King James Version

What Does Mark 14:6 Mean?

Mark 14:6 in the King James Version says “And Jesus said, Let her alone; why trouble ye her? she hath wrought a good work on me.” — study this verse from Mark chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Mark 14:6 · KJV

Context

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.

7

For ye have the poor with you always, and whensoever ye will ye may do them good: but me ye have not always.

8

She hath done what she could: she is come aforehand to anoint my body to the burying.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Let her alone; why trouble ye her? (Ἄφετε αὐτήν· τί αὐτῇ κόπους παρέχετε;)—Jesus defends the woman against the disciples' criticism with a sharp rhetorical question. The verb aphete ("let alone") is an imperative command, demanding they cease their reproach. She hath wrought a good work on me (καλὸν ἔργον ἠργάσατο ἐν ἐμοί)—kalon ergon means "beautiful work," denoting moral excellence and intrinsic goodness, not mere utility.

Jesus reframes wasteful extravagance as prophetic worship. The disciples saw economics; Christ saw eschatology. Her anointing anticipated his burial (v. 8), making this costly devotion a singular act of prophetic insight. By defending her, Jesus establishes that love's extravagance toward him transcends even charitable duty—a radical prioritization that offended utilitarian piety then and now.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This anointing occurred in Bethany during Passion Week (26-30 AD), just days before the crucifixion. Pure nard was imported from the Himalayas, making it extraordinarily expensive—worth 300 denarii (a year's wages for a laborer). The disciples' objection reflected common Jewish values of charity, but Jesus corrected their failure to recognize the eschatological moment.

Reflection Questions

  1. When have you criticized another's worship as "wasteful" because it seemed impractical?
  2. How does Jesus' defense of this woman challenge your assumption that practical charity always trumps costly devotion?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 15 words
ὁ1 of 15
G3588

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

δὲ2 of 15

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

Ἰησοῦς3 of 15

“Jesus”

G2424

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

εἶπεν4 of 15

“said”

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

Ἄφετε5 of 15

“Let”

G863

to send forth, in various applications (as follow)

αὐτῇ6 of 15

“her”

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

τί7 of 15

“why”

G5101

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

αὐτῇ8 of 15

“her”

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

κόπους9 of 15

“trouble ye”

G2873

a cut, i.e., (by analogy) toil (as reducing the strength), literally or figuratively; by implication, pains

παρέχετε10 of 15
G3930

to hold near, i.e., present, afford, exhibit, furnish occasion

καλὸν11 of 15

“a good”

G2570

properly, beautiful, but chiefly (figuratively) good (literally or morally), i.e., valuable or virtuous (for appearance or use, and thus distinguished

ἔργον12 of 15

“work”

G2041

toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act

εἰργάσατο13 of 15

“she hath wrought”

G2038

to toil (as a task, occupation, etc.), (by implication) effect, be engaged in or with, etc

εἰς14 of 15

“on”

G1519

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

ἐμέ15 of 15

“me”

G1691

me

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 14:6 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 14:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Titus 3:14Matthew 26:10Hebrews 10:24Hebrews 13:21Titus 2:72 Timothy 2:21

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