundred drachmas, and have been given to the poor. And they raged against her.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
For this ointment might have been sold for more than three hundred pence, and given to the poor. And they murmured against her.

Catholic Public Domain Version
For this ointment could have been sold for more than three hundred denarii and been given to the poor.” And they murmured against her.

New American Bible
It could have been sold for more than three hundred days’ wages and the money given to the poor.” They were infuriated with her.

New Revised Standard Version
For this ointment could have been sold for more than three hundred denarii, and the money given to the poor.” And they scolded her.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
For it could have been sold for more than three hundred pennies and given to the poor. So they annoyed her.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
“It would have been possible to sell this for more than 300 denarii and for it to be given to the poor.” And they were indignant at her.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
For this ointment could have been sold for more than three hundred denarii, and given to the poor. And they murmured against her.

Godbey New Testament
For this myrrh was able to be sold for more than three hundred denaria, and given to the poor. And they murmured against her.

Haweis New Testament
For it might have been sold for more than three hundred denarii, and given to the poor. And they bitterly murmured against her.

Mace New Testament
for we could have sold it for above two hundred denarys, and given them to the poor: and they inveighed against her.

Weymouth New Testament
For that ointment might have been sold for fifteen pounds or more, and the money have been given to the poor." And they were exceedingly angry with her.

Worrell New Testament
For this ointment could have been sold for above three hundred denaries, and given to the poor!" And they were murmuring against her.

Worsley New Testament
For it might have been sold for above three hundred pence, and given to the poor. And they inveighed against her.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Jesus Anointed at Bethany
4Some of those present, however, expressed their indignation to one another: “Why this waste of perfume? 5 It could have been sold for over three hundred denarii and the money given to the poor.” And they scolded her. 6But Jesus said, “Leave her alone; why are you bothering her? She has done a beautiful deed to Me.…

Cross References
John 12:4-6
But one of His disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was going to betray Him, asked, / “Why wasn’t this perfume sold for three hundred denarii and the money given to the poor?” / Judas did not say this because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief. As keeper of the money bag, he used to take from what was put into it.

Matthew 26:8-9
When the disciples saw this, they were indignant and asked, “Why this waste? / This perfume could have been sold at a high price, and the money given to the poor.”

Luke 7:37-39
When a sinful woman from that town learned that Jesus was dining there, she brought an alabaster jar of perfume. / As she stood behind Him at His feet weeping, she began to wet His feet with her tears and wipe them with her hair. Then she kissed His feet and anointed them with the perfume. / When the Pharisee who had invited Jesus saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, He would know who this is and what kind of woman is touching Him—for she is a sinner!”

John 11:2
(Mary, whose brother Lazarus was sick, was to anoint the Lord with perfume and wipe His feet with her hair.)

John 13:29
Since Judas kept the money bag, some thought that Jesus was telling him to buy what was needed for the feast, or to give something to the poor.

Matthew 19:21
Jesus told him, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow Me.”

Deuteronomy 15:11
For there will never cease to be poor in the land; that is why I am commanding you to open wide your hand to your brother and to the poor and needy in your land.

Proverbs 19:17
Kindness to the poor is a loan to the LORD, and He will repay the lender.

2 Kings 4:42-44
Now a man from Baal-shalishah came to the man of God with a sack of twenty loaves of barley bread from the first ripe grain. “Give it to the people to eat,” said Elisha. / But his servant asked, “How am I to set twenty loaves before a hundred men?” “Give it to the people to eat,” said Elisha, “for this is what the LORD says: ‘They will eat and have some left over.’” / So he set it before them, and they ate and had some left over, according to the word of the LORD.

2 Kings 12:4-5
Then Joash said to the priests, “Collect all the money brought as sacred gifts into the house of the LORD—the census money, the money from vows, and the money brought voluntarily into the house of the LORD. / Let every priest receive it from his constituency, and let it be used to repair any damage found in the temple.”

2 Kings 22:4-7
“Go up to Hilkiah the high priest and have him count the money that has been brought into the house of the LORD, which the doorkeepers have collected from the people. / And let them deliver it into the hands of the supervisors of those doing the work on the house of the LORD, who in turn are to give it to the workmen repairing the damages to the house of the LORD— / to the carpenters, builders, and masons—to buy timber and dressed stone to repair the temple. ...

1 Samuel 2:8
He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap. He seats them among princes and bestows on them a throne of honor. For the foundations of the earth are the LORD’s, and upon them He has set the world.

Psalm 41:1
For the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. Blessed is the one who cares for the poor; the LORD will deliver him in the day of trouble.

Psalm 112:9
He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor; his righteousness endures forever; his horn will be lifted high in honor.

Isaiah 58:7
Isn’t it to share your bread with the hungry, to bring the poor and homeless into your home, to clothe the naked when you see him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?


Treasury of Scripture

For it might have been sold for more than three hundred pence, and have been given to the poor. And they murmured against her.

pence.

Matthew 18:28
But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellowservants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest.

John 6:7
Philip answered him, Two hundred pennyworth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may take a little.

have been given.

John 12:5,6
Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor? …

John 13:29
For some of them thought, because Judas had the bag, that Jesus had said unto him, Buy those things that we have need of against the feast; or, that he should give something to the poor.

Ephesians 4:28
Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.

And they.

Exodus 16:7,8
And in the morning, then ye shall see the glory of the LORD; for that he heareth your murmurings against the LORD: and what are we, that ye murmur against us? …

Deuteronomy 1:27
And ye murmured in your tents, and said, Because the LORD hated us, he hath brought us forth out of the land of Egypt, to deliver us into the hand of the Amorites, to destroy us.

Psalm 106:25
But murmured in their tents, and hearkened not unto the voice of the LORD.

Jump to Previous
Angrily Angry Denaries Denarii Exceedingly Fifteen Grumbled Harshly Hundred Money Murmured Murmuring Ointment Pence Perfume Poor Pounds Rebuked Reproached Shillings Sold Three Wages Year's
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Angrily Angry Denaries Denarii Exceedingly Fifteen Grumbled Harshly Hundred Money Murmured Murmuring Ointment Pence Perfume Poor Pounds Rebuked Reproached Shillings Sold Three Wages Year's
Mark 14
1. A conspiracy against Jesus.
3. Expensive perfume is poured on his head by a woman.
10. Judas sells his Master for money.
12. Jesus himself foretells how he will be betrayed by one of his disciples;
22. after the passover prepared, and eaten, institutes his last supper;
26. declares beforehand the flight of all his disciples, and Peter's denial.
43. Judas betrays him with a kiss.
46. Jesus is apprehended in the garden;
53. falsely accused and impiously condemned of the council;
65. shamefully abused by them;
66. and thrice denied by Peter.














It could have been sold
This phrase reflects the practical mindset of the disciples, particularly Judas Iscariot, who voiced this concern (John 12:4-5). The Greek word for "sold" is "prathēnai," which implies a transaction or exchange. In the context of first-century Judea, selling goods was a common way to support oneself or contribute to communal needs. This phrase highlights the tension between spiritual devotion and practical charity, a recurring theme in Jesus' teachings.

for over three hundred denarii
A denarius was a day's wage for a laborer at the time, making three hundred denarii nearly a year's salary. This substantial amount underscores the value of the perfume and the perceived extravagance of the woman's act. The Greek term "denarion" connects to the Roman economy, illustrating the socio-economic backdrop of the narrative. This detail emphasizes the sacrificial nature of the woman's offering, contrasting worldly wealth with spiritual richness.

and the money given to the poor
The concern for the poor is a central theme in Jesus' ministry. The Greek word "ptōchois" for "poor" indicates those who are destitute or lacking resources. This phrase reflects the disciples' understanding of Jesus' teachings on charity and social justice. However, it also reveals a misunderstanding of the deeper significance of the woman's act of worship. The juxtaposition of material aid and spiritual devotion invites reflection on the priorities of the Christian life.

And they scolded her
The Greek word "embrimaomai" translated as "scolded" conveys a sense of indignation or rebuke. This reaction from the disciples reveals their limited perspective on the woman's actions. Historically, women in Jewish society often faced criticism for stepping outside traditional roles, and this rebuke may reflect societal norms. However, Jesus' subsequent defense of the woman (Mark 14:6-9) challenges these norms, affirming the value of heartfelt devotion over societal expectations. This moment invites believers to consider how they respond to acts of worship that defy conventional wisdom.

(5) For more than three hundred pence.--The specific mention of the sum, not given by St. Matthew, is one of the few points common to St. Mark and St. John (John 12:5).

Verse 5. - For this ointment might have been sold for above three hundred pence, and given to the poor. Three hundred pence would amount to about £10 12s. 6d. of English money. It appears from St. John (John 13:29) that the wants of the poor were carefully attended to by our Lord and his disciples. And they murmured against her ἐνεβριμῶντο); another very expressive verb in the original, they growled at her; rebuked her vehemently.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
[It]
μύρον (myron)
Noun - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3464: Anointing-oil, ointment. Probably of foreign origin; 'myrrh', i.e. perfumed oil.

could
ἠδύνατο (ēdynato)
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1410: (a) I am powerful, have (the) power, (b) I am able, I can. Of uncertain affinity; to be able or possible.

have been sold
πραθῆναι (prathēnai)
Verb - Aorist Infinitive Passive
Strong's 4097: A reduplicated and prolonged form of prao; contracted from perao; to traffic, i.e. Dispose of as merchandise or into slavery.

for over
ἐπάνω (epanō)
Preposition
Strong's 1883: From epi and ano; up above, i.e. Over or on.

three hundred
τριακοσίων (triakosiōn)
Adjective - Genitive Neuter Plural
Strong's 5145: Three hundred. Plural from treis and hekaton; three hundred.

denarii
δηναρίων (dēnariōn)
Noun - Genitive Neuter Plural
Strong's 1220: A denarius, a small Roman silver coin. Of Latin origin; a denarius.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

[the money] given
δοθῆναι (dothēnai)
Verb - Aorist Infinitive Passive
Strong's 1325: To offer, give; I put, place. A prolonged form of a primary verb; to give.

to the
τοῖς (tois)
Article - Dative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

poor.”
πτωχοῖς (ptōchois)
Adjective - Dative Masculine Plural
Strong's 4434: Poor, destitute, spiritually poor, either in a good sense (humble devout persons) or bad.

And
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

they scolded
ἐνεβριμῶντο (enebrimōnto)
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 1690: From en and brimaomai; to have indignation on, i.e. to blame, to sigh with chagrin, to sternly enjoin.

her.
αὐτῇ (autē)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Feminine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.


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