King James Version

What Does Mark 14:8 Mean?

Mark 14:8 in the King James Version says “She hath done what she could: she is come aforehand to anoint my body to the burying.” — study this verse from Mark chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Mark 14:8 · KJV

Context

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.

10

And Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve, went unto the chief priests, to betray him unto them.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
She hath done what she could (ὃ ἔσχεν ἐποίησεν, ho eschen epoiēsen)—Jesus defends the woman's act with this profound commendation. The Greek literally means 'what she had, she did,' emphasizing the totality of her devotion. Her act was not measured by external standards but by the completeness of her sacrifice.

She is come aforehand to anoint my body to the burying (προέλαβεν μυρίσαι, proelaben myrisai)—Jesus reinterprets her act of worship as prophetic preparation for his death. The verb 'come aforehand' (προλαμβάνω) means to anticipate or do beforehand. While others would seek to anoint his body after death (Mark 16:1), finding the tomb empty, this woman accomplished the anointing while he lived. Her extravagant love achieved what the devoted women at the tomb could not—she anointed the Messiah for burial.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This anointing occurred at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, just two days before Passover (Mark 14:1-3). Anointing corpses with spices was Jewish burial custom, but Jesus was buried hastily without full preparation due to the approaching Sabbath. The woman's use of pure nard (worth 300 denarii, nearly a year's wages) reflected extraordinary devotion that scandalized the economically-minded disciples.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does it mean to do 'what you could' for Christ rather than what others expect or demand?
  2. How does this woman's prophetic act of worship challenge your understanding of extravagant devotion to Jesus?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 12 words
ὃ1 of 12

“what”

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

εἶχεν2 of 12

“could”

G2192

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

αὕτη3 of 12

“she”

G3778

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

ἐποίησεν·4 of 12

“She hath done”

G4160

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

προέλαβεν5 of 12

“she is come aforehand”

G4301

to take in advance, i.e., (literally) eat before others have an opportunity; (figuratively) to anticipate, surprise

μυρίσαι6 of 12

“to anoint”

G3462

to apply (perfumed) unguent to

μου7 of 12

“my”

G3450

of me

τὸ8 of 12
G3588

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

σῶμά9 of 12

“body”

G4983

the body (as a sound whole), used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively

εἰς10 of 12

“to”

G1519

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

τὸν11 of 12
G3588

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

ἐνταφιασμόν12 of 12

“the burying”

G1780

preparation for interment

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 14:8 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 14:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Corinthians 8:12John 12:7Luke 23:53-24:32 Corinthians 8:1-3Mark 15:42-16:12 Chronicles 31:20-21

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