King James Version

What Does Mark 14:7 Mean?

Mark 14:7 in the King James Version says “For ye have the poor with you always, and whensoever ye will ye may do them good: but me ye have not always. — study this verse from Mark chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Mark 14:7 · KJV


Context

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.

9

Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached throughout the whole world, this also that she hath done shall be spoken of for a memorial of her.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For ye have the poor with you always—Jesus quotes Deuteronomy 15:11, not to justify indifference toward poverty, but to establish the unique significance of this moment. The phrase πάντοτε (pantote, "always") underscores the ongoing nature of poverty in a fallen world and the perpetual call to compassion.

But me ye have not always—Christ identifies this woman's anointing as a prophetic preparation for His burial (v. 8). The temporal limitation of His physical presence demands recognition of this kairos moment. Against Judas's feigned concern for the poor (John 12:6), Jesus vindicates costly worship. The contrast isn't poor versus Christ, but the permanence of social obligation versus the once-for-all opportunity to honor Him before the cross. True love for the poor flows from devotion to Christ, not in competition with it.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This exchange occurs at Simon the leper's house in Bethany, two days before Passover (v. 1). The woman's extravagant act—breaking an alabaster flask of pure nard worth 300 denarii (a year's wages)—provoked indignation from disciples who saw it as wasteful. Jesus's response reorients their understanding of worship's priority while affirming Deuteronomy's mandate to care for the poor.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus's defense of this woman challenge modern utilitarian calculations that dismiss 'wasteful' worship?
  2. In what ways might legitimate concern for the poor become a shield for avoiding costly personal devotion to Christ?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 19 words
πάντοτε1 of 19

always

G3842

every when, i.e., at all times

γὰρ2 of 19

For

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

τοὺς3 of 19
G3588

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

πτωχοὺς4 of 19

the poor

G4434

akin to g4422 and the alternate of g4098); a beggar (as cringing), i.e., pauper (strictly denoting absolute or public mendicancy, although also used i

ἔχετε5 of 19

ye have

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

μεθ'6 of 19

with

G3326

properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)

ἑαυτῶν7 of 19

you

G1438

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

καὶ8 of 19

and

G2532

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

ὅταν9 of 19

whensoever

G3752

whenever (implying hypothesis or more or less uncertainty); also causatively (conjunctionally) inasmuch as

θέλητε10 of 19

ye will

G2309

to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),

δύνασθε11 of 19

ye may

G1410

to be able or possible

αὐτούς12 of 19

them

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

εὖ13 of 19

good

G2095

(adverbially) well

ποιῆσαι14 of 19

do

G4160

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

ἐμὲ15 of 19

me

G1691

me

δὲ16 of 19

but

G1161

but, and, etc

οὐ17 of 19

not

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

πάντοτε18 of 19

always

G3842

every when, i.e., at all times

ἔχετε19 of 19

ye have

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio


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 14:7 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 14:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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