King James Version

What Does Mark 14:4 Mean?

Mark 14:4 in the King James Version says “And there were some that had indignation within themselves, and said, Why was this waste of the ointment made?” — study this verse from Mark chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And there were some that had indignation within themselves, and said, Why was this waste of the ointment made?”

Mark 14:4 · KJV

Context

2

But they said, Not on the feast day, lest there be an uproar of the people.

3

And being in Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at meat, there came a woman having an alabaster box of ointment of spikenard very precious; and she brake the box, and poured it on his head. spikenard: or, pure nard, or, liquid nard

4

And there were some that had indignation within themselves, and said, Why was this waste of the ointment made?

5

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

6

And Jesus said, Let her alone; why trouble ye her? she hath wrought a good work on me.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And there were some that had indignation (ἀγανακτέω, aganakteō)—strong displeasure or irritation, not mere disappointment. John 12:4-5 identifies Judas Iscariot as the primary objector, though others joined his protest.

Why was this waste of the ointment made? (ἀπώλεια, apōleia)—the Greek apōleia means "destruction, loss, ruin," the same word used for eternal perdition (Matthew 7:13). The irony is profound: they accused Mary of "waste" for honoring Jesus, while Judas himself would become the "son of perdition" (John 17:12). What appears wasteful in human economy—extravagant worship, sacrificial devotion—is precious to Christ. Their calculated objection masked spiritual blindness to Jesus' imminent death, which Mary alone seemed to grasp (Mark 14:8).

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Historical & Cultural Context

This occurred in Bethany at Simon the leper's house, six days before Passover (John 12:1). The ointment of pure nard (Mark 14:3) cost 300 denarii—nearly a year's wages for a laborer. In first-century Jewish culture, such extravagant acts toward a rabbi were unusual but reflected deep devotion and recognition of Jesus' messianic identity.

Reflection Questions

  1. What acts of devotion to Christ might others criticize as "wasteful" that are actually precious to Him?
  2. How does viewing worship through an economic lens (cost-benefit analysis) reveal spiritual blindness to Jesus' worth?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 16 words
ἦσαν1 of 16

“there were”

G2258

i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)

δέ2 of 16

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

τινες3 of 16

“some”

G5100

some or any person or object

ἀγανακτοῦντες4 of 16

“that had indignation”

G23

to be greatly afflicted, i.e., (figuratively) indignant

πρὸς5 of 16

“within”

G4314

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

ἑαυτούς6 of 16

“themselves”

G1438

(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc

καὶ7 of 16

“and”

G2532

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

λέγοντες,8 of 16

“said”

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

Εἰς9 of 16

“Why”

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τί10 of 16
G5101

an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)

ἡ11 of 16
G3588

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

ἀπώλεια12 of 16

“waste”

G684

ruin or loss (physical, spiritual or eternal)

αὕτη13 of 16

“this”

G3778

the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)

τοῦ14 of 16
G3588

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

μύρου15 of 16

“of the ointment”

G3464

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

γέγονεν16 of 16

“made”

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

Study Guide

Historical Context

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

Theological Significance

Mark 14:4 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 Mark 14:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

John 12:4-5Matthew 26:8-9Ecclesiastes 5:4-8Malachi 1:12-13Ecclesiastes 4:4

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