King James Version

What Does John 12:3 Mean?

John 12:3 in the King James Version says “Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard , very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with h... — study this verse from John chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard , very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment.

John 12:3 · KJV


Context

1

Then Jesus six days before the passover came to Bethany, where Lazarus was which had been dead, whom he raised from the dead.

2

There they made him a supper; and Martha served: but Lazarus was one of them that sat at the table with him.

3

Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard , very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment.

4

Then saith one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, which should betray him,

5

Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor?


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Mary anoints Jesus' feet with expensive spikenard (pure nard), then wipes them with her hair. The act is extravagant worship—the oil cost a year's wages (v. 5). Feet-anointing was servant's work; using hair was radical humility. Mary's act demonstrates love beyond calculation, worship beyond propriety. The fragrance filling the house symbolizes worship's impact—genuine devotion affects everyone present. This anointing fulfills Jesus' prediction (Matt 26:13) and previews His burial preparation. Mary grasps what others miss: Jesus' imminent death.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Spikenard imported from the Himalayas was extremely costly. Women's unbound hair was considered intimate, making Mary's act shocking. Her behavior demonstrates devotion transcending cultural propriety.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does Mary's extravagant worship teach about appropriate response to Christ's grace?
  2. How does her prophetic anointing demonstrate spiritual insight others lacked?
  3. In what ways does genuine worship affect those around us?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 31 words
1 of 31
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

οὖν2 of 31

Then

G3767

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

Μαρία3 of 31

Mary

G3137

maria or mariam (i.e., mirjam), the name of six christian females

λαβοῦσα4 of 31

took

G2983

while g0138 is more violent, to seize or remove))

λίτραν5 of 31

a pound

G3046

a pound in weight

μύρου6 of 31

of ointment

G3464

"myrrh", i.e., (by implication) perfumed oil

νάρδου7 of 31

of spikenard

G3487

"nard"

πιστικῆς8 of 31
G4101

trustworthy, i.e., genuine (unadulterated)

πολυτίμου9 of 31

very costly

G4186

extremely valuable

ἤλειψεν10 of 31

and anointed

G218

to oil (with perfume)

τοὺς11 of 31
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πόδας12 of 31

feet

G4228

a "foot" (figuratively or literally)

τοῦ13 of 31
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Ἰησοῦ14 of 31

of Jesus

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

καὶ15 of 31

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἐξέμαξεν16 of 31

wiped

G1591

to knead out, i.e., (by analogy) to wipe dry

ταῖς17 of 31
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

θριξὶν18 of 31

hair

G2359

of uncertain derivation; hair

αὐτοῦ·19 of 31

his

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

τοὺς20 of 31
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πόδας21 of 31

feet

G4228

a "foot" (figuratively or literally)

αὐτοῦ·22 of 31

his

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

23 of 31
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

δὲ24 of 31

and

G1161

but, and, etc

οἰκία25 of 31

the house

G3614

properly, residence (abstractly), but usually (concretely) an abode (literally or figuratively); by implication, a family (especially domestics)

ἐπληρώθη26 of 31

was filled

G4137

to make replete, i.e., (literally) to cram (a net), level up (a hollow), or (figuratively) to furnish (or imbue, diffuse, influence), satisfy, execute

ἐκ27 of 31

with

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

τῆς28 of 31
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ὀσμῆς29 of 31

the odour

G3744

fragrance (literally or figuratively)

τοῦ30 of 31
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

μύρου31 of 31

of ointment

G3464

"myrrh", i.e., (by implication) perfumed oil


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of John. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

John 12:3 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to John 12:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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